Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners Brief for Aug. 19, 2021
Meeting Recap for Aug. 19, 2021
Co-directors Mark Momerak and Josh Askvig shared information about the Bismarck Marathon. This year, the event has been expanded to three days, running Sept. 16-18. The focus is encouraging health and wellness and inspiring youth, as well as giving back to the community. In 2019, the Marathon contributed $45,000 to local organizations. Momerak and Askvig expressed appreciation for the partnership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD).
Roxane Romanick, CEO, Designer Genes of North Dakota, discussed the iCan Bike Camp held at VFW Sports Complex in July. Twenty-one riders with disabilities attended the camp this year. The camp is held every other year and has served 151 riders since its inception six years ago. It requires significant community volunteers to accomplish, and she thanked the Board for its partnership. She also shared information about the first iCan Swim Camp, organized by Keeping the Promise at the BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center earlier this month. Thirty swimmers attended this year, although there was enough interest to fill two additional camps. Keeping the Promise is hoping to offer the camp annually.
Ryan Geerdes, BPRD facilities manager, updated the Board on planning for the North Dakota Recreation & Park Association State Conference and North Dakota Trails Conference being held in Bismarck Sept. 13-15.
RaNae Jochim, BPRD recreation manager, provided information about the USA Softball Men’s Class D Slow Pitch Northern National Championship scheduled for Sept. 3-6. Team registration has been extended to Aug. 26. Volunteers are needed to sell tickets and souvenirs, keep scorebooks and run the scoreboards.
The Board awarded the bid for RV electrical pedestal improvements at General Sibley Park & Campground to Skeels Electric Company for the base bid of $146,983.
The Board approved the Lions Park MOU with the City of Bismarck for compensation to BPRD for storm sewer, drainage and underdrain easement on the leased parcel that will be purchased from St. Mary’s Church, pending closing on Oct. 1.
The Board authorized staff to initiate the process to select a consultant to address potential renovations to the VFW Sports Center Rink #2, as well as an additional sheet of ice.
The Board authorized staff to apply from grants from the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District for a playground at the Missouri Valley Complex and for electrical improvements at General Sibley Park & Campground.
The Board noted the hiring of Kevin Klipfel as the next BPRD executive director effective Oct. 2.
The next Board meeting is Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, at 5:15 p.m. in the Tom Baker Meeting Room.