In case you missed the Park Board Meeting on October 3, 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.
Proposal Awarded to Schatz & Associates, LLC for Fargo Park District strategic planning services
As part of the consent agenda, Park Board Commissioners voted 5-0 to award the proposal to Schatz & Associates, LLC for Fargo Park District strategic planning services.
After reviewing and scoring three proposals, an evaluation committee recommended that the proposal be awarded to Schatz & Associates, LLC based on their vast experience in the public sector, professionalism, and demonstrated understanding of desired outcomes.
As the Fargo Park District and community continue to grow at a rapid pace, strategic planning services will assist in creating a well-defined roadmap for the future and help to align goals and resources effectively.
Approval of addition of two Park District sites to Audubon Great Plains’ Urban Woods and Prairies Initiative
As part of the consent agenda, Park Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve an addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Audubon Society and the Fargo Park District for the addition of Rabanus and Holm Parks for habitat restoration as part of the Urban Woods and Prairies (UWP) Initiative.
In 2014, Audubon Great Plains, the Fargo Park District and other partners began developing an urban initiative which sought to integrate native landscapes back into urban landscapes. With the help of city and park partners, the UWP Initiative has been an incredible success. The UWP Initiative’s provides high quality habitat for local bird and wildlife species, while also encouraging community members to explore and learn about our local native ecosystem.
To date, the UWP Initiative has enrolled nearly 30 sites across the cities of Fargo, Moorhead, Bismarck, Grand Forks and Minot totaling over 1,000 acres. Sites located in Fargo include Heritage Hills Park, Forest River Park, Orchard Glen Park, Iwen Park, Lions Conservancy Park, Lemke Conservancy Park, Pontes Prairie, Unicorn Park, Wildflower Grove, Urban Plains Park, Mickelson Park, North Softball Complex, Eagle Valley Park and Golden Valley Park.
The Addendum includes the following additional properties to be incorporated into the Habitat Restoration project: Rabanus Park (1757 42nd St. S.) and Holm Park (194 North Woodcrest Dr.).
Permission granted for appraisal of the Fargo Park District Depot building
As part of the consent agenda, Park Board Commissioners voted 5-0 to grant permission for appraisal of the Fargo Park District Depot building.
As the Fargo Parks Sports Center nears completion (slated for Spring of 2024), Fargo Park District administrative offices will be moved to the facility. In preparation, Fargo Park District leadership and commissioners have had an ongoing discussion regarding the existing footprint of the organization and its facilities. Specifically, the future of the Depot and Robert D. Johnson Recreation Center have been a point of conversation.
The most recent appraisal for the Depot, located at 701 Main Ave in downtown Fargo, was completed in 2019. As such, a more recent and accurate appraisal is needed before conversations can resume regarding its future.
Final approval of the 2024 annual Fargo Park District budget
Park Board Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the 2024 annual Fargo Park District budget.
At the August 8, 2023 regular Board Meeting, commissioners approved the 2024 preliminary budget. The Fargo Park District held its annual budget hearing on September 5, 2023 to offer the public an opportunity for input. Included in the 2024 Budget Report is an estimated reduction in the Tax Mill Levy of 1.35 Mills.
Following approval and finalization, the 2024 annual budget will be submitted to Cass County for final certification.
To view the final budget click HERE and scroll to page 75.
Media Contact:
Tori Benders, Marketing and Communications Specialist
Fargo Park District
701-630-0096
