Closing Park Amenities

Submitted by tbender on Tue, 12/06/2022 - 12:10

Parks are public spaces and open to the community year around. However, some amenities must be closed in the fall and opened in the spring. 

Park amenities generally close once snow falls or temperatures are consistently below freezing. Water will be turned off and bathrooms will be closed once freezing temperatures are forecasted. Portable bathroom facilities are placed near existing permanent bathroom structures as a temporary measure until bathrooms are opened again in the spring. 

Mowing

Submitted by tbender on Tue, 12/06/2022 - 12:06

The Fargo Park District has dedicated staff to mowing and caring for our five public golf courses, sports fields and over 1,200 acres of parks. Large, open areas are mowed by large area mowers and crews. Trim crews then mow and trim areas that large mowers are unable to access. 

Garbage

Submitted by tbender on Tue, 12/06/2022 - 12:02

We love clean parks! Crews begin cleaning up garbage as soon as it begins to thaw from snowbanks. If you notice any areas that need extra attention, please submit a maintenance request form or text "GARBAGE" to 701-997-7275. 

Installation of River Accessories

Submitted by tbender on Tue, 12/06/2022 - 11:59

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. 

Opening Park Amenities

Submitted by tbender on Tue, 12/06/2022 - 11:57

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. 

Spraying and Fertilizing

Submitted by tbender on Tue, 12/06/2022 - 11:55

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. 

Seasonal Staffing

Submitted by tbender on Tue, 12/06/2022 - 11:53

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! 

Ski Trails

Submitted by tbender on Tue, 12/06/2022 - 11:50

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.