The post 2026 Memorial Day Hours appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

The Board rejected the bids for the Custer Park Stage Replacement Project and authorized staff to rebid the project this fall.

The Board accepted the bid from Strata Corporation for parking lot improvements at Frances Leach High Prairie Arts & Science Complex, Clem Kelley Athletic Complex, Sons of Norway Park, Municipal Country Club (west), VFW Sports Center, Pioneer Park, Century Trailhead, and Dakota Zoo in the amount of $5,308,804.25. The Board rejected the bids from Strata Corporation for Municipal Country Club (east) and Sertoma Park Shelter 8 to bring the project within budget.

Jeff Ubl, Ubl Design Group, provided an update on the potential financial impact of Canadian tariffs on the replacement refrigeration system being built for Schaumberg Arena at Capital Ice Complex. The Board decided to move forward with production in Canada as originally approved in April when the CIMCO project bid was accepted.

The Board received an update on the Bismarck Indoor Recreation and Sports Facility Feasibility Study underway with the City of Bismarck. The public is encouraged to attend a Community Open House on August 26 from 6:30-8:00pm. There will not be a formal presentation, but attendees will have an opportunity to share feedback on indoor recreation and sports amenities in our community.

The Board approved commissioner committee assignments.

The Board approved an updated Public Meeting Agenda Item Request Policy and an updated Public Comment Policy.

The Board authorized staff to call for candy/food vending machines bids and beverage provided proposals, authorized staff to apply for a Transportation Alternatives grant a Clairmont Family Conservation Park trail, and authorized consultant selection for Boulder Ridge Neighborhood Park.

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room, with the public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget.

Videos of Board meetings are recorded and archived by Dakota Media Access.

The post Board of Park Commissioners Brief for August 20, 2026 appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

This feasibility study builds on years of planning, public input, and community discussion regarding future indoor recreation opportunities in Bismarck. Its findings will help guide future recreation investments that support community quality of life and economic vitality.

Community members are encouraged to attend the Open House to learn about the study process, ask questions, and share feedback on recreation and sports facility needs. Project consultant CHA, with UBL Design Group and RRC Associates, will use the information gathered to help determine community priorities and inform recommendations for potential future development.

Residents who are interested in the future of indoor recreation and sports opportunities in Bismarck are encouraged to participate in the Community Open House.

Update August 24, 2026

The project website is live. It will serve as the hub for feasibility study updates, including additional community feedback opportunities as the project progresses.

The post Community Invited to Open House on Indoor Recreation & Sports Facility Feasibility Study appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

The last day for outdoor pools is as follows:

• Friday, August 7 – Wachter Aquatic Complex
• Sunday, August 9 – Hillside Aquatic Complex
• Sunday, August 16 – Elks Aquatic Center

The Pool Pooch Party will be held on Saturday, August 8, at Wachter Aquatic Complex. Small dogs under 30 pounds are welcome in the pool from 12:00-1:00pm, and large dogs over 30 pounds will have pool access from 1:00-2:00pm.

The free splash pad at New Generations Park will remain open for daily hours of 10:00am-8:00pm through Labor Day weekend and as weather permits in early September.

The post Bismarck’s Outdoor Pools Closing for the 2026 Season appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

Newly elected board members Michael Gilbertson, Russ Hanson, and Julie Jeske were sworn into office by legal counsel. Jeske was elected president, and Gilbertson was elected vice president. Commissioners were assigned to management team portfolios.

Brian Nelson shared an update on Shade Tree Players as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District featured partner. Steven Krentz with Bismarck Horse Club also provided a partner update.

The Board rejected the bid from Park and Play USA for the netting project at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark and authorized staff to re-evaluate the project.

The Board accepted the bid from Bismarck Hockey Boosters and the associated agreement to operate concessions at Capital Ice Complex.

The 2027 operating budget was introduced as a balanced budget. The Board moved to approve the introduction of the 2027 operating budget as presented, to approve the 2027 budget resolution, and to approve the preliminary budget statement for 2027 and set the public hearing for September 17 at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Room in the City/County Building.

The Board authorized staff to request qualifications for engineering, architect, and planning services for 2027 and 2028.

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room.

The post Board of Park Commissioners Brief for July 16, 2026 appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

Friday, July 3

The Administrative Office is closed, while all other facilities are normal operating hours.

Saturday, July 4

• BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center – Closed
• Capital Racquet & Fitness Center – Closed
• Elks Aquatic Center – 12:00pm-6:00pm
• Golf Courses (Pebble Creek, Riverwood, Sheila Schafer, and Tom O’Leary) – 7:00am-5:00pm
• Hillside Aquatic Complex – 12:00pm-6:00pm
• Wachter Aquatic Complex – 12:00pm-6:00pm

Call Riverwood Golf Course for Saturday tee times at 701-222-6462 option 1; online tee times not available.

The post 2026 Fourth of July Holiday Hours appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

BPRD Recreation Manager RaNae Jochim shared information about the upcoming July Celebration in honor of National Park and Recreation Month. 2026 marks the 40th year BPRD has hosted July Celebration with free and low-cost activities for all ages.

The Board approved the bids for pool equipment upgrade at Paul H. Wachter Aquatic Complex from Associated Pool Builders in the amount of $835,300 as the pool contractor and from Edling Electric in the amount of $123,500 as the electrical contractor.

The Board received an update on Bismarck’s Red, White, and Boom event on July 4.

The Board approved Round 2 Matching Grants as follows:

• Bismarck Horse Club & North Dakota Cutting Horse Association
• Fastrax BMX
• Teddy Roosevelt Family Day

The Board appointed Executive Director Dave Leker as Clerk.

The Board recognized outgoing President Mark Zimmerman.

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room.

The post Board of Park Commissioners Brief for June 18, 2026 appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

The 3rd Annual Bismarck Recreation Council Golf Scramble at Riverwood Golf Course on June 16 was a huge success thanks to our sponsors, teams, and silent auction donors. We greatly appreciate the strong commitment to the BRC Endowment Fund, a permanent legacy that supports Bismarck Parks and Recreation District recreational programs and facilities, focusing on youth activities and scholarships. We appreciate your participation in this year’s event!

Save the date for our 4th Annual Scramble on June 15, 2027!

Sponsors

• Apex Engineering Group
• Arrow Service Team
• Basin Electric Power Cooperative
• Bismarck Heating and Air
• Bismarck Mandan Elks Lodge 1199
• Bismarck Title Company
• BNSF Railway
• Capital City Motorworx
• Carpet World
• Cedric Theel Toyota
• Chuppe Health
• Classic Rock Coffee & Kitchen
• Colliers Securities LLC
• Dakota Community Bank & Trust
• Dakota Junior Golf Association
• EAPC Architects/Engineers
• Electric Systems Inc.
• ES Attorneys
• Fetzer Electric LLC
• Fireside Office Solutions
• First International Bank & Trust
• Grondahl Recreation
• Huntington Builders
• INSight Partners
• Kirkwood Bank & Trust
• KLJ Engineering
• L & H Electric
• Lindtech Services Inc.
• Mann Signs Inc.
• Marsh McLennan Agency
• Metro Area Ambulance Service
• MTI Distributing
• Northern Plains Heating & Air
• Petro-Hunt LLC
• Point CPA
• Prairie Engineering PC
• Puklich Chevrolet
• Russ Hanson
• Scheels
• Skeels Electric Company
• The Boustead Group-Trademark Realty
• Ubl Design Group

Teams

• AE2S
• Austin Zorn
• BEK Communications
• Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge 1199
• Brady Martz
• Bravera
• Chuppe Health
• Classic Rock Coffee & Kitchen
• Colliers Securities LLC
• Dakota Community Bank & Trust
• ES Attorneys
• Ferocious Fireballers-Brant Malsam
• Fireside Office Products
• First International Bank & Trust
• First Western Insurance
• INSight Partners
• JE Dunn
• Josh Neigum
• KLJ Engineering
• L & H Electric
• Legacy Avengers
• Mann Signs Inc
• Marsh McLennan Agency
• Midway @ 2- Jay Caldwell
• NexGen Wealth
• Nick Miller
• Northern Plains Heating & Air
• Northwest Contracting
• Old Dudes-Mark Ohlhauser
• Paul Schable
• Petro-Hunt LLC
• Pope-N-Pals-Todd Pope
• Puklich Chevrolet
• Skeels Electric
• Starion Bank
• Team Flasher ND-Tim Kuntz
• The Boustead Group – Trademark Realty

Silent Auction Donors

• Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge 1199
• Buffalo Wilds Wings
• Dakota Community Bank & Trust
• Eclectic Culinary Concepts Inc.
• Firehouse Subs
• Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue
• Gloria Jean’s Coffee & Red Carpet Carwash
• Grand Theaters
• Guy Otteson
• INSight Partners
• JE Dunn
• Longhorn Steakhouse
• Mr. Lubester
• Olive Garden
• Ruby Tuesday’s
• Runnings
• Sickies
• Stonehome Brewing Company
• Super Slide Amusement Park
• Texas Roadhouse
• The Boustead Group – Trademark Realty
• The Tavern Grill
• University of North Dakota
• Walmart
• WilLiquors

The post 3rd Annual BRC Golf Scramble a Great Success appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

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 far more than facilities and programs; it is about people. The leisure opportunities we provide give residents a chance to connect with one another, build relationships, and stay active. These shared experiences strengthen both mental and physical health and help make our community a place where people truly want to live, work, and spend their lives.

Throughout my career, I’ve been proud to play a role in creating safe, accessible, and welcoming spaces for all. From developing new parks, trails, and facilities to maintaining the places people already love, our work has always centered on improving quality of life in Bismarck. Seeing individuals, families, and organizations come together to enjoy these spaces across our community has been the most rewarding part of my journey.

It has been an honor to serve alongside dedicated Park Board members, staff, partners, and community members. Thank you for allowing me to be part of Bismarck’s story. I will always cherish the connections and memories we’ve built together. And I will continue to be a champion of Bismarck Parks and Recreation District!

The post Thank You! A Farewell Message to Bismarck appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

The Board authorized staff in partnership with the Bismarck Recreation Council to work with the Lions District 5NW Cabinet on the development of the proposed Lions Garden of Healing within Clairmont Family Conservation Park.

The Board accepted the 2025 audit report as presented by Mindy Piatz of Brady, Martz and Associates.

The Board authorized staff to request the City of Bismarck create a Park Improvement Special Assessment District to develop Boulder Ridge Park. Benefited property owners will receive a letter in July with details about the project.

The Board approved submission of a waiver of the Neighborhood Park and Open Space Policy for Clear Sky Second Addition due to its proximity to Heroes Park.

The Board approved transferring $3 million in General Fund reserves to the Capital Project Improvement Fund for the Schaumberg Arena refrigeration system replacement at Capital Ice Complex.

The Board approved the bid for parking lot improvements for the Operations Maintenance Building from Capital City Construction in the amount of $93,200.

The Board approved the bid for boiler replacement at VFW Sports Center Rink 1 from Northern Plains Plumbing, Heating, and Air in the amount of $252,808.

The Board approved the bid for restroom renovation at Municipal Country Club from Roers Construction Joint Venture LLC in the amount of $158,500.

The Board approved the bid for cart path improvements phase 2 at Tom O’Leary Golf Course from American Resurfacing Inc. in the amount of $374,617.96.

The Board approved the bid for restroom remodeling at McDowell Dam Recreation Area from Paramount Builders Inc. in the amount of $76,512.

The Board approved the bid for a Satchel Paige statue at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark from Bronzeman Inc. in the amount of $68,500.

The Board rejected the previously approved bid for the World War Memorial Building reroofing project from Twin City Roofing due to their inability to complete the project within the specified timeframe and approved the bid from Tecta America in the amount of $382,698.

The Board approved the recreation facility feasibility study agreement with CHA Consulting Inc., contingent upon the City Commission’s approval May 26, in the amount of $136,963.

The Board discussed its public comment policy and asked staff to compile information regarding policies used by other political subdivisions for review.

The Board designated Mike Wald as interim executive director and interim clerk from June 2 to June 18 until Dave Leker begins his service as executive director.

The Board authorized staff to call for bids for a dehumidifier for H.A. Thompson & Sons Arena at VFW Sports Center and concessions operations at Capital Ice Complex.

The Board approved the addendum agreement for the BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center concessions agreement due to the sale of Epic Nutrition.

The Board recognized retiring Executive Director Kevin Klipfel with a proclamation for his outstanding leadership and distinguished service.

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room.

The post Board of Park Commissioners Brief for May 21, 2026 appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

The post 2026 Memorial Day Hours appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.

Pool hours at Elks Aquatic Center, Hillside Aquatic Complex, and Paul H. Wachter Aquatic Complex will be 12:00-4:00pm and 4:30-8:30pm Monday through Thursday. From Friday through Sunday, the pools will be open from 12:00-7:00pm. Hillside will also offer a lap swim session Monday through Friday from 11:30am-12:30pm.

The indoor pools at BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center will be open for regular summer hours.

Swim lessons will be offered both indoors and outdoors. Registration for indoor session 1 opens June 2 and session 2 opens July 8. Indoor swim registration is available online or in person at the BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center or BPRD administrative office.

Registration for three outdoor swim lesson sessions opens June 8, June 29, and July 20. Registration is available in person at the pool where you wish to take lessons.

Outdoor pool season passes may be purchased online or in person at the BPRD administrative office, 400 E. Front Ave.

Indoor and outdoor pool birthday parties may be reserved online.

Application materials for lifeguards, swim instructors, and other outdoor pool positions are available on our Jobs webpage. Anyone interested in training opportunities to become a lifeguard or water safety instructor is invited to call the BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center at 701-751-4266 for more information. Free training is provided for lifeguards and swim instructors who join the BPRD team.

The post 2026 Outdoor Pool and Splash Pad Schedule appeared first on Bismarck Parks & Recreation.