News

2026 Outdoor Pool and Splash Pad Schedule

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

Leker Named Next Executive Director of BPRD

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

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for April 16, 2026

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

Results of 2026 Community Input Survey

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

Holiday Hours April 3-5, 2026

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 &

2026 Golf Season: First Course Opens March 28

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 2026 Summer Programs Opens Next Week

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

It’s Spring 2026! What’s Ready for Outdoor Play?

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

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for March 19, 2026

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

Warm Weather Provides Outdoor Golf Opportunity, Closes Outdoor Rinks

Riverwood Driving Range and Pro Shop Due to warm temperatures and limited snow, Riverwood Golf Course is opening its outdoor driving range on Thursday, February 5. The driving range will be open from 1:00-6:00pm Friday, February 6. Starting Saturday, February 7, hours will be as follows: The outdoor range will

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for February 19, 2026

Sergeant Elliot Carvell, Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department, presented the Golden Citizen Award to two Bismarck Parks and Recreation District employees, David Robinson and Seth Johnson, for their efforts to save a man from freezing to death at McDowell Dam Recreation Area. Kristin Wilhelm shared an update on the Bismarck Figure

Flurry Fest Treasure Hunt 2026

Nick Senne and his daughter, Willa, found the 2026 Flurry Fest Treasure at Pioneer Park. Nick’s family has been participating in the hunt for more than 10 years. When he saw the clue with the word “hunt” in it, he thought about wildlife and said he’s seen a lot of

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