Bismarck Parks & Recreation

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for March 18, 2021

March 19, 2021 — News

Meeting Recap for March 18, 2021

The Board heard updates from two Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) community partners; Bismarck Gymnastics Academy and the Bismarck-Mandan Tennis Association. These partners shared program participation numbers as well as plans for upcoming projects and events. Both groups have a concern for lack of space due to program growth.

The Board heard from former Park Board Commissioner Mike Schwartz regarding the possibility of recognizing Satchel Paige at the Bismarck Municipal Ballpark. A motion was passed directing BPRD staff to come back to the Board with options.

Margie Zalk Einerson, a member of Friends of the Rail Bridge (FORB), shared updates on the permitting process for the bridge and ideas for community partnerships. FORB asked the Board and BPRD to be a public partner and support the FORB mission. No action was taken at this time. The topic will be brought forward at a future Board meeting.

BPRD Facility Specialist Brandon Wilkens gave an update on the 2021 ND Amateur Basketball Inc. state tournament, which will be held in Bismarck March 26-28. A total of 108 teams will be playing in the tournament at Legacy, Bismarck and Century High Schools.

Bids for the following projects and equipment were presented:

  • Sertoma Park road and parking lot surface protection
  • Igoe Park parking lot replacement
  • Gateway Pond shared use path rehabilitation
  • Sleepy Hollow Park shared use path rehabilitation
  • Capitol Ave. shared use path rehabilitation
  • Tom O’Leary complex restroom building
  • Municipal Ballpark field lights
  • Maintenance equipment

The board reviewed and accepted all low bids.

BPRD Facilities and Programs Director Kevin Klipfel reviewed the bid and plan for a BPRD Access Audit and Transition Plan, which is an audit of BPRD facilities and a plan on how to remedy any barriers to accessibility within BPRD. The Board accepted the bid from ACT Services Consulting.

The Board discussed the draft BPRD 2022-24 Strategic Plan. The BPRD Vision, Mission, Core Purpose and Core Values were affirmed. Strategic Priorities were reviewed and the Board voted to approve the Strategic Plan, which will be posted on the BPRD website.

The Board authorized staff to call for bids on electrical upgrades at General Sibley Park, to select a consultant and call for bids to extend cart paths at Pebble Creek Golf Course and authorized staff to dispose of items with the City of Bismarck auction.

The next Board of Park Commissioner’s meeting is Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room.