In case you missed the Park Board Meeting on November 14, 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.
Permission granted to apply for Major League Baseball Players Association Youth Development Foundation Grant
As part of the consent agenda, Park Board Commissioners voted 5-0 to grant permission for staff to apply for a Major League Baseball-Major League Baseball Players Association (MLB-MLBPA) Youth Development Foundation Grant.
The MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation awards grants to organizations in the United States and internationally that work to increase participation and expand access to youth baseball and softball programs. The Fargo Park District plans to apply for a grant award of up to $300,000 to match capital funds budgeted in 2024 for field lighting and softball field dugout upgrades at the Anderson/Tharaldson Complex.
If a grant is received, funds would supplement the ongoing project and allow for an additional bullpen improvement project, which would include portable pitching mounds and new home plate areas. Improvements to the Complex will improve overall player experience and is an essential reinvestment in the community and the game.
Approval of contract services between the Fargo School District and Fargo Park District for a Storywalk near Madison Elementary School
As part of the consent agenda, Park Board Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve contract services between the Fargo School District and Fargo Park District for the installation of a Storywalk at Madison Elementary School.
The Storywalk will allow members of the public to engage in an educational experience while enjoying Madison Park amenities. The Storywalk will include a series of story boards, which will be located along the path running through the park. The Fargo Park District will provide and approve the space and placement of the story boards and the Fargo School District will provide the story boards themselves.
Approval purchase offer for Robert D. Johnson Recreation Center
Park Board Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of the Robert D. Johnson (RDJ) Recreation Center by Cass County.
The Fargo Park District has owned and operated the RDJ Recreation Center since it was purchased from the Fargo School District in 1996. The building has been home to several Park District staff offices and space for a variety of programs and events. With completion of Phase I of the Fargo Parks Sports Center slated for early summer 2024, the space is no longer needed by the Park District.
At an April County Commission Meeting, formal action was taken to offer $750,000 to the Park District for the sale of the building. The most recent appraisal valued the property at $1,270,000. Park Board Commissioners declined the offer at their May Park Board meeting and made a counteroffer of $1,120,100.
As of Monday, October 16, 2023, the Cass County Commissioner approved an updated offer for $825,000, which was accepted by Park Board Commissioners.
Media Contact:
Tori Benders, Marketing and Communications Specialist
Fargo Park District
701-630-0096
