Board of Park Commissioners Brief for August 21, 2025
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 is provided through cable franchise fees, but this source is declining due to the increase in streaming services. DMA is exploring additional revenue streams, including support from local government agencies like BPRD to continue its programming.
Jason Thoms with Dakota West Arts Council shared information about the Levitt Music Series Grant. DWAC’s application for a free public music series to be held in partnership with BPRD has made it to the public voting round. To make it to the final grant round, our community must vote by text or online between September 5-15 for the Bismarck project. The 50 projects receiving the most votes will move on to the final grant round. If DWAC receives the grant, they plan to hold eight concerts annually over three years at McDowell Dam Recreation Area, expanding the existing Summer Songs Series from General Sibley Park and bringing in regional and national artists to perform.
No bids were received for the World War Memorial Building reroofing project, so the Board authorized readvertising for bids.
The Board approved replacement of the entire Channel Drive Trail with the park district covering the portion not included in the City of Bismarck’s project at a cost of $153,220.49.
The Board received a report on 2025 projects, including VFW Sports Center painting, BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center videoboard replacement, Washington Street trail extension to General Sibley Park, Tom O’Leary Golf Course cart path project, Century Bark Park dirt work project, and Lions Park tennis/pickleball court project.
The Board approved the sidewalk, traffic signal, and street light easement with the City of Bismarck at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark. The Board approved University of Mary’s use agreement for BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center. The Board authorized sale and/or disposal of old cardio fitness equipment that was replaced at Capital Racquet & Fitness Center. The Board authorized staff to apply for a Transportation Alternatives grant for Clairmont Family Conservation Park.
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, September 11, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room, with the public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget.