News

Highlights from 2025

Every day, all of us at Bismarck Parks and Recreation District work hard to provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable parks and recreation services. We extend our thanks to the wonderful volunteers, partners, and supporters who help make this possible. Enjoy this short video as we share some highlights from this

Holiday Hours December 24, 2025-January 1, 2026

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District holiday hours for 2025-2026 are as follows: Administrative Office December 24: 7:30am-12:00pm December 25: Closed January 1: Closed BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center December 24: 5:30am-12:00pm December 25: Closed December 31: 5:30am-3:00pm January 1: 8:00am-10:00pm Capital Ice Complex December 24: Closed December 25: Closed December

Klipfel Announces Retirement from Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

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

New BPRD Website Launches December 9, 2025

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

Winter Activities Update for 2025-2026

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

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for November 20, 2025

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.

Registration for Winter Programs 2025-2026

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 Update

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

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for October 16, 2025

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,

Improvements Underway at Tom O’Leary Golf Course in Fall 2025

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

Playground Improvements and Additions Underway

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

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for September 11, 2025

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