SPRD restructures lacrosse program

The Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) Board of Directors voted unanimously last week to approve a five-member advisory committee to Outlaw Lacrosse. Sisters Country citizens Winter Lewis, Jay Wilkens, Rob Fish, Michele Hammer and Paul Patton were selected to serve as committee members to ensure lacrosse continues to be a strong and successful program for the youth of Sisters.

The board of directors heard of perceived policy deficiencies in the lacrosse program committee in May and took immediate action to rectify the situation, the board reported. At the September board meeting a memorandum of understanding for all SPRD committees was voted into place. A portion of this policy requires a committee of at least five people to advise each program in order to operate with transparency, promote smooth and clear communication, and create additional oversight.

SPRD reports that the directives are designed to provide "safeguards" for committee members, encourage inclusive decision-making and help spread the responsibilities of each committee among many people.

(For a complete copy of the new guidelines contact the SPRD office at 541-549-2091.)

Programs like the Outlaw Volleyball Club, Sisters Lacrosse, and the Sisters Astronomy Club are all examples of District-supported committees.

"Successful programs are run with many community advocates and volunteers who support the ideals of each program and the ethics of the District. We were honored to have nine qualified applicants for our five-member lacrosse committee appointment," said Board Chair Jeff Campbell. "The District provides programming which we hold to the highest standards and execute with the utmost integrity, and I believe these five people will do just that."

Sisters Country is a small community, and being so, the volunteer base for District programming is also small.

"SPRD holds its volunteers and staff to the highest standard of ethics and when the values of the District are compromised, it is paramount the District and its personnel act swiftly within the written policies," said Liam Hughes, SPRD executive director.

SPRD employees and volunteers are under the direction of the executive director of the District.

SPRD policies disallow board member intervention in the case of employees. Hughes and the board noted that complaints, write-ups and other employee records are kept confidential to protect the employee, employer, and in some cases the complainant.

"I want to thank you the community for their willingness to participate and volunteer in District activities," said Hughes. "Individual dedication to supporting our young people through athletics and activities will ensure a robust community we can all be proud of. As always, if there are questions or concerns about District policies or practices, both the staff and the board welcome citizen input."

The SPRD Board of Directors meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the SPRD office. Visitor communication is welcomed at the beginning of every meeting. For more information call 541-549-2091.