Bismarck Parks & Recreation

About Us

Bismarck lies along the banks of the Missouri River in the heart of North Dakota and is home to Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD). Established in 1927, BPRD is governed by five publicly elected park commissioners. BPRD owns and manages more than 3,400 acres of parkland and creates programs and places for residents and visitors to enjoy a wide variety of recreation throughout the year.

Vision: Be the leader and premier provider of public parks, programs, facilities and leisure services.

Mission: Work with the community to provide residents and visitors the highest quality park, program, facility and event experience.

Core Purpose: Provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable public park and recreation services.

Values: Accountability, Collaboration, Community, Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism

More than 280 partnerships and creative collaborations provide the foundation for BPRD’s diverse and dynamic recreational opportunities, efficient and productive joint use of public facilities, coordinated programming and alternative funding. From horse arenas to hockey, from public art to pollinator gardens, from trails to tennis, BPRD provides community opportunities and impact. BPRD is a health care provider and is sought out as both a leader and excellent partner for programs, projects and possibilities.

Staff professionalism and commitment to best practices is evident at BPRD. In 2008, BPRD became the first – and is still the only – accredited agency in North Dakota. BPRD was reaccredited in 2013, 2018 and in 2023. BPRD is a 1993 and 2017 Gold Medal Award recipient and a six-time Gold Medal Award finalist. The Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management is the highest and most prestigious award attainable by a park and recreation agency.

For more than 90 years, BPRD’s unique relationships, community support, leadership and shared resources have made a permanent impact on the quality of life in Bismarck. BPRD is proud of its staff, appreciative of a supportive elected board and community, and always strives to meet the highest professional standards.

 

2024 Full-Time Employee Snapshot

  • 68 authorized for 2025

Age of Employees

  • 29 & Under: 4
  • 30 – 39: 20
  • 40 – 49: 15
  • 50 – 59: 23
  • 60+: 5

Race

  • Caucasian: 66
  • Native American: 1

Gender

  • Male: 52
  • Female: 15

Certifications

Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE)

  • The CPRE designation is a mastery-level credential focusing on the practical knowledge and current real-world skills necessary in today’s changing park and recreation environment. There are currently five CPREs in North Dakota; one is employed at BPRD, Executive Director Kevin Klipfel.

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)

  • The CPRP designation shows that an individual has met education and experience qualifications and illustrates commitment to the profession as well as knowledge and understanding of key concepts within parks and recreation. There are currently 25 CPRPs in North Dakota; seven employed at BPRD are Jeremy Dykstra, Ethan Eberle, RaNae Jochim, Dave Mayer, Ryan Geerdes, Dylan Thiem and Mike Wald.

Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI)

  • 13