focus · tennis professional, rod morasch. he is credited with positively impacting the environment...
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The Official Publication of the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association Summer 2019
FOCUS
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The annual NDPRA State Conference is around the corner Sept. 10-12 in Valley City. The conference always provides for some great speakers, networking and time to visit with other park and recreation professionals who may have the same challenges you’re encountering. Visit www.ndrpa.com for additional details on the conference.
I look forward to seeing everyone in September at the NDRPA State Conference in Valley City!
Amy PedersonNDRPA President
President’s MessageSummer seems to be
flying by faster and faster each year. I’m sure that’s how most of you are feeling. It’s always busy but also rewarding to see all the hard work that each department puts into making our communities a better place to live, work and play.
July is National Parks and Recreation Month, and Valley City Parks and Recreation (VCPR) had a busy month of activities and events planned with concerts and movies in the parks, games, fitness classes, safety in the parks, and a whole lot more. We will be hosting the City of Valley City vs. VCPR First Annual Wood Bat Softball Game (ask us at the conference how this turned out). Fingers crossed that we all survive, and VCPR comes ahead with bragging rights.
MissionAdvancing parks, recreation and conservation for an enhanced quality of life in North Dakota.
Strategic Goals1. Member Services: Provide training,
information and networking for parks and recreation stakeholders.
2. Policy Advocacy: Represent parks and recreation interests on public policy issues.
3. Public Outreach: Promote the benefits of parks and recreation and the importance of conservation, health and wellness, and access.
Aug. 13-14 ND Trails Conference, MinotSept. 10-12 NDRPA State Conference,
Valley CitySept. 24-26 NRPA Annual Conference,
BaltimoreOct. 15 FOCUS DeadlineMarch 17-19 Certified Playground Safety
Inspector Course, Bismarck
VCPR kicked off National Parks and Recreation Month with Grilling 101 July 8. Pictured from left to right: Ali Keller, VCPR Wellness Center facility manager; Amy Pederson, VCPR recreation manager; Spencer Wirt, NDSU meat specialist; and Ashley Martinson, VCPR office manager.
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ContentsPresident’s Message 3Mark Your Calendar 3NDRPA News 5Commissioner’s Corner 6Park District News 8Registration Open for NDRPA State Conference 112019 NDRPA State Conference Schedule 12The Law Protects Legitimate Whistleblowers and Employers Need Legitimate Protection 14People on the Move 16NDRPA 2018 Awards Highlight 18Engage in the Main Street Initiative 20How Does Your Agency Measure Up? 23
advertisersB6C Builders 2Boom Concrete 5Associated Supply Company Inc. 5My Turn Playsystems 6MTI Distributing 7Recreation Supply Company 8Bobcat 9ND State Procurement Office 10Grondahl Recreation Inc. 14The Tessman Company 15R.J. Thomas Manufacturing/Pilot Rock 15Herfort Norby Golf Course Architects 16Dakota Playground 17Rivard’s Turf & Forage 17USTA Northern 19My Turn Playsystems 20Acme Tools 21ND Insurance Reserve Fund 23KLJ 24
Thank You to our FOCUS advertisers.We appreciate your business!
FOCUS is the official newsletter of the North Dakota Recreation & Park Association (NDRPA). It is distributed quarterly via mail to almost 900 parks and recreation professionals and posted on the NDRPA website. Submission of articles and photographs are encouraged in digital format to [email protected]. Photographs should be high-resolution (300 dpi or greater). Advertising information is available online at www.ndrpa.com.
Next FOCUS deadline: Oct. 15, 2019Cover photo: Ellis Pederson loves camping at General Sibley Park and Campground in Bismarck.
Board of direCtorsPresident Amy PedersonValley City Parks and RecreationPO Box 422Valley, City ND [email protected]
Past President George HellyerGrand Forks Park DistrictPO Box 12429Grand Forks, ND [email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer Kevin KlipfelBismarck Parks and Recreation District400 E Front AveBismarck, ND [email protected]
Public Policy Chair Cole HiglinMandan Park District2600 4th Ave SEMandan, ND [email protected]
External Affairs Chair Katie EttishWest Fargo Park District601 26th Ave EWest Fargo, ND [email protected]
Internal Affairs Chair Sam Larson-FrobigFargo Park District701 Main AveFargo, ND [email protected]
staffExecutive Director Dana Schaar JahnerPO Box 1091Bismarck, ND [email protected]
Assistant Executive Director Shannon SchuttPO Box 1091Bismarck, ND [email protected]
foCUs designJulee Farnsworth-RitzClearwater Communications
WeBsitewww.ndrpa.com
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ndrPa neWsAnnual Meeting Notice
NDRPA will hold its annual business meeting during the Thursday breakfast at the NDRPA State Conference Sept. 12 in Valley City. Agenda items include election of board members and review of association activities. An agenda and associated materials will be distributed to members via email the week prior to the meeting. All members are encouraged to attend.
Don’t Miss the Largest Annual Gathering of Park and Recreation Professionals
There is still plenty of time to register for the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference taking place in Baltimore Sept. 24-26. Join 8,000 park and recreation professionals for energetic networking activities, inspirational education sessions and an inside look at the most innovative products in the field. With more than 500
top speakers, more than 400 exhibitors, nearly 300 education sessions and 11 education tracks, you are guaranteed to leave the conference feeling inspired. Learn more and register at www.nrpa.org.
ND Park Board Manual AvailableThe North Dakota Park Board Manual equips both
new and experienced park board commissioners and staff with the information necessary to effectively carry out their authorities, roles and responsibilities. The manual also includes sample documents such as a joint use agreement and board member job description.
Order the park board manual online atwww.ndrpa.com or call701-355-4458.
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such as the baseball program. Right now, the park board is working on getting the baseball program up and running again as a feature program.
Erickson said the pool in Beach is great and one of the best activities in town. The Beach Park Board recently completed a major project of replacing the pool’s filter system.
Some of Erickson’s favorite recreation and park activities include watching baseball and football with her husband and two sons. They also enjoy hunting, fishing and trap shooting.
Jennifer Erickson has been a member of the Beach Park Board for nine years. She currently serves as the president of the park board. Erickson decided to get involved with parks and recreation when a vacancy opened and her children were young. She thought it would be a good opportunity.
Erickson has big goals for the Beach Park Board’s playgrounds. “I would love to get all of our playgrounds updated,” she said. “We have updated one and created a new one, but there are two that could use some help.”
Erickson said that the most challenging issue for her park board is obtaining funding for projects. Another challenge is finding individuals to help with activities,
CoMMissioner’s Corner
Jennifer Erickson
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Park distriCt neWsBismarck Tennis ProfessionalReceives Award
Each year, the Northern Section of the US Tennis Association (USTA) honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the growth and development of tennis.
One of the awards is the Jack Dow Adult Development Award, which honors the individual whose efforts have had the greatest impact on improving adult competitive and recreational play that year. Individuals considered for this award are tennis teaching professionals, tournament
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directors, USTA league tennis coordinators and captains, and others.
The 2018 recipient of the Jack Dow Development Award is Bismarck Parks and Recreation District’s Head Tennis Professional, Rod Morasch. He is credited with positively impacting the environment at Capital Racquet and Fitness Center and growing adult programming at all levels, especially beginners and people with disabilities. Morasch works with Bismarck and Mandan USTA adult league teams, teaches adult lessons and is the ultimate ambassador for tennis. His commitment to the game makes him a worthy recipient of the Jack Dow Adult Development Award.
Fargo On The Move: Encouraging Families to Be Active and Find Their Move
Fargo On The Move is a program about encouraging the community and families to get out this summer and find their move! The Fargo Park District (FPD) teamed up with Courts Plus Community Fitness, Family Wellness Fargo, and the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties to issue a challenge to their community: let’s see you move! As part of this challenge, all four organizations encouraged community activity throughout the month of June.
To help community members and families find their move, they were dared to up their monthly activity by completing a Fargo On The Move Activity Card. The activity cards were free to participate with no age requirements and were made available for download at FargoParks.com or could be picked up at any of the partnering locations.
At the end of June, 198 activity cards were turned in. Activity cards had three family passes to each partnering health club at the bottom of the card. The family passes could be used by one person or the entire family. Furthermore, 203 family passes to the partnering health clubs were redeemed. With those numbers, Fargo On The Move was a big success!
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The goal of this initiative was to help members of the community meet new people while providing an opportunity for families to increase their activity and strive for a healthy lifestyle. FPD and their partners had many community members participate through activities like Yoga in The Park, fitness classes at the local gyms, events like Midwest Kid Fest and more.
Additionally, FPD created incentives for participants. Once they completed at least 10 activities and submitted their activity cards (as an individual or family) to any of the partnering locations, they were entered for a chance to win big prizes, like a Yeti ‘Roadie 20’ Cooler filled with swag, gym memberships and more. Participants were also encouraged to use #FargoOnTheMove on social media. Each week, one of the partnering organizations gave away a gift card by choosing a winner from social media participants who used the hashtag.
New Golf Park Dedicated in Fargo A project more than a year in the making at Edgewood
Public Golf Course in Fargo has been completed. The
Fargo Park District (FPD) officially dedicated the Rodney S. Webb Memorial Golf Park on June 11.
The Webb family wanted to give north Fargo a unique amenity to honor the late Judge Rodney S. Webb. Webb and his wife spent many hours a week biking, walking and enjoying the outdoors north Fargo has to offer. The goal of the golf park is to give Edgewood and north Fargo residents an area to practice, as well as the whole family to get outside and enjoy the game.
The golf park consists of two practice areas. The first area includes a bunker to allow the golfer to practice bunker shots, as well as pitches and chips at distances of around 40 yards. The second area is larger and has various slopes to allow the golfer to practice putting from multiple distances and grades.
The project was made possible through the important private-public partnership of the Webb family, Monte and Scott Kjos of Comstock Development, and the FPD.
Park distriCt neWsContinued from page 8
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The State Conference is the premier NDRPA event each year, filled with educational sessions and networking opportunities. This year’s conference, “Expect the Unexpected,” is scheduled for Sept. 10-12 in Valley City. Don’t miss this chance to explore the parks and facilities operated by Valley City Parks and Recreation and connect with colleagues from across the state.
Check out the full schedule in this issue of FOCUS. Registration is available online at www.ndrpa.com.
AccommodationsRoom blocks have been reserved at the following
locations:• GrandStay Hotel & Suites, 701-490-3500, deadline
Aug. 1• AmericInn Motel & Suites, 701-845-5551, deadline
Aug. 12
Keynote SpeakersMatt Jones is a world-class
professional keynote speaker and author. He has conquered cancer three times, survived a bone marrow transplant, relearned how to walk and completed eight marathons on eight continents, including Antarctica. He is also the author of the book, Life’s a Marathon – 3 Choices to Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Greater Victory in Business, Life, and Leadership.
Jones strives to be a thought leader who offers solutions to the problems individuals and organizations face. His mission is to help flame the fire within to develop a “Marathon Mentality” in order to reach your full potential by overcoming challenges, improving daily and striving to attain greater goal attainment as well as life fulfillment.
John Ball supports the citizens of South Dakota in his role as a professor of forestry, SD State University (SDSU) Extension forestry specialist and SD Department of
Agriculture forest health specialist at the SDSU campus in Brookings. Ball previously managed tree care and design-build companies in the East and Midwest.
Tuesday Taste and TourDiscover quaint Valley City and some of the things
it has to offer during the Taste and Tour on Sept. 10. Tour the new and upcoming brewery downtown with sample home brews to try. Experience Pride of Dakota products made and manufactured in Valley City. Get a taste of local gourmet food items made, mixed and packaged by Valley City residents and shipped throughout North Dakota.
Tuesday SocialTuesday night’s social and dinner will be held at the
Dacotah Pavillion in Chautauqua Park. Network with fellow parks and recreation professionals and exhibitors while enjoying yard games, entertainment by DJ Paul Leier and food from Lori Jury.
Wednesday Facility TourTake a tour of Valley City’s facilities: Chautauqua
Park, City Park, Skate Park and Rec Center, Tourist Park, Veterans Park, Medicine Wheel Park, Pioneer Park, Community Pool, and the 2017 Golden Egg Award winner, the Gaukler Wellness Center.
Scholarships Available forSmall Park Boards
NDRPA is pleased to announce five full registration scholarships for the State Conference are available to park board commissioners or staff from park districts that do not have any full-time, year-round staff.
To request a scholarship, contact Sam or Shannon at the NDRPA office at 701-355-4458 or send an email to [email protected]. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Park boards are encouraged to contact NDRPA about the conference scholarships by Aug. 23.
Silent Auction Items RequestedThis year’s conference will include a silent auction to
raise funds for NDRPA scholarships. Each park district is encouraged to bring at least one auction item valued at $50 or more.
Registration Open for NDRPA State Conference
Matt Jones
John Ball
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Tuesday, Sept. 10 11:00 a.m. Registration Open AmericInn
11:00 a.m. Lunch Bjornson Park Public Golf Course
12:00 p.m. Golf Outing Bjornson Park Public Golf Course
2:30 p.m. Taste and Tour* Departs from AmericInn
5:30 p.m. Social and Dinner* Dacotah Pavilion at Chautauqua Park
Wednesday, Sept. 11Eagles Club
7:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall Opens Breakfast and Past Presidents’ Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Conference Welcome
8:15 a.m. Keynote: Recreation and Parks Is a Marathon – Matt Jones
9:45 a.m. Break with Exhibitors
10:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions • Healthy Trees – Allen Lee, City of Fargo Forestry • Staff Management – Jackie Cordie, First Community Credit Union • Happiness Is a Marathon: How to Be Happier at Work and in Life – Matt Jones
2019 NDRPA State ConferenceSept. 10-12 · Valley City
* Transportation provided
BC6 Builders • Dakota Playground • KLJ • Musco Sports Lighting • Rivard's Turf and Forage
THANK YOUto Our
Sponsors
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11:30 a.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. Roundtable Discussions
1:30 p.m. Break with Exhibitors
2:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions • Creating an Emergency OperationsPlan–Officer Sean Hagen, Valley City Police Department • Social Media – JoAnn Ziniel, Valley City State University • Record Retention – Dawn Cote, ND Information Technology Department
3:30 p.m. Facility Tour* Departs from Eagles Club
6:00 p.m. Social
6:30 p.m. Awards Banquet
Thursday, Sept. 12Eagles Club
7:30 a.m. Breakfast and NDRPA Annual Meeting
8:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions • Aquatics – Dave Klundt, Fargo Park District • Title VI Compliance – Genny Giese and Jolene Rieck, ND Parks and Recreation Department • TBD
9:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions • Tree Safety – John Ball, SD State University • Customer Service – Sam Larson-Frobig, Fargo Park District • The POWER of Community Networking and Hosting Events – Heather Godfrey, National Independent Health Club Association
10:30 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Lunch and Closing Keynote: Tree Humor – John Ball, SD State University
BC6 Builders • Dakota Playground • KLJ • Musco Sports Lighting • Rivard's Turf and Forage
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If you have ever fired, demoted or disciplined an employee, the thought of subsequent legal action likely crossed your mind. While North Dakota is an at-will employment state, there are many exceptions. One of these limitations is that you cannot retaliate against your employees. While this sounds like common sense, what does it actually mean?
Anti-retaliation laws are commonly referred to as “whistleblower” protection statutes. North Dakota’s whistleblower statue is Section 34-01-20 of the North Dakota Century Code. It prohibits an employer from: 1) taking an adverse employment action against an employee for reporting illegalities to appropriate individuals; 2) participating in an investigation initiated by a public body or official; or 3) refusing to perform an action that the employee believes
The Law Protects Legitimate Whistleblowers and Employers Need Legitimate ProtectionBy Brian D. Schmidt, Attorney at Law and Partner, Smith Porsborg Schweigert Armstrong, Moldenhauer & Smith
to be illegal. However, the North Dakota Supreme Court recently confirmed this statute “was not intended to protect an employee who acts for a purpose other than exposing an illegality.” Ramirez v. Walmart, 2018 ND 179, 915 N.W.2d 674.
Unfortunately, you may encounter a situation where an employee exhibits unacceptable performance over a period of time. The employee may suspect you are unhappy and even expect to get fired. In an effort to save
their job, the employee may assert illegal workplace conduct. In this hypothetical situation (which happens frequently), you are placed in a difficult situation. On one hand, you need to terminate this employee because they are a detriment to the operation of your office. On the other hand, you do not want to break the law by firing a
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“whistleblower.” How do you prevent this situation from turning into an embarrassing and expensive lawsuit?
First, contact an attorney and explain the situation thoroughly so they can make a determination as to whether or not you should proceed with the termination. The attorney will ask you for that employee’s file. To avoid liability, you will have to be able to show a legitimate nonretaliatory reason for the adverse employment decision. Documentation of employee conduct is vital to prove your actual motives. In fact, federal courts have noted an employer carries the “burden of production” to establish it had a legitimate nonretaliatory reason for its employment action. This means the employer has to produce evidence that the decision was not motivated by the employee’s participation in a “whistleblower” activity. Even if there are valid reasons to terminate an employee, these reasons can be difficult to prove without documentation.
Be honest in employee evaluations and document performance deficiencies. If you have a meeting with an employee to discuss performance or attitude problems, make note of it. While the paperwork may seem like an inconvenience at the time, you will realize its value if you end up fighting a retaliation lawsuit.
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Dave Leker was recently named the FPD interim executive director. Leker has been a member of the FPD staff since 1999 and most recently served as the organization’s deputy director.
Amanda Liebold has joined FPD as a meal assistant at Valley Senior Services Ransom/Sargent. She is interested in nutrition and spreading facts to people on the subject.
Kayle Oliver has joined FPD as a content specialist. She is a Concordia graduate and newly married. She is a coffee lover and dog mom of two and loves spending time outside taking her dogs on walks, four-wheeling and fishing.
PeoPle on the MoveSpencer Aune has joined
the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) staff as recreation supervisor. He will be working with BPRD’s after school and summer recreation programs and will manage all BPRD special events. Aune is a native of East Grand Forks,
Minn., and received his degree in exercise science with a concentration in sports management from Valley City State University.
Pane Babic has joined Fargo Park District (FPD) as an accountant at Courts Plus. Babic has a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead in accounting. He loves basketball and his favorite team is the Timberwolves.
He has five brothers and six sisters and enjoys spending time with family and friends at the lake.
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Throughout the year, NDRPA showcases award winners in each issue of FOCUS. NDRPA’s 2019 awards will be presented at the Awards Banquet Sept. 11 during the NDRPA State Conference in Valley City.
Distinguished Professional AwardBarb Erbstoesser
is the West Fargo Park District (WFPD) executive director. She earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure studies from Moorhead State University. After completing a WFPD internship, Erbstoesser was hired as the recreation coordinator to run all programs and events and manage the budget for the Recreation Department. In her 10 years as recreation coordinator, she experienced all aspects of the field, including leading programs, working events and managing staff.
In 2000, Erbstoesser was appointed the new executive of WFPD. Over the last 18 years, she has been directly involved in many projects, including three expansions to the Veterans Memorial Arena; the rebuilding of the Veterans Memorial Pool; the Shadow Wood Splash Pad and Park; several comprehensive plans and the implementation of the Park Land Dedication Policy; the acquisition of more than 400 acres of new park property and its development; the construction of the Rustad Recreation Center and its expansion; Young Field improvements and new grandstand; and the acquisitions of Rendezvous Park and the Scheels Soccer Complex.
Erbstoesser has worked closely with local organizations to foster and develop relationships that have allowed the park district to make impressive improvements to facilities within the community, while being a good steward of taxpayer dollars.
Erbstoesser has been involved at the state and national level of parks and recreation as an active member of NDRPA and NRPA for almost 30 years. She has been on several boards and committees, most recently serving on the NDRPA Internal Affairs Committee. She is a past presenter at both the North Dakota Trails and NDRPA State Conferences. Barb has also advocated
NDRPA 2018 Awards Highlightduring North Dakota legislative session by testifying in support of building authority financing.
Erbstoesser has proven to be a resourceful, innovative and active leader who has had considerable experience managing a rapidly growing, multifaceted park district.
Darin Krueger began his professional parks and recreation career in Perham, Minn., in 1996 as recreation director. In 1998, he moved to Colorado to pursue opportunities with the Highlands Ranch Community Association as the sports and recreation coordinator, serving there until November 2001. He moved on to become the director of the Sports Dome for the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District until July 2003. That July, Krueger landed a key position with the Denver Broncos as facility/operations. After three years with the Broncos, Darin was led back to his home state of North Dakota and named director of parks and recreation in Williston.
Over the last 12 years, Krueger has held many leadership positions, including NDRPA president, awards chair and Midwest liaison; USA Softball of North Dakota Classification Committee member; USA Softball of North Dakota Executive Council; North Dakota Babe Ruth Baseball assistant state commissioner; and Midwest Plains Babe Ruth Baseball assistant regional commissioner.
Since arriving in Williston, Krueger and the Parks and Recreation District have taken on several monumental challenges and seen them through. His list of accomplishments includes: Williston Community Builders Playground Project, a 2010 Golden Egg Award recipient; a voter-approved campaign to switch funding from property tax to sales tax; two Babe Ruth World Series in 2013 and 2016; and the construction and opening of the Williston Area Recreation Center, a 2014 Golden Egg Award recipient. Under his leadership, Williston Parks and Recreation District has been named as a finalist for the NRPA Gold Medal Award in 2015 and 2018.
Krueger’s years of dedication to his work in parks and recreation has had an impact on the Williston community and North Dakota.
Barb ErbstoesserDarin Krueger
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Register for Main Street SummitRegistration is open for the 2019 Main Street Summit
Oct. 29-31 in Bismarck. Listen to speakers, participate in sessions and experience practical activities that will have you thinking about the economic and community development of wherever you call home.
The Main Street ND Summit serves as a forum for information on the community planning principles behind the three pillars of Gov. Burgum’s Main Street Initiative: a skilled workforce; smart, efficient infrastructure; and healthy, vibrant communities. The goal is to help North Dakota compete in a 21st century economy in which rapid technological advancement is changing every job, industry and organization.
Registration is available at MainStreetSummitND.com.
Submit Nominations forMain Street Awards
The Office of Governor and the Department of Commerce are seeking nominations for the 2019 Main Street Awards, a program of North Dakota’s Main Street Initiative. The Main Street Awards honor communities that show excellence in applying the principles of Main
Engage in the Main Street InitiativeStreet Initiative by actively working to differentiate and enhance the quality of life for their present and future residents. The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 30. Learn more at MainStreetND.com.
AWARD CATEGORIESND Legendary Heritage Award
This award recognizes communities focused on preserving and protecting the historical assets of their towns. By honoring historical buildings and structures, spaces and other assets North Dakota’s communities connect generations of residents and inspire community pride.
ND Arts and Culture AwardThis award recognizes communities that promote and
celebrate the arts and culture. Communities that invest in the arts are improving quality of life, creating beautiful spaces and enriching the lives of residents and visitors. Local art and culture are what make our communities unique and are essential parts of attracting and retaining a talented workforce.
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Revitalizer AwardThis award recognizes communities that take empty
or dilapidated lots or structures and revitalize them with updated infrastructure, mixed-use retail, residential, parks or other unique assets. Communities should demonstrate use of existing infrastructure, infusing it with new and innovative ideas, to ensure the most efficient use of public resources.
Legendary Young Leader AwardIn North Dakota, youth aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders,
they are also today’s leaders. This award recognizes a young North Dakota leader who has shown exemplary leadership in their community by speaking up, getting engaged and/or motivating others to invest in their community.
Vibrancy AwardThis award recognizes communities that have activated
space by investing in shared public space, cultural experiences and/or community events which draw residents and visitors. By providing engaging, lively spaces to residents and visitors, the vibrancy of North Dakota communities will continue to provide a high quality of life
Livability for All Ages AwardThis award recognizes a community, organization or
project that has taken steps to ensure their community can provide a high quality of life for people of all ages. These efforts emphasize active transportation, accessibility and events that engage and empower people of all ages and abilities, helping North Dakota improve its health, economy and connectivity.
Differentiator AwardThis award recognizes a community, organization,
individual or specific project that has found an innovative and/ or unique way to attract businesses, workforce and visitors or enhance local quality of life by leveraging their unique assets or qualities.
Future Leaders Empowerment AwardThis award recognizes a community that seeks to
engage students in creating a healthy, vibrant community through leadership development, community planning or workforce exploration in community industries.
Main Street Excellence AwardThis award will be presented to multiple communities
in categories separated by population. These awards will recognize communities whose efforts emulate all three pillars of Main Street success - Smart, Efficient Infrastructure; 21st Century Workforce; and Healthy, Vibrant Communities.
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Park distriCt neWsContinued from page 10
youth with athletic success and the opportunity to learn valuable life lessons through baseball.
New Splash Pad Open in BismarckBismarck Parks and Recreation District welcomed
a splash pad to its menu of community offerings this summer.
The splash pad, located in New Generations Park in northwest Bismarck, is western themed to match the existing “Fort Fun” playground. The spray features in the splash pad activate with a push of a button and include dumping cones and a series of water jets. The splash pad hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
Other park amenities that were completed and unveiled at New Generations Park this winter include the Farwest Rotary Community Center, a reservable space that also serves as the warming house for a new hockey rink and new pleasure rink. The Community Center has a kitchenette, restrooms and easy access to both the splash pad and the park. A picnic shelter was also completed, providing a space for splash pad parties and events. The community center, splash pad and shelter have gotten rave reviews from the community.
The splash pad and the community center received support from the Farwest Rotary Club and the Land and Water Conservation Fund through North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.
The new practice area allows golfers to practice any shot they may encounter on the greens at any of the FPD golf courses or other courses in the area.
“The Edgewood practice area is an excellent opportunity for golfers to practice, regardless of their skill levels,” stated Greg McCullough, head golf pro at Edgewood Public Golf Course. “By opening the practice area, we hope golfers continue to develop a passion for the sport.”
Mandan Ballpark RenovatedThe Mandan Veteran’s Memorial Ballpark celebrated
its renovation with an open house June 4. The renovation consisted of artificial turf, renovated dugouts, locker rooms, umpire room, and grandstands.
Mandan Park District was able to make this a reality with the help of local sponsors and partnership with Mandan Baseball. Together they strive to provide Mandan
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How Does Your Agency Measure Up?
The typical park and recreation agency offers one park for every 2,181 residents served, with 10.1 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. But park and recreation agencies are as diverse as the communities that they serve, and what works well for one agency may not be best for your agency. Therefore, you need data to identify the best practices to serve your community optimally.
The 2019 NRPA Agency Performance Review, with its accompanying interactive online tools from NRPA Park Metrics, is the most comprehensive resource of park and recreation data and insights in the United States and provides the data and insight you need to gain more funding support, improve operations and better serve your community. These resources are tailored to provide you with:
• Guidance on the resources you need to maintain and improve your agency’s performance.
• Data that allow informed decisions on the optimal set of service and facility offerings.
• Comprehensive data that demonstrate the broad offerings and programming that meet the full definition of parks and recreation.
• A look at present-day uncertainties and future trends affecting the field.
To read the report, view the interactive tables and begin using this data to help your agency excel, visitwww.nrpa.org/publications-research.
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FOCUSPO Box 1091Bismarck, ND 58502
PRESORTEDSTANDARD
US POSTAGEPAID
BISMARCK, NDPERMIT 433
North Dakota Recreation & Park Association