FOCUSThe Official Publication of the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association Spring 2019

President’s Message

As I begin to write this article, six months ago we started our fall season with a blizzard and we begin spring season with another blizzard. I hope all districts stay safe as water levels rise. Our association had a great meeting in Bismarck followed by Parks Day at the Capitol Feb. 6-7. I want to thank everyone who attended and participated, as well as Dana and Shannon for getting everything scheduled and planned. Valley City’s City Park A few upcoming dates to keep in mind are Aug. 13-14 for the ND Trails takes to prepare for everything from training staff to Conference in Minot and our annual conference for scheduling and field preparation, but it’s all worth the NDRPA in Valley City Sept. 10-12. Please be thinking excitement it brings to our communities. I encourage all about potential candidates to nominate for our NDRPA of you to take time for yourself and your families to also awards. You can see the various awards and criteria on enjoy the spring and summer activities and parks in our the website www.ndrpa.com. great state. Many of you are gearing up for a busy spring and I would like to thank each of you for what you do in summer. We all know how much time and effort it your community and for our state association. Hopefully the weather turns around for us, and we have a great summer in parks and recreation. Amy Pederson NDRPA President

Mission Advancing parks, recreation and conservation for an enhanced quality of life in North Dakota.

Strategic Goals 1. Member Services: Provide training, July 15 FOCUS Deadline information and networking for parks and recreation stakeholders. July 16 Hall of Fame and Awards 2. Policy Advocacy: Represent parks and Nomination Deadline recreation interests on public policy issues. Aug. 13-14 ND Trails Conference, Minot 3. Public Outreach: Promote the benefits of parks and recreation and the importance Sept. 10-12 NDRPA State Conference, of conservation, health and wellness, and Valley City access. Sept. 24-26 NRPA Annual Conference, Baltimore

3 ontents C Board of Directors President Amy Pederson President’s Message 3 Valley City Parks and Recreation Mark Your Calendar 3 PO Box 422 NDRPA News 5 Valley, City ND 58072 701-845-3294 Commissioner’s Corner 6 [email protected] NDRPA Legislative Report 2019 7 Past President George Hellyer Increase in Senior Programming at West Fargo Grand Forks Park District PO Box 12429 Park District 8 Grand Forks, ND 58208 The ADA Applies to You, Do Not Ignore It 10 701-746-2750 NDRPA Awards Highlight 12 [email protected] Bismarck Ballpark Renovation Creates Opportunities 14 President Elect Ashley Krasicki Williston Parks and Recreation District People on the Move 16 PO Box 1153 Park District News 18 Williston, ND 58802 701-774-9773 [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Klipfel Advertisers Bismarck Parks and Recreation District 400 E Front Ave B6C Builders 2 Bismarck, ND 58504 701-222-6455 The Tessman Company 5 [email protected] Herfort Norby Golf Course Architects 6 Public Policy Chair Cole Higlin Cunningham Recreation/GameTime 8 Mandan Park District ND State Procurement Office 9 2600 4th Ave SE Mandan, ND 58554 Dakota Playground 10 701-751-6161 Boom Concrete 11 [email protected] ND Insurance Reserve Fund 11 External Affairs Chair Katie Ettish Acme Tools Insert West Fargo Park District 601 26th Ave E USTA Northern 13 West Fargo, ND 58078 Musco Sports Lighting 15 701-433-5360 [email protected] My Turn Playsystems 15 Internal Affairs Chair Sam Larson-Frobig Associated Supply Company Inc. 16 Fargo Park District Rivard’s Turf & Forage 17 701 Main Ave Fargo, ND 58201 Grondahl Recreation Inc. 17 701-499-7781 My Turn Playsystems 18 [email protected] Bobcat 19 R.J. Thomas Manufacturing/Pilot Rock 21 Staff Recreation Supply Company 22 Executive Director Dana Schaar Jahner MTI Distributing 23 PO Box 1091 Bismarck, ND 58502 KLJ 24 701-355-4458 [email protected] Thank You to our FOCUS advertisers. We appreciate your business! FOCUS Design & Editing 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 Julee Farnsworth-Ritz and Shannon Schutt and posted on the NDRPA website. Submission of articles and photographs are encouraged Clearwater Communications 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: July 15, 2019 Website www.ndrpa.com Cover photo: Kite Day in Lindenwood Park, Fargo Park District

4 NDRPA News

HRC Offering June Training The HR Collaborative for Local Government, of which NDRPA is a member, is offering “Hot Topics in HR” workshops, with a discount for first-time attendees sponsored by the ND Insurance Reserve Fund, June 17 in Dickinson, June 18 in Bismarck and June 20 in Fargo. Tour Trails in the Magic City Visit www.hrndgov.org to register. The eighth annual ND Trails Conference will be held Aug. 13-14 in Minot. This conference is a joint effort of the ND Parks and Recreation Department and NDRPA. NDRPA Seeks Nominees for Hall of Fame This year’s conference will kick off with Tuesday field NDRPA will honor individuals who have made sessions exploring trails throughout the Minot area, outstanding contributions to the parks and recreation including Woodland Trail and the Bison Plant Trail. Enjoy field in North Dakota, based on a reputable performance Wednesday classroom sessions on topics such as attested to a personal record of accomplishment. The partnerships, Recreation Trails Program (RTP) grants Hall of Fame Council, under the jurisdiction of NDRPA, and interpretation. Registration will open in June at has a voting procedure to select worthy individuals. www.ndrpa.com. Candidates are eligible if they satisfy at least two of the following three criteria: 1. Fifty years old. 2. Twenty years of parks and recreation service in North Dakota. 3. Retirement. The candidate’s nomination shall be judged on the following criteria: • A successful record of accomplishment in the parks and recreation field in North Dakota. • Active participation in the NDRPA shall be a high consideration. Hall of Fame recipients will be recognized at the NDRPA Annual Awards Banquet Sept. 11 in Valley City. Inductees receive a plaque, and another plaque will be displayed at the ND Sports Hall of Fame in Jamestown. Nomination forms are available at www.ndrpa.com. The deadline is July 16.

Nominations Needed for 2019 NDRPA Awards Recognizing the people and organizations that make great things happen in our communities is very important. If you have an organization or an individual who has made a difference in parks, recreation and conservation, nominate them for an NDRPA award. The deadline to submit nominations for awards is July 16. The following awards are available to nominate individuals or organizations in your communities: Distinguished Professional Award, Outstanding Young Professional, Citizen Advocacy Award, Partnership Award, Golden Egg Award, and Innovative Programming Award. Visit www.ndrpa.com to download the nomination form.

5 Commissioner’s Corner

Hailey Moore was elected park board commissioner Moore. “The FOCUS for the Walhalla Park Board in June 2018 and became magazine always has park board president in October 2018. great information and Moore decided to become involved with the park ideas for us to use.” board because she felt that was the best way she could Moore’s favorite make a difference in her community. “Being a part of a activities are the small community, I realize how much support it takes summer programs: from individuals working together to keep all the summer t-ball, baseball and rec programs going and our parks and fields looking softball. She said, “My beautiful,” Moore explained. “I was on the city council kids love being a part and didn’t feel like I could make enough of a difference of the teams, and it in our community in the way that I wanted, so when my keeps kids active and term was up, I opted to run for the park board.” involved.” Moore’s first goal as a park board member was to Walhalla Park Board have their campground run more efficiently. Moore’s offers t-ball, 10U and other goals are improving their baseball and softball 12U baseball, and fields, remove and replanting many of the unhealthy 14U modified fastpitch trees in their parks, and creating more recreational softball. They also events for the community. are looking to host Some of the challenges the park board faces are some sand volleyball Jed Sullivan, Walhalla Park Board getting enough youth to sign up for summer recreation tournaments this secretary and Little League coach, programs in each age division, resulting in participants summer. and Hailey Moore, Walhalla Park competing at a higher age level than they should be. One of the major Board president, accept a donation from a local business for their summer The park board is also aware of challenges arising as projects the park board recreation programs. Emerald Ash Borer makes its way into their region. The has completed involved community has many ash trees that will have to come the campground reservations. They have a new website for down, and the park board sees the need to allocate the campground that includes online booking and allows funds for the tree removal. credit card payment. They also plan to replace their ball “NDRPA is a great resource for our park board,” said diamond fences soon and update the concessions area.

6 NDRPA Legislative Report 2019

During the 66th Legislative Assembly, NDRPA • SB 2041 allows park districts to approve general tracked 129 bills and provided weekly email reports. The obligation bonds with a 60-day citizen protest association also took positions on several bills with direct period while maintaining current law that provides impact on NDRPA members. for approval of park district general obligation Below is a brief summary of legislation supported by bonds by voters (NDCC 21-03-07). NDRPA that passed this session. • SB 2040 allows political subdivisions to protest • In HB 1360, the park district bid threshold as special improvement districts without barring outlined in NDCC 49-40-14 has been increased private property owners from protesting if political to all contracts exceeding $50,000. There is also subdivisions own a majority of property (NDCC now explicit language in Century Code allowing 40-22-18). park districts to use state cooperative purchasing • SB 2232 provides for the merger of a park district managed by the Office of Management and Budget. and city recreation system and was introduced for Finally, park board commissioners may determine Minot (NDCC 40-55-09 and 57-15-12). an emergency situation, defined as “a sudden or • SB 2010, the ND Insurance Department unexpected occurrence that requires immediate appropriation, includes the transfer of action to protect public health, safety or property,” management of the Fire and Tornado Fund from requires immediate action rather than following the the Insurance Department to the ND Insurance bid process laid out in NDCC 49-40-14. The change Reserve Fund. is effective now because of the emergency clause in • SB 2019, the ND Parks and Recreation the bill. Department appropriation, includes funding for capital projects, equipment and projects such as a state park survey and recreation mapping. • SB 2064 removes the requirement for the state forester’s office to be located in Bottineau. A few additional bills tracked by NDRPA are summarized below. • HB 1356 increases the public improvement construction threshold and the bond threshold from $150,000 to $200,000 and requires consideration of hiring an engineer or architect consultant if a project involves public health, safety or welfare (NDCC 43-19.1-28, 48-01.2-02.1 and 48-01.2-10). • Two bills made adjustments to the Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF). HB 1014 reduces the OHF from a cap of $40 million to $15 million for the 2019-21 biennium. The cap for the current biennium is $10 million. SB 2058 requires a majority vote of the OHF Advisory Board to forward projects to the Industrial Commission for final approval (NDCC 54-17.8-06). • HB 1265 provides for an interim study of state parks. • HB 1474 provides for an interim study of a county and city infrastructure tax in lieu of general special assessments. NDRPA thanks all members who contacted their legislators during the legislative session.

7 Increase in Senior Programming at West Fargo Park District By Katie Ettish, West Fargo Park District

Senior activity is an area the West Fargo Park District to work against the negative effects of osteoporosis. (WFPD) has seen a need for additional programming. The disease, which causes bones to lose density or “As the city of West Fargo continues to grow, we are mass and become susceptible to breaking, affects seeing an increase in population, and it is our goal an estimated 54 million Americans, according to the to ensure programming is being offered to all age National Osteoporosis Foundation. By doing some demographics,” explained WFPD Recreation Manager simple and routine weight training, participants can Lance Belisle. “We have quickly realized that older protect themselves from osteoporosis related fractures adults are seeking more active programming and are not by increasing muscle strength and bone density. interested in just sitting around and playing bingo in their Trained instructors volunteer their time and lead this retirement years.” low-intensity exercise program. Bone Builder classes He adds that since the Rustad Recreation Center are one-hour long and are offered twice a week at the has opened, WFPD has been able to expand these Veterans Memorial Arena. programs. Prior to 2016, there were only two activities Research has shown performing exercises that focused on older adults, but since the new facility improve strength, balance and fitness is a very effective opened, WFPD staff has added several new options. way for seniors to reduce their chance of falling. Stay Everything from fitness classes to friendly and Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a strength, competitive card games to wellness walks have been balance and fitness program for adults 55 and older, and added. WFPD is excited to be a pilot site. The entire curriculum Bone Builders is a free fitness program that strives of activities in the SAIL program can help improve strength and balance, if done regularly. These exercises can be completed standing or sitting, providing an opportunity for seniors of all physical abilities. The class consists of five areas: warm-up, aerobics (low impact), balance/cool down, strength, and stretching/education. SAIL is offered three times a week in a one-hour class at the Rustad Recreation Center. Card games are great leisure-time activities that bring people together to have fun, while being a little competitive at the same time. Research states strategic card games that exercise memory and concentration may assist with preventing and reducing cognitive decline in older adults, therefore having a positive impact on the quality of life of seniors. WFPD’s Pinochle Players meet every Tuesday afternoon for three hours at the Rustad Recreation Center. Participants play eight rounds of pinochle while competing for prizes. Pre-registration is not required, which makes it easy for seniors to participate as it works with their schedules. Pickleball has recently grown into one of the most popular sports in the country, and it has made a home at Rustad Recreation Center in West Fargo. WFPD offers exclusive adult pickleball times Mondays-Fridays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. for a minimal fee. All skill levels are welcome to participate, and free beginner lessons are available to new players. WFPD has more than 250 pickleball players actively participating, making this one of the most successful programs offered. These passionate but friendly competitors are finding physical activity

8 isn’t the only benefit of playing, as many of them enjoy Recreation Center in September. The event is for seniors socializing with other players as well. to connect with local organizations and businesses Walking has been proven to provide endless health that offer services and products for their age group. benefits for seniors, including a reduced risk of obesity, Exhibitors are encouraged to educate seniors about heart disease and stroke. WFPD is excited to invite older these services and help them realize how many great adults to an active morning at South Elmwood Park May options there are within the community. In addition 29 for the inaugural “A Walk in the Park.” During this to visiting with local vendors, the Senior Expo has free event, Mayor Bernie Dardis will lead participants on educational speakers. a one-mile walk around South Elmwood Park’s paved WFPD Executive Director Barb Erbstoesser is path, featuring fun activities and music. Refreshments extremely proud of the changes that have been made to and light snacks will be served. senior programming in West Fargo. “Our programs are Not all activities for seniors involve being active really driven by what the seniors want to see offered. and competitive. WFPD proudly sponsors a Senior A lot of these programs have been their ideas, and we Picnic for residents over age 60. This social gathering are able to provide the space and training to implement is a community favorite, giving longtime friends and grow them into something successful,” Erbstoesser an opportunity to catch up. Participants enjoy live explained. “In the past, we’ve tried to run some music while lunch is served by WFPD staff and board programs the seniors didn’t really grab onto. But looking members. at the successful programs we currently offer, it makes The 3rd Annual Senior Expo will take place at Rustad me extremely happy to see these partnerships develop.”

9 The ADA Applies to You, Do Not Ignore It By Brian D. Schmidt, Attorney at Law and Partner, Smith Porsborg Schweigert Armstrong, Moldenhauer & Smith

As public entities, you are subject to the Americans Every disability is different and not all with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a complex area accommodation requests are created equal. of federal law that requires public entities to make Reasonable accommodations may include moving reasonable accommodations for individuals with meetings to handicap accessible rooms, modifying disabilities. If a public entity fails to make reasonable employee work stations and schedules, providing accommodations, it can lead to extensive and costly a sign language interpreter or another auxiliary aid litigation, including paying their for the deaf, modifying an attorney fees. Put simply, the ordinance to allow service ADA can be a costly trap for animals to accompany a the unwary. disabled individual where The ADA is broad in scope animals are generally and even the courts struggle prohibited, and everything in with what is a disability between. There are numerous and which accommodation types of disabilities and requests are reasonable. This accommodation requests that is because the ADA requires a fact-intensive analysis of courts may consider reasonable. each situation. As a public entity, it is vital to be aware Also, federal law prohibits you from asking invasive that the ADA requires you to accommodate disabled questions about the extent of an individual’s disability. individuals and ensure they are provided meaningful The nature of questions you may ask depends on access to your programs and services. the situation, but initially, you should consider an

10 individual’s claim of disability to be valid. If something appears suspicious, consult a lawyer with any questions you may have on how to proceed. If you receive a request for accommodation, do not immediately disregard or reject it. First, try to fulfill the request. If you cannot fulfill the exact request, try to work with the disabled individual to see if an alternative accommodation or modification will allow them access to your service or program. However, if the requested accommodation or modification will result in a substantial expense or fundamentally alter the nature of the program or service you provide, and there is no other way to accommodate, you should contact a lawyer before you deny the request. Public entities are common defendants in ADA lawsuits across the country. Awareness of the ADA, taking ADA requests seriously and attorney consultation will best serve your public entity and your constituents.

11 NDRPA Awards Highlight 2018 Outstanding Young Professional Award Recipients

The Outstanding Young added youth volleyball camps and Professional Award is presented to clinics and introduced a summer an NDRPA member who is 35 years youth volleyball league for girls in of age or younger. Recipients must grades 3‐6. Co-ed and women’s exhibit leadership skills through volleyball leagues were created, and involvement in local associations, she has also grown the youth flag advocacy efforts, community football program. outreach, elected positions Hauschild has proven to be an within local organizations, and incredible asset for the West Fargo volunteering; must have achieved Park District. She works extremely accomplishments including awards, hard and has a true passion for commendations, honors, and parks and recreation. professional advancement through Matthew Mack graduated from their work in parks and recreation; the University of North Dakota and must contribute to the park, in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree recreation and leisure field in North in recreation and leisure studies Dakota. with a concentration in recreation/ Allison Hauschild is a graduate of facilities. For several years leading North Dakota State University where up to graduation, he worked at the she was a pitcher for the Women’s Center Court Fitness Club in Grand Softball Division 1 All-Independent Forks during the school year and Allison Hauschild team and earned many awards. at West River Community Center in Hauschild began her professional Dickinson during the summer. He career with the Fargo Park District also interned with Dickinson Parks as a program coordinator. Working and Recreation prior to graduation. in the Cultural Arts Department, she Mack developed a passion for increased participation numbers the public facility sector and took at several events, including Santa a position with Eagan Parks and Village, Community Play Days and Recreation in Eagan, Minn., as their German Folk Festival. facility manager after graduation. Her passion for softball After three years in Minnesota, continued, coaching local high he accepted a facility manager schools and then serving as pitching position with Dickinson Parks and coach at Minnesota State University, Recreation. Moorhead. However, she quickly He is passionate about parks and realized she missed working with recreation and how facilities play youth in the community and, in a role in delivering opportunities 2015, started working with the West for the public. Mack is an excellent Fargo Park District’s youth baseball leader and will do anything to program. help his staff succeed while In 2016, she was hired full-time maintaining good relationships as a recreation specialist in charge with them as well. He stays active of ball programs and creative arts in the community of Dickinson and science classes. Hauschild Matthew Mack and understands the benefits and developed a separate summer role parks and recreation plays in baseball league for area daycares and added a variety of creating the quality of life people expect. science classes, video game design classes and sewing Mack recently completed his NRPA Certified Parks classes. and Recreation Professional exam and was the chair of After Rustad Recreation Center opened, Hauschild the 2018 NDRPA State Conference Committee.

12 13 Bismarck Ballpark Renovation Creates Opportunities By Paula Redmann, Bismarck Parks and Recreation District There’s the constant tug for park district of Mary, and Babe Ruth and American Legion summer management; take care of what you have and, at the programs. An upgraded facility was a key factor in same time, create new opportunities. Renovating the being named host to the 2015 and 2016 Central Plains Bismarck Municipal Ballpark in 2014 provided the American Legion Regional Baseball Tournaments, 2017 perfect storm to do both. Special Olympics North America Softball Championship Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) and 2018 Babe Ruth Midwest Plains Regional worked with a group of community volunteers and Tournament. baseball enthusiasts to raise $1.3 million to support $3.4 The Northwoods League, a summer collegiate million in upgrades to the facility. The ballpark, host to league, took note of the expanded seating and improved baseball since 1921 with several upgrades through the player and fan experience. The Bismarck Larks made years, now features a covered grandstand with stadium their debut in 2017, creating an even bigger baseball seating for 1,900 to allow hosting of major events. The buzz and introducing the community to the concept of new grandstand also includes a new press box, better baseball and entertainment. The Larks sold out 27 of sightlines, new concessions, and new restrooms. their 36 home games in their first season and 30 of 36 Additional improvements include adjustments to the home games in 2018, which translates into more than outfield fence, new dugouts, new entrance/ticket booth, 105,000 in attendance in the first two seasons. and additional practice/pre-game warm-up facilities. The excitement at the ballpark continues, as BPRD There is a new marquee sign outside the facility and a and Bismarck prepare to host the 2019 Babe Ruth new videoboard. 13-15-year-old World Series August 7-15. Signs with a rich history of baseball in Bismarck Five years after the ballpark renovation, honor the teams that played there and changed the face improvements continue to take place. Expanded of baseball. In 1935, a Bismarck semi-professional team refrigeration in the concessions area, sound system electrified the baseball world when Satchel Paige led improvements and protective netting have been added the team to the National Semi-Professional Tournament at the ballpark. BPRD is waiting to hear about a grant championship, making that team the first integrated application to the Northwoods League Foundation for a baseball team to win a national championship. A series new accessible deck area. A Phase II Master Plan for the of historic panels details this team and several teams ballpark has been approved by the BPRD Board of Park that followed. Commissioners. A total of 369 contributors helped “BPRD is so proud of the make it all possible, and the first game upgraded facility and the played at the renovated ballpark was benefits of what it’s provided to July 8, 2014. youth baseball and to the entire The renovations have created a community,” said BPRD Executive much-improved playing experience Director Randy Bina. for four high school teams, University

14 15 People on the Move

Bill Ayshford Jr. is the Tyson Lund is the new new facilities supervisor for finance director for Fargo aquatics in the Mandan Park Park District (FPD). Lund and District (MPD). He moved to his wife, Ashley, have two Mandan with DiAnne, his wife kids, Aubrey and Olivia. He of almost 30 years. They are received a bachelor’s degree in transplants from the northwest accounting from North Dakota suburbs of Minneapolis and State University and is currently have two adult children. Their working towards his MBA. His daughter is expecting their first hobbies include golfing, hunting, grandchild in November. fishing, and spending time outdoors with his family. Dale Barth was hired as park maintenance with MPD. Sidney Peterson is the new Barth spent the past few years marketing specialist for FPD. working for Community Action Peterson and her husband in Dickinson. He is originally attended school in the Fargo- from the Bismarck/Mandan Moorhead area and decided area and is pleased to move they wanted to stay. Her back home. In his free time, he husband works at Bobcat. She enjoys spending time with his is very excited to return to work wife, Tracy, and hunting. with FPD.

Shirley Rux was hired as the Traill/Steele program assistant for FPD. She lives in Portland with her husband, Arden. They have two grown sons and four granddaughters. She enjoys working with elderly residents and working outside in her perennial flowerbeds. She is very excited to work with the residents in Traill/Steele counties.

Kaiden Straabe was hired as the parks and facility supervisor with MPD. Previously, Straabe was a security shift supervisor at Marathon Petroleum and the forester for the City of Mandan. He enjoys spending time with his two dogs, being outdoors and, in the cold North Dakota winters, you can find him ice fishing.

16 17 Park District News

National Collegiate Roller Hockey student athletes came to the area to compete in the Championship Named Event of the Year championship, bringing in hundreds of local and nationwide fans. The Fargo Park District and Fargo, Moorhead and Rob Cogen, director of operations of the National West Fargo Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted Collegiate Roller Hockey Association, said, “People of the 20th Annual National Collegiate Roller Hockey the greater Fargo area rolled out the red carpet for us Championship at the Southwest Youth Ice Arena April and made a lasting positive impression.” 11-15, 2018, for which they were awarded Event of the The growth of sports tourism in the Fargo, Moorhead Year for 2018. and West Fargo area is benefitted by these kinds of Collegiate roller hockey has become a major sport events and continues to make the area a fun and unique for students from DI to DIII colleges. After various place for visitors. organizations and clubs decided to come together in 1998, the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association Minot “Branching Out” with Hess (NCRHA) hosted their first official national championship in 1999. Corporation Students nationwide have found collegiate roller The Minot Park District (MPD), thanks to a grant from hockey an opportunity for travel, friendships, healthy the Hess Corporation, is introducing an accessibility for rivalries, and competition. Today, the association has everyone program called Branching Out. The goal is to 175 teams and about 2,000 players nationwide. Fifty-five teams from DI-DIII schools and 800 Continued on page 20

18 19 Park District News Continued from page 18 work with community partners in improving quality of life sections in USTA, Northern promotes and develops for people of all ages and abilities. The first program of tennis in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the year involved the park district working with residents northwestern Wisconsin. of Wellington, an assisted living facility in Minot, for a Tim Wynne is a member of spring planting seminar March 19. the ND Tennis Association’s “The mission of the Minot Park District is to provide (NDTA) Inaugural Tennis Hall quality of life for our community, including all ages and of Fame Class of 2014. He abilities,” said Ron Merritt, MPD executive director. served as the head tennis “With the Branching Out campaign and a great pro in Grand Forks for more community partner like Hess Corporation, it allows us than 30 years and was named to get out into our community and connect with people co-recipient of the Ward C. that otherwise might not be able to use our facilities.” Burton Junior Development Residents of Wellington learned about MPD’s Award in 2000 and the Frank horticulture department and enjoyed a newly potted Voigt Tennis Pro of the Year succulent to get them ready for spring. The residents Award in 2008. His awards were joined by volunteers from Surrey High School also include the 2006 USPTA Tim Wynne Student Council. Junior Development Award “We are pleased to support programs that aim to and the 2008 Grand Forks improve the quality of life for individuals and families in Herald Co-Sportsperson of the Year, along with being the communities where we live and work,” said Brent a finalist for National High School Coach of the Year in Lohnes, Hess general manager in North Dakota. “It’s 2010. A four-year letter winner at the University of North always exciting to see organizations come together, like Dakota (UND), he later served as head tennis coach the Minot Park District, schools and the private sector to at Red River High School, winning 10 straight state make a difference.” championships, 10 state singles titles and eight state doubles titles. Tim also served as the head tennis coach Grand Forks Tennis Pros Inducted into at Central High School where he won another state Hall of Fame title. He currently serves as tennis coordinator and head On May teaching professional at Choice Health and Fitness in 10, Grand Grand Forks. Forks Tennis Tom Wynne is also a Professionals member of NDTA’s Inaugural Tim Wynne Tennis Hall of Fame Class and Tom in 2014. He was the North Wynne will Central Conference’s No. 1 be among a singles champion in 1976 class of four and runner-up in 1975 and people being 1977, qualifying for the NCAA inducted national tournament in 1977 into the during his career at UND. U.S. Tennis Tom led the UND men’s team Association to the 1979 NCC title, the (USTA) program’s first in 42 years, Tom Wynne Northern before playing professional Section Hall tennis on the Marlboro Tour in France. He was a four- of Fame in time NCO and Great West Conference Coach of the Minneapolis, Year and has also won the Ward C. Burton Junior Minn. One Development Award, Frank Voigt Tennis Pro of the Year of 17 Award, USPTA Junior Development Award and 2008

20 Grand Forks Herald Co-Sportsperson of the Year. In addition to his playing career, Tom has been a member of the USPTA for 35 years and coached 10 players who held the No. 1 sectional ranking. He has amassed a host of titles and awards during his coaching career, including NCC women’s titles in 2004, 2006 and 2008. He continues to serve as head tennis coach at UND, where he has been for 28 years.

Grand Forks Hosts Grand Am Adult Basketball Tournament The 32nd Annual Adult Grand Am basketball tournament was a success. On March 29- 31, teams from all over the region flocked to Grand Forks where the tournament was held at five different venues across the town. One hundred forty-four teams competed in eight different divisions (five men’s and three women’s) with 201 games played in total. The 2020 Adult Grand Am is scheduled for March 27-29.

Parks and Recreation Combine in the Magic City The Minot Park District (MPD) and the Minot Recreation Commission officially combined April 1. “We are extremely excited to welcome the recreation employees to the Minot Park District,” said Ron Merritt, MPD executive director. “The staff members have already been working together and have a great list of summer programming and events for the community to enjoy.” MPD hosted a youth activity registration day April 22 in conjunction with the Roosevelt Parks Zoo’s “Party for the Planet” event. Parents and guardians were able to sign up youth participants for t-ball, softball, baseball, tennis, summer fitness gym, and summer art program. MPD also offered youth scholarships for the summer programming. Also new this summer, MPD will be offering a family pass for the Roosevelt Park Pool.

Continued on page 22

21 Park District News Continued from page 21 Fargo Park District Wins Live United Award Each year the United Way of Cass- Clay coordinates an annual giving campaign to raise funds to support United Way partner agencies in the Fargo community. As part of the 2018 United Way Campaign, the United Way of Cass-Clay challenged area organizations to be a “Force for Good” in the community. The Fargo Park District (FPD) responded to the challenge by ramping up efforts with an internal volunteer Community Involvement Committee. The Community Involvement Committee kicked off the Employee Giving Campaign with a super hero themed breakfast, organized toilet paper and pet supply of Caring and the School Supply Drive. Most notably, drives for United Way partner agencies, and coordinated the Community Involvement Committee coordinated a park district volunteers for United Way events like Day series of Food Truck for a Purpose events in the parking lot of the FPD offices in downtown Fargo. Once a month through the summer, a food truck was invited to set up shop for lunch in exchange for donating a portion of the food trucks proceeds to the United Way of Cass-Clay. The community was invited to attend the events, which were the feature of local media stories and very popular on social media. United Way of Cass-Clay took note of FPD’s efforts. FPD was named the 2018 winner of the Live United Community Engagement Award, which is given to honor a company, organization or group that involves the greater community to support and be engaged in the work of United Way.

Cinco de Mayo FootGolf Tournament in Mandan Mandan Municipal Golf Course will be offering FootGolf for the third consecutive year. FootGolf is a relatively new precision sport that requires players to kick a soccer ball into a cup by using as few attempts as possible. FootGolf, which combines elements found on a soccer field with those found on a golf course, is quickly growing. To kick off the season, the golf course hosted a Cinco de Mayo FootGolf Tournament May 5. Prizes were awarded to the best-dressed team and best scores.

22 23 PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BISMARCK, ND PERMIT 433

North Dakota Recreation & Park Association FOCUS PO Box 1091 Bismarck, ND 58502