Board of Park Commissioners Brief for Feb. 18, 2021


Meeting Recap for Feb. 18, 2021

The Board heard a presentation from Sue Peterson with Community Perceptions regarding a Bismarck Parks and Recreation (BPRD) community survey. This survey would gather feedback on what contributed to the failed sales tax measure from June, 2020 for a proposed community indoor recreation complex. Data gathered from this survey would assist BPRD in developing a plan to move forward to address the recreational needs of Bismarck.

The Board voted to proceed with the survey and to include it in the spring/summer issue of the BPRD Activity Guide, which will be mailed to all Bismarck residents the first week in April. The survey can be completed online, or a printed survey can be completed and dropped off at BPRD, or mailed, scanned or faxed to Community Perceptions. All Bismarck residents are welcome and encouraged to take the survey by April 16, 2021. Once the survey is completed, the results will be shared, discussed and additional community input will be gathered.

Joe Satrom, Sleepy Hollow Summer Theater Board member, shared the organization’s plans and performances for 2021 and thanked the Board of Park Commissioners and BPRD staff for their support.

The Board approved bids to resurface the back nine cart paths at Riverwood Golf Course, to replace the VFW Sports Center Rink #2 cooling tower and to purchase two vehicles using the State of ND Procurement Office bidding process. All of these improvements and purchases are in the BPRD 2021 budget.

Commissioner Munson reviewed the 12 applications that were received in the first round of the BPRD Matching Grant program. The purpose of the Matching Grant program is to encourage associations, organizations, clubs or individuals to sponsor an improvement project in a BPRD facility or park. The Board voted to approve 10 grants for a total of $107,443.58. Examples of approved projects include assistance with new playground equipment at Grimsrud and Sunrise Elementary Schools, purchasing of roller skates for public indoor roller-skating opportunities with the BisMan Bombshellz, track improvements at Fastrax BMX, expansion of a restroom facility at Tom O’Leary Tennis Courts, golf course buildings for equipment and teaching materials and backstop improvements for youth baseball.

The Board re-visited the discussion from a previous meeting regarding the donation of the Joann Hetzel Memorial 4-H Building to BPRD. The Board voted to approve the transfer of ownership. BPRD will assume management of this facility.

Other board business included the acceptance of two lots adjacent to the Capital Racquet & Fitness Center. The City of Bismarck requested the acceptance of these lots at no cost and with no outstanding special assessments.

The Board approved Apex Engineering as the consultant for Sertoma Park Fitness Improvements; Houston Engineering as the consultant for the development of Hidden Star Park and Swenson & Hagen as consultants for Promontory Point neighborhood park. Additionally, the Board authorized staff to seek bids for replacement of the carpet at the BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center and for a golf tracking system at the Fore Seasons Center.

The next Board of Park Commissioner’s meeting is Monday, February 22, 2021 at 4pm at the Frances Leach High Prairie Arts & Science Complex for an annual Strategic Planning session. The next regular board meeting is March 18, 2021 at 5:15pm at the Tom Baker Meeting Room.