The Fargo Park District unveiled its plans for the Fargo Parks Sports Center and announced the support of the project’s current 11 community partners.
The essential and forward-thinking partners include Alex Stern Family Foundation, Bell Bank, Beverage Wholesalers, Inc., Cornerstone Bank, Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hector Foundation, Kvalvog Family, Midco, MinnKota Recycling, Sanford Health and SCHEELS.
“Our community partnerships and the collaborative nature of the Fargo Parks Sports Center demonstrate a real-time example of what it means to unite as a community,” expressed Vicki Dawson, Fargo Park District Board President.
“We think Fargo is a world-class community and should have a world-class facility. When people come to Fargo we want them to experience how great Fargo is and this facility will help them see that,” stated Dawson.
Dave Leker, Executive Director of the Fargo Park District said, “A vision like this is much bigger than the Fargo Park District. This is a collective effort. What these partners have done is laid the groundwork. We thank them for their inspiration, and now it's up to us to get this done. We continue to seek additional community-centered partners to make this facility a reality.”
The Fargo Park District Foundation today also unveiled the planned ‘Wall of Champions’ to be included at the Fargo Parks Sports Center. There are multiple ways individuals or organizations can donate to the Fargo Parks Sports Center. Interested parties are encouraged to visit FargoParks.com/foundation or contact the Fargo Park District Foundation for more information at foundation@fargoparks.com or call 701-551-5887.
Construction of the Fargo Parks Sports Center is planned on 100 acres just west of Interstate 29, between 52nd Avenue South and 64th Avenue South. Once opened, the Fargo Parks Sports Center will address a critically unmet need for indoor recreation facilities available in the Fargo community. Discussion of plans unveiled today showed the project includes 1 full size indoor soccer turf field, 4 full sized basketball courts, administrative offices, multipurpose community space and an indoor walking track.
The Fargo Park District confirmed today that Sanford Health will serve as a business partner for the Fargo Sports Complex with the facility also serving as a home for Sanford POWER.
“This project is going to have a significant impact,” Bryan Nermoe, President and CEO of Sanford Health said. “As a kid growing up here, organized wellness activities were a way of life. Today, more than ever, these activities are so very important for our youth and our community. This project will have a significant impact on health and wellness in our region and we are so glad to see this component of our mission around community health becoming a reality.”
Charley Johnson, President and CEO of the FM Convention and Visitors Bureau said the area is blessed to have world-class sporting facilities, but more indoor turf and basketball/volleyball court space is needed.
“This is an extremely important facility in our region for so many reasons. Having this high-quality indoor turf and courts complex opens the door to more and different tournament activities than has previously been available for our community. That means more visitors leaving more spending dollars for our local stores, eateries and attractions.” Johnson added.
As part of today’s announcement of project sponsors, the Fargo Park District Foundation shared that a critical fundraising milestone has been met. The Fargo Park District Foundation is actively fundraising the last 20 percent of the project.
“Our current partners have helped us get to this point, but we still need community support to make this happen,” Craig Bjur, Fargo Park District Foundation Project Manager said. “This facility is for everyone and will impact our community for generations to come. Every gift is a step towards making this project possible. We encourage you to consider giving by visiting FargoParks.com/foundation.”
