News

Winter Activities Update for 2025-2026

As of December 1, the cross-country ski trail at Atkinson Nature Park is groomed for use. As of December 2, there is one cross-country ski trail groomed at Riverwood Golf Course. There is a $2 fee per person per use to ski at Riverwood. Please pay at the Riverwood pro shop; hours are

Thanksgiving Day Hours 2025

All Bismarck Parks and Recreation District facilities and the administrative office are closed for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 27, 2025. All facilities will resume normal business hours and schedules on Friday, November 28, while the administrative office will be closed.

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for November 20, 2025

Lindsay Junge, operations manager with BisMarket, shared an update as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District featured partner. BisMarket completed its 13th season in 2025 with an average market attendance of 1,000 people per Saturday. They look forward to continuing to expand the market at its location at Kiwanis Park.

Registration for Winter Programs 2025-2026

Check out the activities in the 2025-2026 Winter Activity Guide. Registration is open now for the following activities: Fencing Lifeguard Classes Karate Adult basketball team registration deadline is Wednesday, November 26, at 5:00pm. New adult volleyball team registration is Tuesday, December 2, from 7:30am-5:00pm. Registration for other youth and adult programs

Keelboat Park Update

Keelboat Park is closing as of November 7, 2025. The park is being redeveloped by the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation into a new public space called Bismarck River Commons. Learn more on their website. As part of the redevelopment, these park amenities were relocated this fall: Keelboat replica to Pioneer Park

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for October 16, 2025

Cherise Pfaff shared information about Bismarck Arts & Galleries Association as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District featured partner. BAGA hosts art exhibits and classes throughout the year, and their gallery space is available for rentals. They also have a store. Their biggest annual event is the Capital A’Fair.  Lauren Oster,

Improvements Underway at Tom O’Leary Golf Course in Fall 2025

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District is excited to announce the first phase of cart path improvements at Tom O’Leary Golf Course for the fall of 2025. Work began this week on cart paths for holes 10, 11, 12, 13, and 16. During these improvements, holes may be closed temporarily to

Playground Improvements and Additions Underway

Playgrounds are being updated and added at the following locations in fall 2025: McDowell Dam Recreation Area: a second playground is being installed by the shelters. Elks Aquatic Center: the poured-in-place surfacing for the playground will be replaced starting September 14. General Sibley Park: one of the playgrounds in the

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for September 11, 2025

Lynn Beiswanger shared information about the Bismarck Marathon as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District featured partner. He shared the organization’s focus on community wellness and highlighted the growth of the Marathon through the years. Beiswanger expressed appreciation for BPRD’s partnership and investment in Bismarck’s trail system. In 2024, Marathon

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for August 21, 2025

Tom Gerhardt shared information about Dakota Media Access as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District featured partner. DMA offers a Government Access channel, and Community Access channel, and a radio station. DMA broadcasts and archives BPRD regular Park Board meetings held at the Tom Baker Meeting Room. Funding for DMA

Board of Park Commissioners Brief for July 17, 2025

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District’s featured partners highlighted camps for people with disabilities. Lorena and Matt Poppe shared information about iCan Swim Camp, which is in its fifth year at BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center. Kendra Vander Wal discussed iCan Bike Camp, being held for its eighth year at VFW

Sheila Schafer Junior Links Open for Golfers July 1, 2025

Thank you to everyone for joining us for the grand opening of the relocated and expanded Sheila Schafer Junior Links on July 1, 2025. The Sheila Schafer Junior Links has expanded to four holes and a practice area adjacent to Pebble Creek Golf Course, 2525 N. 19th St. The original