Who We Are

FOBPR is one of Greater Bandon Assoc. (GBA)'s success stories. We pride ourselves in assisting startup nonprofits and offering them an initial fiscal affiliation until they can thrive on their own. Not all groups succeed and move forward, but the leadership team of FOBPR is professional, organized,  gets things done in the community, and is being recognized for their efforts. FOBPR is a good partner and is now on their way to becoming a full 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that is making a difference in our Bandon community.

Harv Schubothe, Executive Director, Greater Bandon Association (GBA)

As the Mayor of Bandon, I have known Christine Hall to be an enthusiastic member and Chair of Bandon’s Park & Recreation Commission for more than three years. She was in charge of Earth Day for two years. This was a one-day event attended by more than 150 people and held in Bandon’s library. Together with our librarian and many other volunteer citizens, this was said to be "an event for all ages."

In 2021 Christine founded Friends of Bandon Parks & Recreation (FOBPR) as a fundraising organization to help address some of the under-funded or non-funded park projects and recreational activities. FOBPR is already a big success.

FOBPR has initiated or helped support pickleball in City Park, a brand-new sport to Bandon. Her Friends volunteers helped with clean-up work at the Bandon school grounds and in City Park. In addition, Christine has collaborated with the City of Bandon and Stillwater Natives Nursery to sponsor “The 100 Tree Planting” event involving the community as part of the continued Reforestation Project in Bandon’s City Park.

Friends of Bandon Parks & Recreation contributes much to our community.

Mayor Mary Schamehorn, City of Bandon

FOBPR has been is an enthusiastic sponsor of StoryWalk® in Bandon’s City Park. FOBPR provided funding and prepared the initial set of StoryWalk ® plaques used along the walkway. FOBPR also participated in providing volunteers in preparing the gravel along the walkway. We hope to continue to partner with FOBPR in the future.

Christine Kingsbury, MLIS, Library Director, City of Bandon

FOBPR is a great community partner. It has always supported the efforts of our pickleball group and promotes the sport through its monthly newsletters.  We replaced our pickleball court surface in our City Park, for which FOBPR has donated funds toward.  We are very appreciative of them, and they are a fantastic organization in the Bandon community.
Nicolette Cline, Pickleball Treasurer

Christine and I worked together when she was the Chair of the City's Parks & Recreation Commission. She recognized that there were community needs that were not being met by the Commission's work and took the initiative to start Friends of Bandon Parks & Recreation. Since then, the work of FOBPR has complemented many of the City's projects, bringing inspiration, funding, and volunteers. We look forward to a continued partnership with FOBR for years to come.

Dana Nichols, Planning Manager, City of Bandon

From the Bandon City Council, FOBPR received the following compliment:

In the City Manager’s February monthly newsletter, FOBPR was mentioned for its volunteer efforts in both City Park and Johnson Creek Greenway. We are making a difference in many small ways. Join us this year for our next Spring cleanup of City Park and Tree Plantings in November.

"2023 Tree Planting Event. The Bandon City Council would like to recognize the Friends of Bandon Parks and Recreation, and the generosity of Darcy Grahek and Samantha Stanger for their donations, which made for a successful tree planting event this past year."