The people behind SPRD... Jennifer Holland

Jennifer Holland has been working in parks and recreation since she was 15 years old. She is now the executive director of Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD), specializing in special events and working with local government.

Holland has been living in Sisters for three years.

“I love the community and we always loved visiting, and I wanted to be involved with local government when we moved here,” said Holland.

Holland formerly worked for William Lane Recreation District in Springfield before making the move east. Holland’s hands are in a lot of different baskets as the executive director for a small district such as Sisters. She works on everything from human resources to community partnerships to running events, and has the responsibility of helping to fulfill the District’s mission, which is: “To enhance livability of the community and provide recreation for everyone.”

Holland oversees board meetings every month, and works with her board to help achieve the District’s mission and goals involving community involvement, etc.

When SPRD was first formed, it was primarily a place for kids to go for after- school programs. Twenty-five years later, the District is working to be the provider for programs, recreation, and opportunities for all ages.

“We hope to continue to expand what we do in serving the community, and it means something different to each member of the board in what we do for the community, but we want to be that public entity and provider of places for people to be active, have engagement and community around them,” said Holland.

The SPRD fills a need in the community for programming opportunities, not just for after-school children’s programs, but also for adults of all ages, giving them a place to be surrounded by community while also being active.

“We really want people to think of us and think of what we can provide that might apply to whatever their need is,” said Holland.

Holland, the board, and the District overall are working on breaking out of COVID times, doing more special events and working to provide more programs to the community in and around the District.

“I am incredibly grateful to serve the Sisters community,” she said. “Our patrons have shown great support and confidence in the District over the last few years. Our team strives every day to be the best we can be for Sisters. We continue to grow programs and events, improve operations, and be responsive to the community. None of this would be possible without our amazing team of staff, volunteers, and our board of directors. Together, we have been able to come out of the pandemic strong and look forward to what the new year will bring.”

Holland’s “fun fact” is that she dropped out of nursing school to pursue working in parks and recreation. She has a passion for the outdoors and living in Central Oregon.