In January, Bismarck Parks and Recreation District sought public input to help guide our 2027-2029 strategic planning process. A Community Input Survey, open from January 13-29, 2026, invited feedback about BPRD strengths, opportunities for improvement, and future facility and park needs. 838 responses were received.
Value and Satisfaction
Five questions asked survey participants to rate their response on a scale from 1-5, with 1 being Very Low and 5 being Very High. 2026 results are compared with similar questions from our 2023 survey.
Please rate the value of BPRD’s public parks, trails, facilities, recreation programs, and events in enhancing quality of life in Bismarck.
- 2026 = 4.25
- 2023 = 4.09
How satisfied are you with BPRD’s outdoor parks, trails, and recreation facilities?
- 2026 = 4.35
- 2023 = 4.14
How satisfied are you with BPRD’s indoor recreation facilities?
- 2026 = 2.49
- 2023 = 3.33
How satisfied are you with BPRD’s programs and special events?
- 2026 = 3.73
- 2023 = 3.57
How satisfied are you with BPRD’s efforts in communicating with you?
- 2026 = 3.88
- 2023 = 3.59
Strengths and Opportunities
What do you believe to be the greatest strengths of BPRD?
- Accessibility of parks, trails, programs, and facilities = 67%
- Quality of parks and trails = 48%
- Affordability of programs and facilities = 40%
- Diversity of parks, trails, and facilities = 29%
- Good community partner and relationships = 21%
What do you believe to be the greatest opportunities for improvement for BPRD?
- Quality of facilities = 42%
- Diversity of parks, trails, and facilities = 22%
- Affordability of programs and facilities = 20%
- Efficiently managed operation = 19%
- Diversity of recreation programs and special events = 18%
New or Additional Facilities
What new/additional outdoor parks and recreation facilities would you and/or members of your household be interested in having developed/enhanced?
- Pickleball courts = 23%
- Trails – paved = 23%
- Amphitheater = 18%
- Trails – unpaved = 18%
- Natural areas = 17%
What new/additional indoor parks and recreation facilities would you and/or members of your household be interested in having developed/enhanced?
- Community recreation center (multi-purpose) = 29%
- Pickleball courts = 23%
- Turf fields for various sports/activities = 21%
- Running/walking tracks = 21%
- Fitness/health center = 17%
Important Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing BPRD over the next 3 years?
- Keeping up with Bismarck’s growth (more people, more demands) = 59%
- Afterschool care = 30%
- Staffing = 30%