River accessories must be removed in the fall to prepare for winter and freezing temperatures and reinstalled for public use in the spring. The floating bridge, kayak launches and docks are installed as soon as ice and river levels allow. Docks are generally installed first as they are the easiest to remove quickly should weather or river levels change suddenly. Historically, river accessories are installed in May. 

Our parks are public spaces and open to the community all year around, but some amenities do have to be closed in the fall and reopened in the spring. 

Opening of amenities is dependent on air temperature, amount of snow and flooding levels. Water will be turned on and bathrooms opened as soon as staff has determined that most of the freezing potential has passed. Portable bathroom facilities are placed near existing permanent bathroom structures as a temporary measure until bathrooms are opened again in the spring. 

In order to keep our green spaces beautiful and healthy, crews begin spraying and fertilizing (covers approximately 2,000 acres) in the spring and continue into the fall. Employees are licensed as commercial applicators through the State of North Dakota. All chemicals used are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and applied according to label instructions. 

The Fargo Park District does not apply mosquito control chemicals. The chemicals that are applied are most commonly herbicides for broadleaf weed control, fungicides and fertilizer. 

Each year, the Fargo Park District employs more than 180 seasonal and part-time staff to assist our full-time crews. We couldn't care for all of our parks and facilities without their help. Generally, seasonal staff work from April until October or from late May to late August, depending on their schedules and availability. 

We are always looking for additional help. If you are interested in seasonal or part-time work visit our Employment page for current opportunities! 

Preparing cross country ski trails is a process that starts long before the first snowflakes fall and requires collaboration from several different people and departments. 

First, forestry crews must begin clearing trees, brush and flood debris that collected over the spring, summer and fall months. Next, trails are mowed and checked for hazards by park maintenance. Obstructions that limit trail access in the summer are removed and sections of the trail are repaired if necessary. 

Creating ice for outdoor skating rinks is a complicated process. Factors such as outside and ground temperature, amount of sun and wind, snow, and type of surface the ice is created on all play a part in how quickly ice can be made and rinks can be opened. Generally, rinks can be ready in 14 days if the temperature is around 10 degrees Fahrenheit and there is little to no snowfall. 

The parks and maintenance teams are responsible for clearing snow on 90+ miles of trails and sidewalks, around 30 acres of parking lots and the entrances of 41 buildings and facilities. Trails are cleared with either a pickup and plow or a tractor and blower depending on the severity of the storm. 

The goal is to have routes cleared in 8 hours, however large amounts of snow and high winds can complicate and delay the process. After crews have finished the entire route they will start back at the beginning to clear ridges created by City of Fargo plows and drifting snow. 

Crews continue to mow grass and mulch leaves until a snow event or until front and frozen ground prevent continued mowing due to the risk of turf damage. 

Our teams get smaller in the fall as seasonal staff leave, so if you notice any areas that might need more attention, please let us know by submitting a service request form or by texting "MOW" to 701-997-7275.