Kevin Klipfel, executive director of Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, will retire June 1. His service to the public parks and recreation field spans three decades and includes almost 24 years with BPRD. His retirement notice is an agenda item at the December 18 Board of Park Commissioners’ meeting. “I
As of December 9, cross-country ski trails are closed until further notice. When warming houses for ice skating and sledding are open, it will be posted on this website. Cross-Country Skiing, Kicksledding, Snowshoeing, and Sledding Outdoor Skating Rinks
Bismarck Parks and Recreation District is excited about the launch of its new, fully redesigned website on December 9, 2025. The modern design focuses on usability and accessibility to help everyone find the information they need to enjoy BPRD’s parks, facilities, trails, programs, and special events. A few key improvements
Lindsay Junge, operations manager with BisMarket, shared an update as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District featured partner. BisMarket completed its 13th season in 2025 with an average market attendance of 1,000 people per Saturday. They look forward to continuing to expand the market at its location at Kiwanis Park.
Check out the activities in the 2025-2026 Winter Activity Guide. Registration is open now for the following activities: Fencing Lifeguard Classes Karate Adult basketball team registration deadline is Wednesday, November 26, at 5:00pm. New adult volleyball team registration is Tuesday, December 2, from 7:30am-5:00pm. Registration for other youth and adult programs
Keelboat Park is closing as of November 7, 2025. The park is being redeveloped by the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation into a new public space called Bismarck River Commons. Learn more on their website. As part of the redevelopment, these park amenities were relocated this fall: Keelboat replica to Pioneer Park
Cherise Pfaff shared information about Bismarck Arts & Galleries Association as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District featured partner. BAGA hosts art exhibits and classes throughout the year, and their gallery space is available for rentals. They also have a store. Their biggest annual event is the Capital A’Fair. Lauren Oster,
Bismarck Parks and Recreation District is excited to announce the first phase of cart path improvements at Tom O’Leary Golf Course for the fall of 2025. Work began this week on cart paths for holes 10, 11, 12, 13, and 16. During these improvements, holes may be closed temporarily to
Playgrounds are being updated and added at the following locations in fall 2025: McDowell Dam Recreation Area: a second playground is being installed by the shelters. Elks Aquatic Center: the poured-in-place surfacing for the playground will be replaced starting September 14. General Sibley Park: one of the playgrounds in the
Lynn Beiswanger shared information about the Bismarck Marathon as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District featured partner. He shared the organization’s focus on community wellness and highlighted the growth of the Marathon through the years. Beiswanger expressed appreciation for BPRD’s partnership and investment in Bismarck’s trail system. In 2024, Marathon
Tom Gerhardt shared information about Dakota Media Access as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District featured partner. DMA offers a Government Access channel, and Community Access channel, and a radio station. DMA broadcasts and archives BPRD regular Park Board meetings held at the Tom Baker Meeting Room. Funding for DMA
Bismarck Parks and Recreation District’s featured partners highlighted camps for people with disabilities. Lorena and Matt Poppe shared information about iCan Swim Camp, which is in its fifth year at BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center. Kendra Vander Wal discussed iCan Bike Camp, being held for its eighth year at VFW