Board of Park Commissioners Brief for April 17, 2025
Christy Ames-Davis, city forester, shared information about Bismarck Forestry Division’s partnership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District. Forestry staff spend about 20 percent of their time each year working in parks, primarily on tree planting and removals. Ames-Davis also provided information about emerald ash borer, a destructive pest of ash trees, and plans to address the issue, along with Dutch elm disease and European elm scale.
Tim Doppler, BRPD golf operations manager, discussed the opening of golf courses this season and changes to allow opportunities for more people to golf, such as reducing advance time to book a tee time to three days. He also addressed processes to reduce the number of no shows for tee times and improve customer service at all golf courses.
Gabe Schell, Bismarck city engineer, provided an update on the South Bismarck Flood Control Project. Cost estimates have been developed for all options previously shared with the Board, along with a new option along the south side of the Clem Kelley Athletic Complex that would temporarily impact two softball fields but not require permanent changes to the complex. This new option without a pond at the complex is the focus for the City going forward, but project funding has not yet been secured with state support under consideration during the current legislative session.
The Board approved the Sheila Schafer Junior Links sign and revised advertising agreement with Dakota Junior Golf Association.
The Board approved the relocation of the Lewis and Clark Statues from Keelboat Park to the City of Center and authorized staff to develop an agreement with Center to place the statues in their community.
The Board approved the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan.
The Board accepted Special Road Fund grant funding for the General Sibley Park Road Project and authorized staff to communicate acceptance to the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
The Board approved the BLAST fee for the 2025-2026 school year. The Board authorized staff to call for bids for the VFW Sports Center front doors, VFW Sports Center interior painting, World War Memorial Building roof replacement, Elks Aquatic Center safety surface replacement, Tom O’Leary Golf Course cart path phase I, and BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center videoboard.
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, May 15, at 5:15 p.m. in the Tom Baker Meeting Room.