Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners Brief for Nov. 18, 2021


Meeting Recap for Nov. 18, 2021

Executive Director Molly McLain shared information about Dakota West Arts Council (DWAC) as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) featured partner.  She highlighted a number of arts in the parks programs offered in 2021, including murals, poetry boxes, Kids Summer Stage at Custer Park, Songs at Sibley concert series at General Sibley Park and visual arts at Lions Park. DWAC is holding a series of community arts conversations in early 2022.

Jeff Ubl, Ubl Design Group, provided an update on the potential renovation/expansion of VFW Sports Center in partnership with Bismarck Public Schools and other user groups. The latest cost estimates are $2.9 million for renovations to rink #2 and $8.8 million for the addition of a third rink. He presented an estimated timeline of 22 months for completion. The Bismarck Public School Board will discuss the potential project at its Nov. 22 meeting. The Park Board scheduled a special meeting to discuss the potential project on Nov. 23 at 7:15 a.m.

BPRD Executive Director Kevin Klipfel shared results from the Nov. 3 neighborhood meeting and survey regarding the two proposed park options for Boulder Ridge.  Sixty-two percent of the survey respondents supported the original park option in Boulder Ridge.  Developers and the City of Bismarck will determine next steps for development of the neighborhood.

The Board approved the 2022 Matching Grant application as presented by BPRD Facilities and Programs Director Mike Wald. BPRD has budgeted $100,000 in matching funds for 2022 with two application deadlines on Feb. 1 and June 1.

The Board approved the purchase of two pickups; authorized a call for request for proposals for soft drink vending and supply; authorized a call for bids for the 2022 Activity Guide, toilets for General Sibley Park and Campground, and an ice resurfacer; and authorized selection of a consultant for air conditioning at the Joann Hetzel Memorial 4-H Building.

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at 5:15 p.m. in the Tom Baker Meeting Room.