Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners Brief for Aug. 15, 2024
Dr. Jeff Fastnacht shared information about Bismarck Public Schools (BPS) as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) featured partner, highlighting just a few of many ways the entities work together, such as the VFW Sports Center expansion, annual fifth grade track meet and local foods coordinator position. He noted the strong BPS-BPRD partnership provides good stewardship of resources and benefits the entire community.
Mike Herzog, BNSF director of bridge construction, updated the Board on River Road Trail impacts due to the BNSF rail bridge project. BNSF is working to keep the trail open until its 2024-2025 winter shutdown using the west lane of River Road as the bike/pedestrian trail, with temporary closures when necessary for safety. BNSF anticipates reopening the trail during the winter. Options will be evaluated for continued trail access once the 2025 construction season begins.
The Board approved the amended Bismarck Renaissance Zone Development Plan and the five-year extension of the Renaissance Zone Program. The Board appointed the Board President or designee to serve on the Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority.
Steve Chuppe, representing Bismarck Baseball Boosters and Bismarck baseball user groups, asked the Board for permission to work with BPRD staff on a capital campaign to fund improvements to Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, which includes locker rooms, training facilities, commercial kitchen, and office space. The Board approved BPRD support for Bismarck Baseball Boosters to fundraise for Phase III of the Bismarck Municipal Ballpark Master Plan.
The Board approved the optional one-year extension of the agreement for Riverwood Golf Course Concessions and authorized staff to call for bids for operation of the Municipal Country Club. The Board also accepted the donation of $44,524.19 from the estate of Hal Simons and directed deposit to the Bismarck Recreation Council as specified in the estate.
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, Sept. 19, at 5:15 p.m. in the Tom Baker Meeting Room, with the public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget.