A Final Note from Retiring Executive Director Kevin Klipfel As I reflect on my time serving as executive director of Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, along with a 34-year career in public parks and recreation, I am filled with deep gratitude for this incredible community. Parks and recreation is about
Liliana Norby shared an update on Theo Art School as a BPRD featured partner. The Board also heard from Gavin McCollam about another featured partner, Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park. The Board authorized staff in partnership with the Bismarck Recreation Council to work with the Lions District 5NW Cabinet
On Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day, all Bismarck Parks and Recreation District facilities will be open for regularly scheduled hours, except for the BPRD administrative office and World War Memorial Building.
The free splash pad at New Generations Park will open Tuesday, May 26, for daily hours of 10:00am-8:00pm. Bismarck Parks and Recreation District’s three outdoor pools will open for the season on Monday, June 1, at 12:00pm. Pool hours at Elks Aquatic Center, Hillside Aquatic Complex, and Paul H. Wachter
The Board of Park Commissioners has selected David Leker for the position of executive director of Bismarck Parks and Recreation District effective June 18, following the retirement of Kevin Klipfel. Leker comes to BPRD with a wealth of executive leadership experience, having served as executive director of Fargo Park District
Dr. Jeff Fastnacht, Bismarck Public Schools superintendent, presented information on the $127 million bond referendum on the June 9 ballot. Bismarck Parks and Recreation District Recreation Manager RaNae Jochim introduced the four BPS students that developed the two logos for the park district’s 100th anniversary in 2027: Elias Abryzom, Calee
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
All Bismarck Parks and Recreation District facilities will be open for regularly scheduled hours April 3-5, 2026, except as listed below: BPRD Administrative Office – closed Friday, April 3 BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center – closed Sunday, April 5 Capital Ice Complex – closed Sunday, April 5 Capital Racquet &
April 8, 2026, Update As of April 10, 2026, at 12:00pm, Pebble Creek, Tom O’Leary, and Riverwood Golf Courses will open, along with course practice areas. No carts to start the season at Tom O’Leary. Riverwood and Pebble Creek will use mats until grass returns from dormancy. As of April
Registration for most Bismarck Parks and Recreation District spring and summer programs opens Wednesday, April 1, at 8:00am online and in person at the BPRD office at 400 E. Front Ave. Adult volleyball registration opens Monday, March 31, and spring swim lesson registration opens Tuesday, March 31, at 10:00am. BPRD
To celebrate the first day of spring in 2026, here are the latest updates on our outdoor recreation spaces: Some nets are up for outdoor tennis and pickleball at Elk Ridge Park, Johnny Gisi Memorial Park, Lions Park, Sertoma Park, and Tom O’Leary Tennis Courts. The dock is in at
Ryan Lagasse, president of Capital Curling Club, shared information about the upcoming USA Curling Junior U21 National Championships. The event will be held March 30-April 4 at Capital Ice Complex with the opening ceremony on March 30 at 5:30pm. The Board approved the bid for replacement of the World War