Bismarck residents who want a say in what a future indoor recreation and sports facility could look like have two chances on Wednesday, Oct. 28, when the City of Bismarck and Bismarck Parks and Recreation District hold an open house and an evening community meeting at Bismarck Public Works, 601 S. 26th St.
According to the park district's announcement, posted Oct. 7, the day is split into two formats:
- Open house, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Drop in any time. The park district says there is no formal presentation during this session.
- Community meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Includes a presentation on the study's progress followed by time for questions.
Bismarck Parks and Recreation says the project's consultants will share what they have learned so far from the August community meetings and from residents' survey responses about what they want in a future facility.
What the study is
The feasibility study is a joint effort of the city and the park district. According to Bismarck Parks and Recreation, project consultant CHA is leading the work with UBL Design Group and RRC Associates, and the information gathered will be used to help determine community priorities and inform recommendations for potential future development.
The Board of Park Commissioners laid the groundwork in March, when its meeting brief records that the board authorized staff to work with the City of Bismarck to develop and issue a request for proposals for a community recreation center feasibility study, with a maximum cost to the park district of $75,000.
How we got here
The process opened with a community open house in August, where, according to the park district, attendees could speak directly with the consultants and project team. Residents were then invited to fill out an online survey about indoor facility needs, with paper copies available at the Bismarck Parks and Recreation office and the City/County Building. That survey closed Sept. 30.
If you go
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 28; open house 11 a.m.–2 p.m., community meeting 6–7:30 p.m.
- Where: Bismarck Public Works, 601 S. 26th St.
- More information: Check bisparks.org ahead of time for any updates.
Sources: https://www.bisparks.org/community-invited-to-open-house-and-meeting-on-indoor-recreation-sports-facility-feasibility-study/, https://www.bisparks.org/community-invited-to-complete-survey-for-indoor-recreation-sports-facility-needs-in-bismarck/, https://www.bisparks.org/board-of-park-commissioners-brief-for-march-19-2026/
