Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners Brief for Aug. 17, 2023
Ethan Eberle, recreation specialist with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD), share information about the USA Softball National Championship-Men’s Class E/Rec Northern Slow Pitch being hosted at Clem Kelly Athletic Complex Sept. 1-4. Teams have until Aug. 23 to register, and volunteers are needed to sell tickets, run the scoreboard and keep the scorebooks.
The Board approved support for the City of Bismarck’s Renaissance Zone Program as presented by City staff.
Jeff Ubl, Ubl Design, provided an update on the VFW Sports Center expansion project, which is expected to be completed Dec. 15.
Steve Chuppe, Larks Community FUNd (LCF) Board, asked for BPRD’s approval of LCF’s application for a Destination Development Grant to fund a building at the Bismarck Municipal Ballpark as part of the Phase 3 Master Plan. Per the proposal, LCF would build, own and operate the building through a lease agreement with BPRD. The Board approved LCF’s grant application with the understanding that an operating agreement with LCF will be developed for Board approval.
Aaron Barth, Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation (FALF), asked for BPRD’s continued maintenance of Keelboat Park should the City of Bismarck transfer ownership of the park to FALF if FALF is successful in securing a Destination Development Grant for park redevelopment. The Board tabled the discussion of a park maintenance agreement with FALF until such time as the grant is awarded and the land transferred.
The Board accepted the bid for 2023-2025 audit services from Brady, Martz & Associates P.C.
The Board approved termination of the companion agreement for Hay Creek Retaining Wall, approved the agreement for additional Toptracer Range bays at Fore Seasons Center, and authorized the call for bids for a cross country ski grooming machine, lighting projects at the administration office and park shop, and VFW Sports Center expansion recognition signage.
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at 5:15 p.m. in the Tom Baker Meeting Room, with the public hearing on the proposed 2024 budget.