Best Fitness Center/Gym - West River Community Center
Community Park - Friendship Park
Campground - Patterson Lake Recreation Area
Golf Course - Heart River Golf Course
Personal Trainer - Natalie Hall
Directors message
Year at a glance
Departments/strategic plan
Making it happen
Community connections
By the numbers
Investing in the community
Recreation in action
This past year offered a unique opportunity to reflect on the tremendous progress made across the Dickinson Park District over the years. The commitment to providing top-quality recreational opportunities has become a hallmark of our community, and this success is rooted in the visionary leadership that has shaped our district. Dickinson has been fortunate to have leaders who have laid a foundation of excellence, a fact recognized this September when Dale McCamish joined former Dickinson Park District directors Doug Jaeger and James Kramer in the North Dakota Recreation and Parks Association Hall of Fame. Their collective contributions have profoundly impacted our community and set a standard for future generations.
Building upon this solid foundation, 2024 proved to be an award-winning year for Dickinson Parks and Recreation. At the state convention in September, the district earned several prestigious accolades, including the Young Professional Award presented to Caleb Burgard, the Partnership Award recognizing the collaboration on the Sanford Sports Complex, the Golden Egg Award for excellence at Friendship Park, and the Innovative Program Award for the StrongKids initiative. These honors highlight the district’s commitment to excellence and its ability to foster creative solutions to meet community needs.
On a national level, October brought even greater recognition when Dickinson Parks and Recreation was awarded the Grand Plaque from the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration, designating it as the top recreation organization in the country. This extraordinary achievement underscores the district’s dedication to setting the gold standard in recreational services and facilities.
Looking ahead, Dickinson is poised for an even brighter future. The city’s investment in recreational programs and amenities is more than just an expenditure; it’s an investment in the well-being and vitality of our community. With a strong legacy to build upon and an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, the future of Dickinson Parks and Recreation holds endless promise. Together, we continue to enhance the quality of life for our residents, ensuring that Dickinson remains a place where recreation, connection, and community thrive.
Benjamin Rae, Executive Director, CPRE Dickinson Parks and Recreation
To
enhance the quality of life for the community
and its
visitors by providing leisure opportunities. OUR
VISION OUR MISSION
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.
2685 Park Acres Owned
2763 Park Acres Maintained
22 picnic shelters
14 Facilities
7 sports complexes
After being named a finalist twice, we were itching to finally bring home the gold—and this year, we did it! The competition was fierce, and we knew we had to bring our absolute A-game. But deep down, we all believed in the years of hard work, passion, and dedication that made us contenders for such a prestigious honor. In October 2024, in Atlanta, GA, Dickinson Parks & Recreation proudly took home the National Gold Medal Award Grand Plaque for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
This incredible recognition is a testament to our amazing DPR staff, whose dedication and talent have propelled us to new heights. We’re also deeply grateful to our elected officials, city management, and community supporters who have championed our mission every step of the way. Achieving something this big takes an entire community—and what a community we have!
But wait, there’s more! September 2024 was another banner month for us at the NDRPA Conference, where we snagged not one, not two, but FOUR awards! From the Outstanding Young Professional Award to the Innovative Programming Award, the Golden Egg Award, and the Partnership Award, we proved once again that this is truly our year to shine. Thank you to everyone who made these achievements possible—you’re the heart of what we do!
IN 2024 WE HAD 28 FULL-TIME AND 344 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES MAKING DICKINSON PARKS AND RECREATION AN AWARD WINNING DISTRICT
19
NEW RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
89
NEW TREES PLANTED
28,806 TOTAL GOLF ROUNDS
271,392
TOTAL WEST RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER FACILITY VISITS
8,845
TOTAL WEST RIVER ICE CENTER PUBLIC SKATE ADMISSIONS
3,250
TOTAL YOUTH PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS
Our team is at the forefront of knowledge in the technical, recreational and management skills needed to excel in parks and recreation. We are dedicated to taking care of and improving the parks, programs and facilities in our community.
Benjamin Rae - Executive Director/Clerk
Administrative Manager - Leah Hoenke
Finance/HR Manager - Patty Riely
Marketing Supervisor - Kara Visger
Accounting Specialist - Jessica Stewart
Membership Services Specialist - Hannah Rodet
Administrative Specialist - Ashlee Snyder
Caleb Burgard - Director of Recreation/Facilities
Golf Professional - Mike Rademaker
Recreation/Facilities Manager - Andrew Grafton
Recreation Supervisor - Wilson McLaughlin
Facility Supervisor - Aquatics - Colter Hickok
Program Supervisor - Hannah Pepich
Facility Supervisor - Heidi Kirkpatrick
Craig Pearson - Director of Buildings/Grounds
Golf Superintendent - Sam Davis
Golf Maintenance Supervisor - Rod Lindborg
Golf/Facility Maintenance Specialist - Curtis Everson
Facility Maintenance Supervisor - Brent Erickson
Facility Maintenance Supervisor - Marvin Dahl
Facility Maintenance Specialist - Steve Wiesing
Facility Maintenance Specialist - Alex Klug
Park Operations Manager - Scott Mack
Park Operations Supervisor - Jon Schardin
Park Maintenance Mechanic - Jacob Shypkowski
Park Operations Supervisor - Aimee Kittilson
Park Operations Specialist - Doug Burgard
Park Operations Specialist - Nate Kees
Park Operations Specialist - Mitchell Pearson
The Park Board is responsible for managing and overseeing our public parks, recreational facilities, and related programs within our community. Regular meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Monday of each month at 3:30 pm (unless specified) at the West River Community Center. Special Meetings are scheduled as necessary.
Scott Karsky, President | June 2022-2026
Tim Daniel, Vice President | June 2022-2026
Nic Stevenson | June 2022-2026
Zach Keller | June 2024-2028
Tyler Tucker | June 2024-2028
The Dickinson Parks and Recreation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2024, works hand in hand with the Dickinson Parks and Recreation
District to preserve, enhance and advocate for Dickinson parks, recreation, open space, and capital projects. The foundation accomplishes this by creating a community of donors and raising private funds for park and recreation initiatives.
Kara Visger | President
Joel Walters | Vice President
Patty Riely | Secretary
Benjamin Rae
Wilson McLaughlin
Nic Stevenson
Our strategic plan is built on three key priorities to make Dickinson Parks & Recreation the best it can be. First, we’re investing in our incredible team by focusing on training, recruitment, retention, and employee well-being—because happy staff means happy communities! Second, we’re elevating our spaces by maintaining and developing top-notch athletic venues, destination parks, and Patterson Lake to solidify our status as a premier tourist destination in western North Dakota. Finally, we’re expanding our reach to ensure our leisure services are accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of age, gender, ability, interests, or income. With these priorities, we’re setting the stage for an even brighter future!
• Update job descriptions and job announcements to highlight the benefits of working for DPRD.
• Implement monthly team building.
• Review employee full and part-time benefits.
• Evaluate part-time employee pay scale structure.
• Develop a full-time employee apparel plan.
• Adjust General & Capital Betterment Fund Mill Levy as needed to maintain the current level of service.
• Consistently apply for available grants and develop the Dickinson Parks & Recreation Foundation.
• Review user fees annually.
• Develop and update all district standard operating procedures.
• Conduct a community needs assessment with additional focus group sessions.
• Rebrand Dickinson Parks & Recreation and promote Gold Medal status.
• Identify destination parks and facilities to prioritize future funding.
• Invest in existing parks and facilities as opposed to developing new parks and facilities.
• Develop an adopt-a-park program.
• Designate specific undeveloped parks for a tree planting program.
• Have a representative on the Dickinson City Trails Committee.
• Develop programming that encourages use of Patterson Lake.
• Create partnerships with community organizations.
• Promote community user groups as partners with DPRD.
• Compile a 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.
• Plan for local/regional/national conferences best suited for each employee and position.
• Promote staff involvement with outside agencies and key stakeholders.
• Identify key gaps in trail connectivity.
• Improve employee evaluations and goal setting.
73%
• Establish consistent hiring principles.
• Develop onboarding processes for all positions.
• Implement Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year Programs.
• Establish and train staff on key customer service principles.
• Develop a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan.
• Work with City to create a safe space for teens.
• Offer programs for families, seniors, and adaptive population.
• Offer regular community wellness classes and host AA/ NA/EDA, AARP, etc.
• Develop a customer loyalty program.
• Adjust 2 North Complex fields for baseball/softball play.
Dickinson Parks & Recreation has a rough draft of the updated master plan and will have it completed early in the spring of 2025 and ready for public comments.
The Parks & Recreation District hosted a variety of events and programs to foster connections within the Dickinson community. Generous sponsorships from local businesses played a crucial role in making these events and outreach efforts possible, ensuring recreational opportunities are accessible to all. This invaluable support totaled over $95,432.50 this year, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions.
Action Cleaning Service
Adams Testing
Affordable Tree Service
American Legion Post 3
Badlands Big Sticks
Badlands Dental
Badlands Truck Wash
Baker Boy
Baranko Brothers, Inc.
Benedictine
Blue 42
Bosch Lumber Company
Bravera Bank
Cash Wise
Charbonneau Car Center
CHI
Choice Bank
City of Dickinson Fire Department
Coca-Cola
Conoco Phillips
Consolidated
Cordova Construction
Cornerstone Bank
Cusic Family
Dacotah Bank
Dakota Signwerks
Dan Porter Motors
Dakota Community Bank & Trust
Dickinson Baseball Club
Dickinson Eagles Club
Dickinson State University
Endurance Lift Solutions
Floor to Ceiling Carpet One
Fortissimo Entertainment
Four Seasons Trophies
Fresh Sips
Friendship Park Committee
Gate City Bank
J & J Operating
Jerome Distributing, Inc.
Kim Callahan
Mackoff Kellog Law Firm
Marathon Oil
Marathon Petroleum Company
Midco
Murtha Law Office
North Plains Consulting
Operation Egg Drop
Optimist Club
Papa Johns
Paw & Claw
Pepsi
Pizza Hut
Players Sports Bar & Grill
Police Department Association
Premier Fencing
Quality Quick Print
Red Rock Ford
RoughRider Kiwanis Club
Sax Motor Co.
Scott Karsky State Farm
South Side Saloon
Southwest Area Safety Association
Southwest Art Gallery & Science Center
Stark County Association of Deputies
Stark Title
Steffes
Steffes & Selinger Chiropractic
Sticka Dental Clinic
Subway Tescher Fencing
The Cold Stuff
The Corndog Company
Tiger Discount
Todd Otto State Farm
Western Cooperative Credit Union
Wyoming Casing
YUM Froyo & More
Grants, partnerships, and donations play a vital role in supporting our community, allowing us to maximize resources to enhance and expand Dickinson’s trails, programs, parks, and facilities. Currently, the following grants, valued at $227,572 have been applied to ongoing projects or reserved for future initiatives.
• America the Beautiful Tree Planting Grant - $7,182: This was the second tree grant designated for Friendship Park.
• RTP Grant - $158,000: This funding supports improvements to the Crooked Crane Trail, supplemented by an additional $50,000 from Marathon Petroleum.
• NDCF Grant - $5,000: Dedicated to the Teen After Hours programs.
In this partnership, with the help of volunteers from your organization, we can maintain and improve Dickinson’s parks and facilities. This partnership encourages residents to take pride in their local parks while helping DPR monitor hazards, vandalism, cleanliness, and misuse
The NDSU Master Gardeners adopted the Patterson Lake Fitness Pods. “We did really enjoy cleaning up the fitness pods. Cleaning up that space is a great benefit to the community. We removed the large sapling and cleaned up the debris. It was a great area to clean and I know we can continue to keep it looking nice next year.”
Becky Shuster, Head Master Gardener of NDSU Master Gardeners, Stark County.
Dacotah Bank adopted Rocky Butte Park. “We divided the workload out to a couple of individuals to maintain the park each week, which helped mitigate the workload, making it very manageable. Everyone seemed to really enjoy getting the fresh air and the fulfillment from helping the community.”
Friscoe Erdahl, Branch Manager at Dacotah Bank.
Friendship Park has been named the 2024 recipient of the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association’s Golden Egg Award! This award recognizes outstanding and innovative park projects.
Dickinson State University Sanford Sports Complex has been honored with the 2024 NDRPA Partnership Award. The Partnership Award honors organizations for outstanding contributions to the park, recreation and conservation movement.
We are committed to Building positive Experiences!
We’re excited to share that Dickinson Parks and Recreation has been selected for the Million Coaches Challenge by the National Recreation and Park Association! Through this initiative, we’re receiving free training from Nike and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee on programs like How to Coach Kids and Coaching Girls. This training equips our coaches, staff, and volunteers to foster positive youth development, helping kids learn teamwork, celebrate success, handle failure, and develop lifelong skills. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our youth! NDRPA NNOVATIVE
The STRONGkids Program in partnership with Best Friends Mentoring has received the NDRPA 2024 Innovative Programming Award. The Innovative Programming Award recognizes and honors an NDRPA member agency or organization that demonstrates leadership with advanced ground breaking ideas in programming.
Director of Recreation/Facilities, Caleb Burgard, received the 2024 NDRPA Outstanding Young Professional! The Outstanding Young Professional Award honors professional members of NDRPA and NRPA who have experience of less than 10 years and are age 35 or younger.
DPRD Programming Support
12 events with 540 total volunteer hours contributed.
DPRD Staff Volunteer Efforts
Elder Care Meal Delivery: 80 hours of staff time.
Optimist Park Wood Chips Project
29 volunteers worked for 2 hours each.
Patterson Lake Trash Pickup
Service performed by City Serve ND worked for 4 hours.
Adult Hockey League
Badlands Big Sticks
Dickinson Baseball Club
Dickinson Diamonds Girls Fastpitch Softball
Dickinson Dolphins Swim Team
Dickinson Dream Basketball
Dickinson High School Athletics
Dickinson Hockey Club
Dickinson Mustang Baseball
Dickinson Pickleball Club
Dickinson Soccer Club
Dickinson State University Athletics
Dickinson Trap Shooting Club
Dickinson Tennis Club
Dickinson Youth Football League
Disc Golf Club
Nodak Juniors Volleyball Club
Roughrider Archery
Special Olympics
Trinity High School Athletics
80 local businesses donated
Best Friends Mentoring Program
CHI St. Alexius Medical Center
City of Dickinson
Community Action Partnership
Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce
Dickinson Area Public Library
Dickinson Convention & Visitors Bureau
Dickinson Fire Department
Dickinson Police Department
Dickinson Public Schools
Dickinson State University
Optimist Club of Dickinson
Rotary Club
Roughrider District, Northern Lights Council Boy
Scouts of America (BSA)
Sanford Health
Sanford Sports Complex
Southwestern District Health Unit
Stark County Veterans Memorial Association
SW Art Gallery & Science Center
Trinity Catholic Schools
United Way of Dickinson
81 PERSONAL TRAINING clients
27 GROUP FITNESSS offered MOST ATTENDED CLASS aqua aerobics
28,806 ROUNDS OF GOLF
1,619 CAMPERS
2,387 COURT RESERVATIONS
943 HRGC SEASON PASS HOLDERS
12,457 Special event attendees 1 Playground update 1 new playground
16.2 MILES OF TRAILS
404 Adult League Teams
3,250 youth program enrollments
9 ATHLETIC TOURNAMENTS Salted Pretzel 1,691 Soda 1,226 Freeze Pops 1,158 Pizza Slice 812
545 SWIM LESSON PARTICIPANTS
3,931 LAKE DAY PASSES
7,150 drop-in child care visits
322 athletic tournament teams
470 FACILITY RENTALS
5,890 driving range buckets sold 244 patterson lake season passes sold
24 Community Events
115 corporate memberships
8,845 public skate admissions
6,741 wrcc memberships
6,942 skate rentals dprd - 5,251 wrcc - 7,092 facebook followers dprd -1,245 wrcc - 876 instagram followers 5 awards outdoor pool concessions
883 ADULT ATHLETIC GAMES
172 PARK SHELTER RESERVATIONS
Dickinson Parks and Recreation demonstrates a strong commitment to investing in the community by prioritizing capital projects, ongoing maintenance, and facility upgrades that enhance recreational opportunities for all. From modernizing existing amenities to planning future initiatives, DPRD works diligently to ensure facilities meet the evolving needs of residents. By maintaining high-quality parks, sports complexes, and recreational spaces, DPRD fosters a vibrant and inclusive environment that promotes health, wellness, and community engagement. These investments not only improve current offerings but also lay the foundation for sustainable growth and enhanced quality of life for future generations.
This year brought significant improvements to the West River Community Center, ensuring a better experience for our members and patrons.
Outdoor Pool Repairs: Essential water lines beneath the pool floor were repaired by Cordova Construction, ensuring the orange slides functionality. This spring, concrete will be poured to seal the repairs, and Horizon, a Minneapolis-based pool company, will complete the final plaster coating. The pool is on track to open for summer.
Roof Repairs: Roers Construction is wrapping up roof repairs designed to prevent snow and ice build-up, which had caused water damage to the north stairwell. Damaged wood, drywall, and insulation have been replaced, safeguarding the building for years to come.
Upgraded Fitness Equipment: With member feedback in mind, we upgraded our fitness equipment as part of a 5-year plan to enhance the gym experience. New additions include treadmills, ellipticals, stair steppers, rowers, cycle bikes, and various strength equipment, ensuring state-of-the-art options for every fitness journey. Thank you for your continued support in making the West River Community Center a hub for health, wellness, and community connection.
In May, the community came together to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the West River Community Center, a cornerstone of Dickinson recreational landscape. This milestone provided a chance to reflect on the profound impact the center has had over the years. More than just a facility, the community center has become a hub for connection, wellness, and shared experiences. It’s often referred to as the “living room” of our community, a testament to its role in fostering relationships and creating a sense of belonging. If you need proof of its significance, just spend a morning with the center’s coffee group—you’ll quickly understand how it has become a cherished gathering place for so many.
I’ve been coming to the Rec Center for the past 20 years, ever since it first opened. It’s been a significant part of my life, not only for working out but also for our family’s activities. We’ve spent time here with friends and family, making great use of all the Rec Center has to offer. There’s truly something for everyone—whether it’s activities for young kids, school programs, or options for myself and my wife like the cardio equipment and weightlifting areas. The variety of options and opportunities here is remarkable.
The West River Community Center is a vital part of our community. When we recruit students at Dickinson State, it’s the first place we showcase. It’s an incredible resource for the community and a great asset for families of all ages. - Pete Stanton
Heart River Golf Course has many plans for the 2025 season, including a new cart storage building, new cart paths, a remodeled maintenance office, and tree planting. The course will also introduce new GPS-equipped golf carts and an updated software system in 2025.
Patterson Lake Recreational Area received a much needed maintenance overhaul of the grounds. Maintenance crews removed 150 dead trees and ground down 220 stumps, enhancing safety and aesthetics. Gravel roads leading to the east and west of the main entrance, as well as through the primitive campground, were upgraded with fresh material. Additionally, the “cove” parking area received much-needed enhancements. Along the walking trail, three new concrete pads were poured, and benches and garbage cans were installed, further improving accessibility and convenience for visitors.
It was a busy year at the WRIC! We had 77 community room rentals for parties, gatherings, and team meals. We had 153 arena reservations for the on ice/off ice seasons. New flooring was installed in the Charbonneau arena, new benches were purchased, a new water pump was installed with all new plumbing, and the stairway leading up to the concessions second floor was updated with new handrails, paint and flooring.
The number one focus this past year was tree trimming and tree removal. We removed 40+ dead or dying trees from the course, most of that happened this fall and winter. Along with the tree removal we also ground approximately 75 stumps off the golf course from trees we removed last year and this fall. We planted 30 new trees on the course this spring and have 30 more trees on order to replace the trees we removed this past season. The other big project for the golf course was the park maintenance staff completed a remodel of the 3 cart storage sheds at the maintenance facility. The old storage sheds were dismantled down to the studs and new walls, floors, windows, doors and roofs turned them into beautiful equipment storage buildings.
Course was in immaculate condition considering the lack of moisture in the area. The course was kept clean and looks professional for a municipal course.”
-2025 HRGC END OF YEAR SURVEY
Dickinson Parks and Recreation maintains 28 parks, three greenspaces, and seven sports complexes. The seven sports complexes are home to Mustang Baseball Club at Mustang Baseball Complex; Dickinson Diamonds Fastpitch Softball at North Softball Complex; Dakota Community Bank and Trust Ballpark is home to the Badlands Big Sticks, Dickinson State University, Dickinson Baseball Club, and Dickinson High School; Dickinson Soccer Club at West River Soccer Complex; Dickinson State University, Dickinson High School, and Dickinson Diamonds Fastpitch Softball all call Sanford Sports Complex home. Other complexes include West River Skate Park and Gress Softball Complex. In addition to being able to rent out the WRCC and WRIC, you can also rent out various park shelters, the Heart River Retreat, and the Stark County Veterans Pavilion. Shelters available for rent include, Eagles Park Shelter, Gress Softball Complex Shelter, Jaycee Park Shelter, Lions Park Shelter, Rocky Butte Park Shelter, Turtle Park Shelter, and Old Archery Range Shelter.
Heroes Park is a haven designed especially for toddlers and younger children, providing a safe and fun environment for them to play and explore. None of this would have been possible without the generous contributions and work from the Dickinson Park Board, CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson, Dickinson Fire Department, Dickinson Police Department, Apex Engineering Group , AGL Landscape Architects P.C., BC6 Builders, Tolman Concrete, and the amazing team at Dickinson Parks and Recreation. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone!
In the fall of 2023 we received a North Dakota Forestry grant called the ATBTP grant (America the Beautiful Tree Planting), and planting was completed in June of 2024. This was the second tree grant for Friendship Park and consisted of 60 trees (13 different species), that were planted along the new walking path at Friendship park. Friendship Park Trail was started in spring of 2024 and was completed mid summer. This trail is a 0.30-mile compact loop and is a fantastic addition to our already bustling park. It’s perfect for running, walking, and accommodating strollers.
In September 2024, a brand-new playground structure was installed at Pleasant Valley Park, replacing a well-loved but aging play area that had served the community for over 20 years. The new play feature, manufactured by Burke, was a significant investment in the park district’s commitment to providing modern, safe recreational spaces. The project also included a new border, fresh engineered wood chips, and the relocation of the original swing set to accommodate the updated structure.
In the spring of 2024 the West River Community Center brought on a new recycling program as a pilot program for the city. Containers were placed placed alongside every trash receptacle, including in offices. High-traffic areas are serviced daily, while office recycling is collected weekly. Recyclables are transferred to an outdoor dumpster weekly, and the city collects the contents biweekly. On average, the dumpster is between half and three-quarters full at each pickup. As a pilot program for the city, we are proud to support sustainable practice for recycling.
Dickinson Parks and Recreation utilized two grants from the United States Tennis Association and matching funds from the Dickinson High School Booster Club as well as district funds to bring much needed renovations to the Dickinson State University tennis courts. The four existing courts received new poles, nets, and surfaces. Additionally, ADA accessible sidewalks were added from the parking lot to court entrance. The Park District Foundation is currently receiving donations and grants for the next phase of the project which will include two additional courts and other infrastructure improvements to make this a first-class facility
Additional park cameras, Improvements to the Crooked Crane Trail, new WRIC brine headers, and more will be completed in 2025.
The recreation department strives to achieve DPRD’s organizational mission of enhancing the quality of life for the community and its visitors by providing leisure opportunities. The department offers over 75 programs, leagues, tournaments, and special events throughout the year for the community. These activities range from toddlers to adults, as well as one-day events to nine-week leagues, and everything else in between. The programs offered provide a valuable asset to the community. The toddler-aged programming provides a space to improve their gross motor skills and socialize with other children. For the 5-12-year-old programs, they work on improving their hand-eye coordination, enhancing their cooking skills, or using their creative minds to make a masterpiece. We provide a safe and judgment-free zone for the teenagers to be themselves. Teen programming allows them to demonstrate their passions. As for the adults, it’s an atmosphere that promotes positive comradery, time with other adults, and a place to stay active while having fun. The seniors use the programming as a way to stay active and socialize with others.
A total of 27 different Group Fitness classes is what you will find offered throughout the year at West River Community Center. The certified and spirited instructors are the foundation of health and wellness within the facility. They take pride in providing the community with professional knowledge and instruction. Whether you’re 3 years old or 99, there are classes on land and in the water to help you reach your fitness goals. The goal of the WRCC group fitness instructors is to create a positive environment, leading, motivating, and fostering a sense of community among participants. The classes are also all-inclusive, offering modifications and adaptive fitness for participants of all skill and ability levels. Offering a diverse schedule of Group Fitness classes has allowed participants of all ages to create social connections, improve their mood, learn new skills, and reduce loneliness through participation.
The West River Community Center saw a steady increase in clients compared to previous years. A total of 81 clients took part in the WRCC personal training program, with a total of 3,514 visits throughout the year. Visits consisted of one-on-one, small group, partner, and virtual training sessions. Clients received exceptional service from our certified personal training staff, while utilizing our private personal training space.
In 2024, our aquatics team consisted of 53 dedicated members. Over the year, we hosted seven Lifeguard Certification courses, training 68 individuals and hiring 26 of them to join the West River Community Center staff while supporting the training needs of other facilities in the region. We faced some real challenges this past year in filling midday, evening, and weekend guard shifts and well as some maintenance issues associated with the lap pool and outdoor pool. The staff has solved these maintenance issues and continues to address staffing concerns as we move into 2025. While limited by staffing numbers, swimming lessons thrived, with our Water Safety Instructor (WSI) courses equipping staff to deliver safe and effective swim instruction. Our swim lesson programs, encompassing both group and private sessions, taught 545 participants, highlighting the community’s continued commitment to aquatic education and safety.
With the help of the Dickinson Youth Commission, WRCC hosted two successful Teens After Hours events for high school-aged students during the past fall semester. After the West River Community Center closes for the evening, teens are able to utilize the basketball and volleyball courts, play yard games, enjoy soccer, use the video game space, and partake in food and drinks provided by local businesses. Combined attendance at both events exceeded 135 teens and was very well received.
Dickinson Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Best Friends Mentoring, proudly offers the award-winning STRONGkids program to the community. Designed for youth in grades 6-8, STRONGkids provides a 12-week group mentoring experience at the West River Community Center. The program addresses critical challenges faced by youth, including academic underachievement, lack of positive role models, and juvenile delinquency. Through weekly themes, small group discussions, reflection activities, and periodic mindfulness sessions, STRONGkids fosters resilience, self-care, and goal-setting. The program empowers young individuals to build confidence, make positive choices, and unlock their full potential, ensuring brighter futures for the youth of Dickinson.
At the Heart River Golf Course, 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. Youth golfers can also take advantage of the Youth on Course program. Adult programs include Men’s and Women’s Golf League as well as private lessons. Other organizations that utilize the golf course include Dickinson State University Men’s and Women’s Golf teams, Dickinson High School Boys and Girls Golf, Trinity High School Boys and Girls Golf, Dickinson High School Cross Country, Trinity High School Cross Country, and Dickinson State University Cross Country.
The summer’s community pool parties were a resounding success, drawing enthusiastic crowds and solidifying their status as a cherished tradition. Highlights included the Marathon Petroleum Pool Party with 171 attendees, Swimming with the Badlands Big Sticks with 340 fans, and the Pooch Pool Party, where 380 people and 185 dogs enjoyed a day of aquatic fun. The West River Pool Party attracted 607 participants, while the Bravera Bank Splash Bash welcomed 667 attendees and Midco Swim Under the Stars, which had 1,251 guests.
Pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in America, and the Dickinson community is embracing this trend with increasing participation. In 2024, the WRCC introduced several exciting new programs, including Dinkers Round Robin Nights, which evolved into Dinkers Recreation Nights and Dinkers Competitive Night, along with King of the Court. These programs were created to bring players of varying skill levels together, offering them the opportunity to face new opponents and enjoy a fun, competitive atmosphere. Over the course of 13 events, a total of 237 people took part, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for the sport within the community.
We’re proud to have one of the largest venues in the area for concerts and large-scale community events. In 2024, Charbonneau Arena hosted 27 off-ice events, providing space for a variety of gatherings. In addition to community events, we also ran two successful summer programs at WRIC—Safety City and Summer Art. This year, Safety City expanded to a third session, allowing 20 more children to participate. Public skating remained a popular activity, with 8,845 participants and 6,942 skate rentals throughout the season.
DPRD PARTICIPATION SURVEY
65% of Parents, rated our programs as being excellent overall.
88% would recommend our programs to a friend.
Sandy Deichert Memorial Volleyball Tournament
12-year-old State Baseball Tournament
Teens After Hours: Middle School Edition
Men's 4x4 Spring Volleyball league
Dickinson Parks and Recreation offered a variety of events and programs throughout 2024, featuring a mix of new activities and beloved favorites. These programs and events were made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and donations. We are deeply grateful for the community’s ongoing support, which helps us bring quality recreational opportunities to Dickinson!
30 individual artists | 7 businesses
In August, the 9th Annual Chalk Walk event was held. This event showcases the talented artists within the Dickinson community. Artists start earlier in the day to create their masterpieces, and the community event starts at 4:00 pm. The community is invited each year to vote on their favorite piece of artwork in that category, create their own chalk art, play some yard games, and stay for the concert, which starts at 7:00 pm.
77 teams
The 1st Annual Coca-Cola/Blue Hawk Youth Basketball Tournament was a success. This two-day event, open to boys and girls in grades 2-8, drew teams from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana, showcasing competitive basketball and excellent sportsmanship throughout.
4,300 concert-goers
The ten-night concert series features artists of a variety of genres to appeal to the community of all ages. In 2024, we had crowd favorites such as the Paul Family Bluegrass back, as well as new faces such as Melissa Spelchen (acoustic variety), Clint Morgenstern (county), and Balderdash Band (rock and country). 2024 has been our largest crowd to date, and varied in age from 2 to 90 years old.
59 participants
The new Little Tykes Program introduced a month-long sports initiative, teaching 2-5-year-old participants how to play soccer and kickball. The program was structured into two-week segments: the first focused on soccer skills through drills and games, and the second concentrated on kickball.
185 dogs (and 380 owners)
The Pooch Pool Party continues to be a big hit in the Dickinson dog community. During the duration of the four hours of the party, dogs of all sizes are welcome to chase each other around, jump in the pool, and play fetch. Dog owners who participated in 2024 said that it’s their favorite way to end the summer with their pups.
71 teams
The 2nd Annual It’s a Big Dill Tournament was a success. A total of 71 teams participated in the following three divisions: women’s, men’s, and mixed doubles. Pickleball is a growing sport both nationally as well as in the Dickinson community. Participation in this tournament will continue to grow each year as the sport grows.
75 Attendees
Parkside Movie was new in 2024. Held at the Bandshell, 75 people came to watch the movie. Before sunset, yard games were set up for people to play with their families and friends. Once the movie started, popcorn and drinks were provided. Kids in attendance loved watching a movie under the stars in our park.
29 teens
In an effort to expand programming for the 12-18-year-old age range, the program Piece of Cake was created. In four days, participants learned how to decorate cupcakes and cakes, while also practicing various piping techniques. In addition, participants also made their own cupcakes, cakes, and frosting. The program had an impressive first year, nearly maxing out both sessions.
80 humans and 37 dogs
Howl-ween (& Hoomans) Paw-ty was created in 2024 as a fun Halloween Party for both dogs and humans alike. There were various stations around the space for dogs to earn treats, and humans to collect candy. Stations included bag toss, bingo, pin the spider on the web, a costume contest, dogs performing tricks, and dogs hunting for milk bones.
and
expenses amounting to $6,645,488.56.
