Dickinson Parks & Recreation 2023
ANNUAL REPORT
West River Community Center - best Fitness Center/gym Heart River Golf Course - best Golf Course Rocky Butte Park - best Community Park
TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents To our community Year in review Demographics, Data and more OUR STRATEGY dpr inventory heart river golf course recreation parks & trails west river community center West river ice center Partnerships & sponsors
5 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
3
377 348 Dickinson parks & recreation has had a hard time hiring enough lifeguards to keep our aquatic areas fully open. here is the staffing as of Jan. 2, 2024 4
Dickinson Parks & Recreation Employees
Part time Employees
2021 Current # of guards
2022
2023 Required # of guards
Full time Employees
29
To our community
Our Mission To enhance the quality of life for the community and its visitors by providing leisure Opportunities.
Our Vision Our vision is for area Residents to become aware and involved in making positive contributions to the well-being of themselves and others in the community.
For over 75 years, the Dickinson Parks and Recreation District has provided quality recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to the City of Dickinson. The past year has been a time of change across the district as we have welcomed 9 new full-time employees – almost 1/3 of our full-time staff. It is never easy to see employees go, but we are excited for the passion and knowledge these incoming employees bring to the community.
Our District is very grateful for our many supporters, volunteers, non-profit agencies, government partners, and corporate sponsors who have tirelessly worked to support the vision of Dickinson Parks and Recreation. We are fortunate to represent a community that understands and values the essential nature of exceptional parks and recreation programs and facilities for the well-being of the community.
As a forward-focused organization, we have established strategic priorities that serve as a roadmap to future recreational opportunities in Dickinson. The Dickinson Parks and Recreation annual report demonstrates the organization’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life of residents through recreation and celebrates how the District is fulfilling its strategic priorities of being a model organization in training, recruiting, retention, and well-being of its employees; maintaining and developing athletic venues, destination parks, and Patterson Lake in an effort to be a premier tourist destination in western North Dakota; and extending the reach of leisure services to all segments of our community.
Lastly, I want to thank the amazing employees of the Dickinson Parks and Recreation District for their dedication and professionalism in delivering high-quality recreation programs and services.
The crowning jewel of District projects completed in 2023 is the first phase of Friendship Park – a first of its kind in Dickinson. It has quickly become one of the most popular parks in town. The completion is the culmination of many years of planning and partnership. We recognize and honor the many individuals and organizations that made this park possible including the Friendship Committee, City of Dickinson, and Stark County for their support of this vital project.
Benjamin Rae, CPRE Executive Director Dickinson Parks and Recreation
Board members Scott Karsky - President Tim Daniel - Vice President Jo Marie Kadrmas - Commissioner Zach Keller - Commissioner Nic Stevenson - Commissioner
LEISURE
Leader. Excellence. Integrity. Service. Unity. Respect. Ethical
Dickinson parks & recreation
2004 Fairway St. , Dickinson ND, 58601 | 701.456. 2074 | dprd@dickinsonparks.org
5
Year in review DICKINSON PARKS & RECREATION Highlights •
Increased part-time pay.
•
Established Dickinson Parks and Recreation Foundation.
•
Implemented a new high deductible health plan with HSA.
•
Started a DPR mobile app.
•
Patterson Lake Land Transfer Complete.
Revenue
5%
■ Property Tax
4%
■ Intergovernmental Funds
26%
■ Rentals/Leases ■ Sales
12%
8%
2%
■ Maintenance ■ Utilities
PER DPR 2023 COMMUNITY SURVEY •
38% CHOOSE ROCKY BUTTE PARK.
•
52% WOULD LIKE RESTROOMS AT PARKS.
•
64% BELIEVE TRAILS ARE IMPORTANT TO THEIR HOUSEHOLDS.
•
66% WOULD LIKE DPR TO FOCUS ON BALANCING MAINTAINING AND DEVELOPING NEW FACILITIES.
•
68% AGREE THE DPR PROVIDES ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS.
•
60% WOULD LIKE TO SEE IMPROVED WINTER RECREATION.
DPR 5-YEAR COMPARISON
Revenue Expense
6
9% 14%
■ Employee Compensation 10%
53%
■ Administrative ■ Supplies/Equipment
■ Administrative/Donations ■ User Fees
Expense
57%
2
86
1614
new Parks
trees planted
campers
21
working with Different user groups. HEART RIVER GOLF COURSE
RECREATION
Number of rounds at HRGC. 30000
Participation Through the Years
3000 2500
Youth
Adult
2765 25000
2628
2515
1500
10000
1000
2021
2022
6435
6223
WEST RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER
6086
500
497
441
500 0
25,583
20000
2000
5000
2023
22,133
2022
22,683
2021
2023
96 Sponsors & donors 57% Strategic plan accomplished Group Fitness
Personal Training
Corporate Memberships
participants in attendance for group fitness classes in 2023.
active clients in 2023.
businesses participating in our membership discount program in 2023.
8,000
31
68
7
Demographics, Data and more Dickinson, North Dakota, is a thriving city nestled in the heart of the state’s scenic Badlands region. Known for its rich history, robust economy, and welcoming community, Dickinson has become a beacon of opportunity on the Great Plains. The city’s
demographics reflect a diverse and dynamic population, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees contributing to its vibrant tapestry. The strong sense of community is evident in the numerous local events, festivals,
and cultural activities that bring residents together. Dickinson’s economy, largely driven by the energy sector and agriculture, has played a pivotal role in its growth and prosperity.
Race & Origin
89.9%
Age Population Under 18: 26.9% Population Over 65: 11.7% Population Projection
Gender Male: 52% Female: 48%
50000
Stark County 41,010
30000 20000
49,900
XimLOTI aruptat porem enimi optatusae
40000 33,646 41,538
41,609
25,167
10000 0
8
Dickinson
2020
2030
2040
Sources: US Census Bureau, Stark County and City of Dickinson Comprehensive Plan
Marketing & communications @dickinsonparks
@westrivercommunitycenter
@heartrivergolfcourse
Dickinson Parks & Recreation
West River Community Center
Heart River Golf Course
4,800 followers
6,600 followers
790 followers
Dickinson residents make up 55% of followers
Dickinson residents make up 52% of followers
Dickinson residents make up 66% of followers
Page reach: 123,417
Page reach: 106,627
Page reach: 1,426
Page Visits: 29,352
Page Visits: 52,135
Page Visits: 133
New Followers: 588
New Followers: 425
New Followers: 1
Dickinson Parks & Recreation
West River Community Center
Heart River Golf Course
1,200 followers
746 followers
79 followers
Dickinson residents make up 54% of followers
Dickinson residents make up 73.7% of followers
Page reach: 167
Page reach: 10,847
Page reach: 23,038
Profile Visits: 1,019
Profile Visits: 1,650
New followers: 107
New followers: 199
Profile Visits: 154
Dickinson Parks & Recreation 124 followers Dickinson residents make up 55% of followers Page reach: 37
Email Contacts
New Followers: 41
Monthly Newsletter Contacts During the past 12 months | +424 new contacts
Dickinson Parks & Recreation
Current total contacts | 3,472
119 followers
@Dickinson _ Parks
9
OUR STRATEGY MILESTONES AND IMPLEMENTATION Dickinson Parks and Recreation celebrated it’s 76th birthday in 2023. DPR enjoys a a high level of community involvement and support to keep the District vibrant and relevant to meet the ever-changing needs of the community and the challenges provided by nature and man-made events. In 2020 DPR launched its first strategic plan to help navigate goals for the upcoming years. Below is a list of completed and ongoing goals.
Completed Goals •
Update job descriptions and job announcements to highlight the benefits of working for DPRD.
•
Adjust General & Capital Betterment Fund Mill Levy as needed to maintain the current level of service.
•
Implement monthly team building.
•
Review user fees annually.
•
Review employee full and part-time benefits.
•
•
Evaluate part-time employee pay scale structure.
Conduct a community needs assessment with additional focus group sessions.
•
•
Develop full-time employee apparel plan.
Rebrand Dickinson Parks & Recreation and promote Gold Medal status.
•
•
Plan for local/regional/national conferences best suited for each employee and position.
Identify destination parks and facilities to prioritize future funding.
•
•
Promote staff involvement with outside agencies and key stakeholders.
Invest in existing parks and facilities as opposed to developing new parks and facilities.
•
Have a representative on the Dickinson City Trails Committee.
•
Improve employee evaluations and goal setting.
Master Plan 2024 10
•
Create partnerships with community organizations such as: CHI St. Alexius Medical Center, Sanford Health, Southwestern District Health Unit, SW Art & Science Center Committee, Dickinson Library, Dickinson Youth Commission, Badlands Human Service Center, Regional After School Program, Best Friends Mentoring Program, ABLE, Inc., Community Action Partnership, Dickinson Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of Dickinson, Stark County, Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, etc.
•
Compile list of community resources and contact information.
•
Provide no less than 35 fitness classes per month.
•
Provide at least 6 fitness related events during the year.
•
Line tennis courts for pickleball.
Dickinson Parks & Recreation will develop a comprehensive master plan to showcase the details of projects and milestones we are planning to achieve for the next 20 years
Strategic Priority 1
2
3
Dickinson Parks & Recreation will be a model organization in training, recruitment, retention, and well-being of employees. Dickinson Parks & Recreation will maintain and develop athletic venues, destination parks, and Patterson Lake in an effort to be a premier tourist destination in western North Dakota. Dickinson Parks & Recreation will improve the reach of leisure services to all segments of our community including age, gender, disability, program interest, and income level.
Ongoing Goals •
Establish consistent hiring principles.
•
Identify key gaps in trail connectivity.
•
Develop onboarding processes for all positions.
•
Work with City to create a safe space for teens.
•
Establish and train staff on key customer service principles.
•
•
Consistently apply for available grants and develop the Dickinson Parks & Recreation Foundation.
Offer programs for families, seniors, and adaptive population.
•
•
Develop a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan.
Develop programming that encourages use of Patterson Lake.
•
Develop and update all district standard operating procedures.
•
Offer regular community wellness classes and host AA/NA/ EDA, AARP, etc.
•
Develop an adopt-a-park program (spring 2024 implementation).
•
Develop a customer loyalty program.
•
Adjust 2 North Complex fields for baseball/softball play.
•
Designate specific undeveloped parks for tree planting program.
43% ongoing
57% completed 11
dpr inventory 2 conservation areas
2763 2685 Park Acres Park Acres Owned
28 parks
27
Play grounds
Indoor 2 pools
1 outdoor pool
1 lake
1 dike 2
Kayak launch
boat 3 docks Ice 1 Center
22 picnic shelters
fitness 1 center
cross 1 country ski trail
rental 2 buildings
driving 1 range
horseshoe 6 pits 1 campground
Golf 1 course
1 bandshell
paved 6 trails
Outdoor 2 ice rinks
park 2 restrooms
1
dog park
9.6
12
Maintained
14 Facilities
Miles of natural Trails
Miles of 9 Greenway
7 sports complexes outdoor 12 basketball courts
indoor 5 basketball courts
softball 10 fields
indoor 2 tennis courts
outdoor 4 tennis courts
outdoor indoor 4 pickleball 4 pickleball courts courts
indoor 5 volleyball courts
sand 7 volleyball courts
soccer 6 fields
Golf 3 Disc courses
Golf 1 simulator
3 fitness pods
3 Racquetball 1 rock wall Courts
4 Baseball fields
1 skate park 13
heart river golf course The Heart River Golf Course (HRGC) is an 18-hole fullservice golf facility with a challenging 72 par layout. In addition to the course, there is a pro shop and restaurant located in the clubhouse, driving range, and practice areas for chipping, putting, and sand trap play. The 160 acre facility is used for cross country meets in the fall and cross-country skiing during
the winter. At the HRGC, in addition to public access golfing, we offer programs for all ages. The Heart River Golf Academy is for golfers aged 7-15 years old, and PGA Jr. League for ages 9 though 17 years old. Adult programs include Men’s and Women’s Golf League as well as private lessons.
Capital Improvement Projects
highest total rounds 3rd ever recorded 30000
25000 25,583 2023
20000
10000
5000
22,133 2022
22,683 2021
NUMBER OF ROUNDS AT HRGC.
144 average rounds per day
Irrigation System Upgrades Renovation of Maintenance Building #1 and #2 Stabilization of Hole #17 Bridge New Golf Cart Storage Building
HRGC TOURNAMENT PARTICIPATION
130 92 72 28
882 season pass holders Hosted WDA Regional & ND State Class “A” Boys Golf Tournaments
Photo by Dickinson Press
14
Revenue
Expense
Revenue
Expense
■ Administrative ■ Supplies/Equipment ■ Employee Compensation ■ Maintenance ■ Utilities ■ Programs ■ Pro Shop
■ Passes ■ Green & Cart Fees ■ Pro Shop ■ Programs/Tournaments ■ Rentals ■ Other Revenue
36
16
Golf Tournaments/ Scrambles
new private cart sheds
98
League Teams
23 Trees Planted
5.7%
Increase Golf Academy
87 Golf Academy Participants
23
PGA JR. League Participants 15
recreation The Recreation team has served more than 3,539 people in recreation programs and events with attendance in athletics, aquatics, outdoor play, arts and nutrition, all of which promote a healthy and active well being. We have created and coordinated 11 new programs and 4 new events for 2024.
REVENUE/EXPENDITURES 2023 Expense
Revenue 22.6%
16
Revenue
Expense 11.9%
30.4%
21.3%
77.4%
69.6%
88.1%
78.7%
YOUTH PROGRAMS
ADULT PROGRAMS
TOURNAMENTS
EVENTS
3,539
Total PAID Participants/TEAMS in 2023 2,687 total PAID participants/TEAMS in 2022
433
league teams
644
swim lessons PARTICIPANTS
youth Participants
Community events
Special event attendees
80% Santa hotline increased
15
22
8,410
YAP volleyball increased
2,009
55%
tournaments
HRGC Golf Academy Increased
6%
Special Event Participation Increase Event
2023
2022
Jingle Bell 5K
111
46
Marathon Pool Party
260
213
Beach Party
350
300
384 people & 172 dogs
263 people & 143 dogs
West River Pool Party
637
400
MLB Pitch, Hit & Run
50
45
Punt, Pass & Kick
77
47
Pooch Pool Party
safety city increased
5% Participation Through the Years
3000 2500
Youth
Adult
2765
2628
2515
2000 1500
83%
of parents/participants say they would recommend our programs to a friend
1000 500 0
441
2021
497
2022
500
2023
17
parks & trails
28 parks 6 trails
Revenue
■ ■ Donations/Sponsorships ■ Reservations ■ Property Tax ■ Other Land Lease
9%
18%
2% 1%
Expense
10% ■ Administrative ■ Supplies/Equipment ■ Employee Compensation ■ Maintenance ■ Utilities
8%
10%
70%
56%
2 new parks
2
playground updates
1,614 campers
3,415 lake day passes
15 miles of trails
402 acres mowed
86 trees planted
219 SEASON PASSES
TRAIL PARKING IMPROVEMENT
18
16%
Utilizing a 50/50 matching grant from North Dakota Parks and Recreation, improvements were made to the Game and Fish parking lot at the east end of Patterson Lake to add a asphalt shavings surface and clarify traff ic flow. Additionally, upgrades were made to the Stranski and Ash Coulee Trailheads of the Crooked Crane Trail to include a larger footprint with crushed rock surface and the ability to turn around before exiting to the roadway.
Capital Improvement Projects DCBT Turf Replacement Kostelecky Park Playground Replacement Friendship Park Heroes Park Crooked Crane Trail Parking Improvements HR Retreat Updates
Patterson Lake Revenue/Expense
Revenue
9%
30%
Expense
■ Fees ■ Property Rentals ■ Sales 14%
56%
■ Administrative ■ Supplies/Equipment ■ Employee Compensation ■ Maintenance ■ Utilities
10% 8%
6%
67%
FRIENDSHIP PARK The opening of Friendship Park in June 2023 marks a significant milestone for Dickinson, as it introduces a playground that embraces inclusivity and accessibility. This park has been carefully designed to accommodate individuals of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the play features and facilities it offers. The park was purposely named Friendship Park to promote the idea that all individuals can come and play together and develop friendships – this park is not about serving one group over another.
DCBT BALLPARK TURF In September of this year, Dickinson Parks and Recreation replaced the artificial turf infield at Dakota Community Bank and Trust (DCBT) Ballpark after 12 seasons of use. Sprinturf subcontracted with Cordova Construction locally for the subgrade work and the entire project took approximately 40 days. The turf was expanded to include additional areas in foul territory on the first and third baselines and eight feet into the outfield. The project also included installing replaceable Velcro panels for the batter’s boxes, catcher’s box, pitching mound, first base, and second base slide area.
CONSERVATION Planting 86 trees in our parks this year is a significant initiative for enhancing the beauty and well-being of our community. Trees not only add to the visual appeal but also contribute to improved air quality, offering shade and creating habitats for wildlife. This effort reflects our dedication to creating vibrant and sustainable spaces for present and future generations. The Park District is committed to raising the number of trees planted to over 100 per year and installing tree farms in undeveloped park land.
19
west river community center The West River Community Center (WRCC) is a 135,000 square foot multipurpose facility that includes gymnasiums, pools, fitness area, indoor playground, tennis courts, and golf simulator. Within the facility there is five basketball courts, five volleyball courts, three racquetball courts, two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a 23-foot-high climbing wall, an indoor playground, a golf simulator and driving cage, cardio and strength fitness area, drop-in childcare, indoor track, a tanning bed, indoor leisure pool and 25-yard lap pool. 16%
Revenue
■ Memberships ■ Daily Admission ■ Programs ■ Services ■ Building Rentals ■ Other Revenue
2% 2% 4%
13%
1% 2%
Expense
■ Administrative ■ Supplies/Equipment ■ Employee Compensation ■ Maintenance ■ Utilities ■ Programs ■ Pro Shop
63%
16%
10% 8%
55% 20
9%
8,000
25
12
Participants
Fitness Classes offered
Group Fitness events
1,557
3,009
2,118
Corporate
memberships
insurance
memberships
wrcc rentals
31
Personal Training Clients
6,435
memberships
283,810 Facility visits
WRCC MEMBERSHIPS 3-YEAR COMPARISON Facility Improvements 2023 3 motors and 1 pump replaced in the pool. 2 chemical feed pumps replaced in the outdoor pool. Tile and decking repairs around kiddie pool, activities pool, and lazy river. 3 frozen water line repairs in outdoor locker room area. Concrete cut, excavation, repair and replacement of broken water supply line. Lobby Renovation. Heat exchanger replacement in the building. Leisure pool slide renovation. Leisure pool slide pump and motor replacement. Leisure pool slide stairs and railings renovation. Steam room boiler motor and valve repair. 4 window replacements in aquatics area. Maintenance road completed. Permanent pickleball lines added to tennis courts. Ongoing roof repairs. Golf Simulator room renovation.
21
west river ice center The West River Ice Center (WRIC) consists of two arenas and a large community room. In one arena, the ice stays year-round to allow for hockey and skating. The main arena, ice comes out for six months over the summer months to allow for events such as trade shows, educational seminars, conventions, and special events. The community room is used for birthday parties or for Dickinson Park and Recreation programming. WRIC is home to the Dickinson Hockey Club as well as Dickinson Parks and Recreation Public Skating and Curling League. School groups also use the facility occasionally for open skating purposes.
7%
Revenue
■ Off Ice Rentals ■ Ice Rentals ■ Public Ice Skate ■ Skate Rental
16%
16%
Capital Improvement Projects Condensing Tower Replacement Charbonneau Arena Locker Room Renovation and Addition Charbonneau Arena Restroom Renovation Compressor pump and motor skid plate replacement Front planter revitalization
61%
Expense
■ Maintenance ■ Employee Compensation ■ Supplies ■ Utilities
22% 43%
Photo by Karolina Lym Photography 69 organizations rented the WRIC in 2023
4%
31% 184 Toddler Skate admissions.
22
ice center usage On Ice Activities
■ Hockey Club ■ Outside Groups 15% ■ Public Skate ■ Adult Hockey 5% ■ Curling
Off Ice Activities
■ DPR Programs ■ Rentals
3% 2%
7%
93%
75%
West River Ice Center Hours Annually
1771 1748 1731
8,029 Public skate Admissions
2023 2022 2021
112 room rentals 6,932
skate rentals
2,261
school group Admissions 23
partnerships & sponsors Action Cleaning Service
Fortissimo Mobile Entertainment
Spur Bar
Adams Testing
Four Seasons Trophies
Stark Title
American Legion Post 3
Fresh Sips
Steffes
Armstrong Corporation
Friendship Park Committee
Steffes & Selinger Chiropractic
Badlands Big Sticks
Gate City Bank
Subway
Badlands Truck Wash
Good Humanity Coffee
The Arc of Dickinson, LLC
Baker Boy
Highlands Engineering
The Dickinson Press
Baranko Brothers, Inc.
Ironworks Welding, Inc
The Pit Stop
Benedictine
J & J Operating LLC
The Title Team
Blue 42
Jeromes Distributing
TMI
Bosch Lumber Company
Joel Schrum
Todd Otto, State Farm
Bravera Bank
Kim Callahan
Trinity Catholic Schools
Bruan Distributing
Logo Magic
Western Cooperative Credit Union
Cash Wise
Mackoff Kellog Law Firm
Wyoming Casing
Charbonneau Car Center
Marathon Petroleum Company
Yum Froyo
Chatter Pediatric Therapy
Midco
CHI St. Alexius Health
Midwest Therapy Center
Christian Kostelecky
Neighbors Bar & Grill
City Fire Department
Operation Egg Drop
Dickinson Baseball Club
Coca Cola
Optimist Club
Dickinson Chamber of Commerce
ConocoPhillips
Paw & Claw
Dickinson Diamonds Girls Fastpitch Softball
Consolidated
Pepsi
Dickinson Dolphins Swim Team
Cordova Construction
Phat Fish
Dickinson Dream Basketball
Cornerstone Bank Rink
Pizza Hut
Dickinson High School Athletics
Craig Hovet
Pizza Ranch
Dickinson Hockey Club
Cusic Family
Players Bars & Grill
Dickinson Mustang Baseball
Dacotah Bank
Police Department Association
Dickinson Soccer Club
Dakota Community Bank & Trust
Quality Quick Print
Dickinson State University Athletics
Dakota Signwerks
Red Rock Ford
Dickinson Trap Shooting Club
Dan Porter Motors
Roughrider Electric Cooperative Inc
Devon Energy
Roughrider Kiwanis Club
Dickinson Baseball Club
Sax Motor Company
Dickinson State University
Scott Karsky
Eagles Club
South Side Saloon
Endurance Lift
Southwest Area Safety Association
Floor to Ceiling Carpet One
Southwest Art Gallery & Science Center
24
202 volunteers Donated their time
14 local businesses Donated to 29 programs and events
21 User Groups Adult Hockey League Badlands Big Sticks
Dickinson Tennis Club Dickinson Youth Football League Disc Golf Club Nodak Juniors Volleyball Club Optimist Club Roughrider Archery Special Olympics Trinity High School Athletics
25
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
2004 Fairway St | DICKINSON ND | 58601 26