Bina Announces Retirement from Bismarck Parks and Recreation District
Randy Bina, executive director of the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD), will retire Oct. 1. His service to the public parks and recreation field spans four decades and includes almost 34 years with BPRD, the last 10 years as executive director. His retirement notice is an agenda item at the May 20 Board of Park Commissioners’ meeting.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve the Bismarck community for so many years,” says Bina. “Our diverse parks and recreation system is a true testament to the dedicated staff, community-minded board members and engaged partners with whom I have had the pleasure to work.”
“Randy’s community focus has proven invaluable in balancing the care of existing parks and facilities with the creation of new spaces to serve a growing community,” says Julie Jeske, Board of Park Commissioners president. “His commitment to planning and partner outreach have greatly benefited the park district and leave a strong legacy for our continued work to provide affordable, accessible and sustainable public parks and recreation services in Bismarck.”
BPRD’s more than 280 partnerships have been an agency cornerstone during Bina’s tenure. These relationships have leveraged public/private resources, both funding and volunteer time, making possible significantly more offerings to support healthy, active lifestyles for the community. Almost $40 million has been contributed for park district projects by these partners since 1989. Adding green space and places to play has also been critical as Bismarck grows; since 2011, 10 new neighborhood parks have been built and an additional five are in development. Under Bina’s leadership, the park district has successfully hosted hundreds of state, regional, national and world sporting and park events with community-wide economic impact.
Bina has worked with the BPRD team to build a two-time Gold Medal winning agency where professionalism and high standards are the culture. During his time with the district, BPRD also became the first and remains the only North Dakota park district accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies.
Throughout his career, Bina has been a leader in public parks and recreation, engaged locally, regionally and nationally in numerous professional and sports organizations. Among the many recognitions he has received are induction into the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association Hall of Fame and election as a fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.