In case you missed the Park Board Meeting on April 11, 2023 below are some highlights to be aware of.
To view a full agenda and memos click here. For a full recording of the meeting visit the Fargo Park District YouTube page.
Island Park Pool Project Budget and Bids
The Fargo Park Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a construction budget increase for the Island Park Pool project from $16.9 million to $17.9 million. The increase will use private funds raised by the Fargo Park District Foundation. The additional budget will offset inflationary construction cost increases while still allowing the pool to be constructed with the most overall recreational value. The Fargo Park District Foundation has secured the million-dollar donation and the proposed increase to the budget will not require any additional funding from the public.
As construction costs have increased due to inflation, the additional budget will allow the Park District to pursue all the amenities proposed in the original master plan and allow for additional amenities to be included such as a timing system, scoreboard, starting blocks and deck shade structures.
The project, which is slated to be completed in the fall of 2024 and re-opened for the 2025 season, will boast a lazy river, 50-meter competitive lap swimming pool, multiple diving platforms, a tube and fly-time slide and a zero-depth entry pool. The renovation project will also include a remodel of the existing pool house.
Lease Agreement with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and Growing Together Community Gardens
As part of the consent agenda, Park Board Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a lease agreement with Lutheran Immigration Services and Growing Together Community Gardens to develop a community garden at Village West Park. The two organizations are partnering to spearhead the Refugee Agricultural Partnership Program which will deliver classroom instruction on fruit and vegetable growing and harvesting, food preservation methods and more to recently settled New Americans. The garden at Village West Park will serve as a hands-on learning lab for program participants.
The proposed garden will be located in the northeast corner of Village West Park and consist of .9 acres of space. According to Program Coordinator Eric Hegg, Village West Park is ideal due to its proximity to neighborhoods with populations of recently resettled refugees with most program participants living within walking distance. The space also receives adequate sun exposure and water access and features shelter and bathroom facilities, ample parking space and overall easy access. Lutheran Immigration Services has received a three-year grant to ensure the success of the start-up project.
Memorandum of Understanding with Audubon Dakota for the Urban Pollinator Plots Project
As part of the consent agenda, Park Board Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Audubon Dakota for the Urban Woods and Prairies Initiative dedicated as the Urban Pollinator Plots (UPP) project. The project’s goal is to improve certain parcels of property, or habitat management sites. The parcels requested for restoration sites include: 6 acres at Mickelson Park, 24 acres at the North Softball Complex, 2.2 acres at Eagle Valley Pond and 4 acres at Golden Valley Park.
The Fargo Park District, Audubon Dakota and NDSU were recently awarded a grant from the North Dakota Industrial Commission’s Outdoor Heritage Fund for the UPP project which will assist in establishing small urban pollinator plantings in local parks across the community. To read more about the project and grant click here.
The Park Board of Commissioners will meet again on May 9, 2023 at 5:30 PM for their regular monthly meeting. For a full recording of the meeting visit the Fargo Park District YouTube page.
Declaration of Flood Emergency
With a major flood forecasted in the region, Park Board Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a resolution to declare an emergency exists for the 2023 spring flood. This allows staff to move quickly and take emergency measures to protect Park District property.
Media Contact:
Tori Benders, Marketing and Communications Specialist
Fargo Park District
701-630-0096
