Thursday, July 16, 2026
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Fargo Park District July 14, 2026 Board Meeting Recap graphic featuring a shaded park pathway lined with mature trees and people walking in the background.

 

 

In case you missed the Park Board Meeting on July 14, 2026, below are some highlights to be aware of. To view a full agenda and memos click HERE. To view a full video recording of the meeting click HERE.

The Fargo Park District Board of Commissioners held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in the Alex Stern Community Room at the Fargo Parks Sports Center. Prior to the regular meeting, the Board elected its officers for the coming year, selecting Jerry Rostad as Board President and Zoe Absey as Vice President. The board then approved the agenda and consent agenda as presented.

Public Comments

No public comments were provided during the meeting.

Director's Report

Executive Director Susan Faus recognized staff for a successful Edgewood Golf Course 100th Anniversary Celebration, which welcomed approximately 400 attendees for an evening of games, food and live music. She also thanked Holly Husso for concluding nearly three years of leadership development training for Fargo Park District employees and shared that staff will continue exploring future professional development opportunities. Additional updates included early conversations with the Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum regarding potential partnership opportunities and operational adjustments made during the recent extreme heat, including moving some programs indoors and canceling select outdoor activities to prioritize participant and staff safety.

High School Girls Flag Football Update

The board received an inaugural season update on the Fargo Park District's High School Girls Flag Football League. The first-of-its-kind program in North Dakota welcomed 60 athletes from multiple schools, creating four varsity-level teams through a partnership with the Minnesota Vikings. Staff highlighted the league's strong participation, positive athlete experience, dedicated coaches and volunteers, and the excitement already building for next season. Commissioners also recognized the program's role in introducing many participants to organized athletics for the first time and providing new opportunities for girls to continue playing the sport beyond high school.

Park Improvement District Resolutions

The board approved resolutions creating Park Improvement District No. 2026-1 (Madeline Meadows) and Park Improvement District No. 2026-2 (Selkirk Third Edition/Clay Hector North). These actions begin the formal process for constructing neighborhood parks funded through special assessments, with improvements including trails, playgrounds, shelters and trees. Staff also outlined the next steps in the assessment process, including neighborhood communication, public input opportunities and future bid approvals.

2027 Fees

The board approved the proposed 2027 fees for recreation programs, facilities, pools, golf, the Fargo Parks Sports Center and Courts Plus. Recommendations were developed using cost recovery analysis, peer community comparisons, participation trends and operational costs. Highlights include modest adjustments to select recreation programs, the introduction of resident and nonresident rates for pools and golf season passes, continued free use of the Sports Center walking track, and updates to Courts Plus membership options while maintaining affordable community access through scholarship opportunities.

Fargo Park Ordinances

The board approved the first reading of updated Fargo Park ordinances. The revisions consolidate previous ordinance documents, align enforcement language with current City of Fargo ordinances, clarify prohibited activities and park hours, update sections related to dog parks and trespassing, and improve overall readability. A second reading will take place at the August board meeting before the updated ordinances are finalized.

2025 Audit

The board approved the Fargo Park District's 2025 audited financial statements and federal audit. The independent audit resulted in an unmodified opinion, with no material weaknesses identified and full compliance with applicable financial reporting standards. Staff also recognized the Finance Department for its year-round work in maintaining the District's strong financial stewardship.

Governance Committee Updates

The board received a Governance Committee update summarizing discussion on the 2025 audit and the revised Fargo Park ordinances, including committee feedback that informed the first reading presented during the meeting.

Planning Committee Updates

The board received a Planning Committee update reviewing the transfer agreement with the Central North Dakota Steam Threshers, discussion regarding the Urban Archery Deer Hunting Program, the proposed park improvement districts, 2027 fee recommendations, and an initial discussion regarding future credit card processing fees. Staff noted that any future consideration of credit card fees would continue to provide payment options that do not include additional charges.

The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Media Contact:
Kenna Krchnavy, Communications and Community Engagement Specialist
Fargo Park District
701-499-7784
kkrchnavy@fargoparks.com