Annual Report 2025

Dickinson PARKS & RECREATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2025

Message from the EXECUTIVE director The past year has been one of meaningful progress for Dickinson Parks & Recreation as we continue building a parks system that reflects the needs, aspirations, and values of our community. Our newly adopted Strategic Plan 2026–2028 provides a clear roadmap that strengthens our mission to enhance quality of life and inspires our vision of community involvement and well-being. The plan reaffirms our core values—leadership, excellence, integrity, service, unity, respect, and ethics—and outlines priorities such as supporting employees, modernizing systems, expanding inclusive programming, and ensuring sustainable funding for the future.

In tandem, our 2025 Master Plan advances a community-driven blueprint that evaluates facilities, parkland, future projects, and funding strategies while aligning with the City of Dickinson’s long-range planning efforts. The Master Plan was formally adopted on December 8, 2025, and establishes goals, objectives, and policies that will guide responsible growth, maintain high-quality recreational spaces, and ensure equitable access to parks and amenities across our district.

Our Board of Park Commissioners has played a vital role in this year’s progress underscoring careful stewardship of district resources, including approval of financial reports, continued evaluation of facility maintenance and staffing needs, and thoughtful decisions regarding development projects and land-use considerations.

As we look ahead, our commitment remains unchanged: to provide exceptional recreation opportunities, to strengthen community partnerships, and to invest responsibly in the facilities and programs that make Dickinson a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward together.

Benjamin Rae, Executive Director, CPRE

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.

Dickinson PARKS & RECREATION

OUR MISSION

TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND ITS VISITORS BY PROVIDING LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES.

DEPARTMENTS

2025 BOARDS DICKINSON PARKS & RECREATION PARK BOARD 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

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.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

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

RECREATION & FACILITIES

Caleb Burgard - Deputy Director Golf Professional - Mike Rademaker Recreation/Facilities Manager - Andrew Grafton Recreation Supervisor - Wilson McLaughlin Facility Supervisor - Aquatics - Austin Boepple Program Supervisor - Hannah Pepich Facility Supervisor - Heidi Kirkpatrick

BUILDINGS & GROUNDS

Scott Mack - Director of Parks/Golf Maintenance Golf Superintendent - Curtis Everson Golf Maintenance Supervisor - Rod Lindborg Golf/Facility Maintenance Specialist - Roger Stockert Facility Maintenance Manager - Steve Wiesing Facility Maintenance Supervisor - Brent Erickson Facility Maintenance Supervisor - Marvin Dahl Facility Maintenance Specialist - Oscar Morena Facility Maintenance Specialist - Lance Koskovich Park Maintenance Foreman - Aimee Kittilson Park Operations Foreman - Jon Schardin Park Maintenance Mechanic - Jacob Shypkowski Park Operations Specialist - Doug Burgard Park Operations Specialist - Mitchell Pearson Park Operations Specialist - Kaden Krause

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

DICKINSON PARKS & RECREATION FOUNDATION 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 Benjamin Rae | Vice President Patty Riely | Secretary Brianna Baker Wilson McLaughlin Nic Stevenson

BIG IMPACT

YEAR AT A GLANCE

HIGHLIGHTS: • • • • • •

CROOKED CRANE TRAIL/STRANSKI BIKE LOOP COMPLETED WRCC RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY NEW RECREATION LEAD HIRED ONE NEW PLAYGROUND INSTALLED COMPLETION OF MASTER PLAN & STRATEGIC PLAN ADOPTED PARK DISTRICT CODE OF CONDUCT

384

246

514

256

DPR EMPLOYEES

NEW TREES PLANTED

TOTAL RENTALS

ADULT LEAGUE TEAMS

2,990 YOUTH PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS

1,070

400

lbs

WRCC CORPORATE FOOD DONATED MEMBERSHIPS ENROLLED

HEART RIVER GOLF COURSE

148

NUMBER OF ROUNDS

AVERAGE GOLF ROUNDS PER DAY

1,002

2023

2025

2024

SEASON PASS HOLDERS

WEST RIVER ICE CENTER

971

154

SCHOOL GROUP ADMISSIONS

TODDLER SKATE ADMISSIONS

6,096

SKATE RENTALS

8,159

TOTAL PUBLIC SKATE ADMISSIONS

WEST RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER

67,060

VISITS AT WRCC OUTDOOR POOL

280,801 98

111

153

TOTAL WRCC VISITS

FUTURE FIRST Strategic Plan The Dickinson Parks & Recreation District has served the residents and visitors of Dickinson, North Dakota for more than 75 years, offering high-quality recreation opportunities, vibrant green spaces, and meaningful community connections. Building on the foundation of the 2025–2045 Master Plan and the 2023–2025 Strategic Plan—and aligned with the City of Dickinson’s Direction 2050 Comprehensive Plan—this Strategic Plan establishes clear, actionable priorities to guide the District’s work from 2026 through 2028.

1.Organizational Excellence and Workforce Development •

Invest in Training and Development.

•

Enhance Workforce Retention

2. Community Access and

3. Facility Stewardship and

Inclusive Programming

Infrastructure Investment

•

Expand Program Diversity.

•

Modernize Existing Facilities.

•

Strengthen Community

•

Promote Sustainability and

Operational Efficiency.

Energy Efficiency.

Partnerships.

and Recruitment.

•

Maintain

Expand

Excellence

•

Increase Public Engagement.

Stewardship

Improve

4. Financial Sustainability and

5. Trails, Connectivity, and

Partnerships

Outdoor Recreation

•

Optimize Funding Streams.

•

Improve Trail Connectivity.

•

Maximize Return on Facilities.

•

Enhance Outdoor Recreation

•

Leverage Partnerships.

Access.

•

Promote Active Lifestyles.

•

Plan for Future Growth.

master plan overview ROAD MAP FOR OUR COMMUNITY Foundation & Alignment

Community & Environmental Analysis Facility & Park System Inventory

Program & Service Evaluation

Community Driven Priorities

Future Master Facilities Plan

Funding & Financial Strategy

Implementation & Monitoring

1

2

3

4 5

6

Community Driven Goals · Establish purpose of the Master Plan. · Align with City of Dickinson 2050 Comprehensive Plan. · Define long-term vision, goals, and guiding principles. · Conduct public engagement.

Assessments · Analyze population trends. · Identify community diversity and growth patterns. · Review land use and geographic constraints. · Evaluate natural assets and environmental considerations.

Internal Inventory · Catalog all DPR facilities, parks, trails, and amenities. · Assess maintenance needs and operational considerations.

External Inventory · Document partner facilities and community resources.

Parkland Classification · Apply system-wide park classifications. · Map all parks and facilities. · Review playground replacement schedules and condition assessments.

District Programming Review · Analyze youth, teen, adult, and specialty programs. · Identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities.

Benchmarking · Compare offerings using NRPA national standards. · Evaluate external programming partners.

Key Priority Areas Identified · Expanded trails and outdoor recreation amenities. · Upgraded playgrounds and park features. · Potential development of a 9-hole golf course. · Bike park and outdoor adventure elements. · Increased winter recreation options. · Park expansion in north/east Dickinson and south Patterson Lake.

Planning · Outline proposed facility expansions. · Identify long-term capital projects. · Prioritize improvements based on community need, feasibility, and impact.

7

Research · Identify grants, capital planning tools, and long-term budgeting strategies. · Review financial reporting from board workshops. · Ensure sustainable funding for major improvements. · Maintain fiscal responsibility through reserves and operational efficiency.

8

Getting the Data · Establish timelines and phasing. · Assign responsibilities across departments. · Create metrics for tracking progress. · Maintain ongoing community engagement.

MAKING IT HAPPEN

GRANTS, PARTNERSHIPS & SPONSORSHIPS 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 $155,201 in 2025, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions.

SPONSORSHIPS Pizza Hut

Able

Dakota Signwerks

Action Cleaning Service

Dickinson Area Community Foundation Premier Fencing LLC

Adams Testing

Dickinson Baseball Club

Adventure Academy LLC

Dickinson Parks and Recreation Foundation Quality Quick Print

All In Bar & Casino

Dickinson State University

Red Rock Ford

Armstrong Corporation

Eagles

Rosies Food and Gas

Badlands Big Sticks

Engagement Therapy

Sandra Deichert Vball Tournament

Badlands Truck Wash

Floor to Ceiling Carpet One

Sax Motor Company

Baker Boy

Fortissimo Entertainment

Scott Karsky, State Farm

Baranko Brothers, Inc.

Four Seasons Trophies

Serendipity

BCBSND Caring Foundation

Gate City

South Side Saloon

Bernie’s Esquire

Hauck Sales & Services LLC

Stark County Association of Deputies

Bierschbach Equipment & Supply

I Don’t Know Bar

Stark Title

Blue 42

J & J Operating

Steffes

Bosch Lumber Company

Jacey Wilson, State Farm

Sticka Dental

Brady Martz

Jerome Distributing, Inc.

Subway

Braun Distributing

JR’s Auto Body

Susie Lefor, Infinity Real Estate

Bravera Bank

Kim Callahan

The Corndog Company

Butch’s Rathole & Anchor Service

Legends Auto Body

Tooz Construction

Cash Wise

Logo Magic

Venture Homes/Market Press

Charbonneau Car Center

Mackoff Kellogg

Viking Glass

CHI St. Alexius

Marathon Petroleum

Western Cooperative Credit Union

Coca-Cola

Men’s Den

Western Dent

ConocoPhillips

MethodFlow Products LLC

William & Connie Connolly Charitable Fund

Consolidated

Midco

YUM

Cordova Construction

North 40 Sales

Cornerstone Bank

Optimist Club

Cusic Family

Papa John’s

Dakota Community Bank & Trust

Pepsi

Pump Systems

GRANTS Grants 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 $107,179.50 have been applied to ongoing projects or reserved for future initiatives.

• • • •

Midco Foundation $1,000 Dickinson Area Community Foundation $4,000 North Dakota Health and Human Services $2,179.50 State of North Dakota Energy Conservation Program $100,000

PARTNERSHIPS In 2025, Dickinson Parks and Recreation partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota’s Caring Foundation to provide 512 free ice skate rentals, removing cost barriers and expanding access to winter recreation for community members of all ages. This partnership supported healthy, active lifestyles and ensured more residents could enjoy skating opportunities throughout the season.

Dickinson Dream generously donated 40 new basketballs to the West River Community Center, helping enhance recreational opportunities for youth, leagues, and open gym participants. This contribution supports safe, accessible programming and reinforces the importance of community partnerships in promoting healthy, active lifestyles. West River Community Center is grateful for Dickinson Dream’s continued investment in local facilities and the youth they serve.

Adopt A PARK 18 adopted parks |15 newly adopted in 2025 Roughrider District Scouting America The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Able, Inc. Consolidated Professional Firefighter of Dickinson Local 5150 Sax Motors Edward Jones- Marlene Bradbury Kiwanis Club

ATHLETIC ORGANIZATIONS 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 Roughrider Archery Special Olympics Trinity High School Athletics

Kostelecky Family Walmart Benedictine Dickinson Rural Fire Department Roers & Riely Families Stark County Association of Deputies Dickinson Soccer Club

COMMUNITY GROUPS | PARTNERS 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, Boy Scouts of America 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

2025 NDRPA Innovative Programming Award

Teen After Hours program received the 2025 NDRPA Innovative Programming Award at the state conference in Fargo this past fall!

A huge thank-you to our staff, volunteers, and community partners who make this program such a fun and safe space for teens to connect and grow. This award recognizes and honors an NDRPA member agency or organization that demonstrates leadership with advanced groundbreaking ideas in programming. The award highlights the efforts and impact an agency or organization has made in promoting or increasing the awareness of the benefits of parks and recreation in their community through offering a variety of programs.

Best Waterpark West River Community Center Best Family Entertainment Spot West River Community Center Best Place for Winter Fun West River Community Center Best Fitness Center / Gym West River Community Center Best Place for Summer Fun West River Community Center Outdoor Pool Best Local / Community Park Friendship Park Best Area Golf Course Heart River Golf Course Best RV Park / Campground Patterson Lake Recreation Area

BY THE NUMBERS 351 donations given 11,164 special event attendees

patterson lake season passes sold

133 PARK SHELTER RESERVATIONS

Lions Park, Eagles Park, Jaycee Park, Turtle Park, Rocky Butte Park, Gress Softball Complex or the old Archery Range Shelter.

volunteer hours

16 180 scholarships given

LAKE DAY PASSES

sports complexes

450

6,399 Driving range Buckets sold

285

3,568

7

9 Tournaments 6 WRCC full facility rentals

MILES OF TRAILS

6,078 drop-in child care visits

2,594 COURT RESERVATIONS

Basketball Courts Racquetball Courts Tennis Courts Pickleball Courts Volleyball Courts

982

CAMPERS 189 Primitive 793 Modern

83 companies enrolled in WRCC corporate MEMBERSHIP program

PARKS/MAINTENANCE 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.

West river community Center

In 2025, the community center underwent significant renovations to enhance both functionality and member experience throughout the facility. Improvements included the replacement of window blinds to modernize interior spaces and improve energy efficiency, as well as the conversion of the lap pool to a manual backwash system to strengthen operational reliability. The locker rooms continue to receive a comprehensive remodel featuring new countertops, updated flooring, fresh paint, upgraded shower areas, and new privacy partitions.

Additional upgrades such as new ventilation components and ceiling tiles further improved air quality and aesthetics. Collectively, these renovations reflect a continued commitment to maintaining a safe, modern, and welcoming environment for all patrons. Over the past year, we strategically repurposed an underutilized racquetball court within the West River Community Center to better align with current member needs and usage trends. The space was converted into a dedicated strength training area, outfitted with modern strength equipment to expand workout opportunities and alleviate congestion in existing fitness areas.

This renovation maximized existing square footage without expanding the facility footprint, improved overall traffic flow, and enhanced the member experience by providing additional space for functional and resistance training. The conversion reflects our commitment to adapting facility spaces to meet evolving community demands while increasing the overall value and usability of the facility for all patrons.

Last year saw the completion of an ongoing project from the previous year at the outdoor pool including cutting 3 large sections from the bottom of the pool, repairing and replacing the underlying water lines, repouring the concrete base, and applying the finishing coat. With the completion of this project, there are no additional leaks in the underground piping servicing the outdoor pool. Additionally, crews removed and replaced several sections of the concrete decking and drain channels along the zero depth area of the outdoor pool.

CROOKED CRANE TRAIL

WEST RIVER ICE CENTER IIn 2025, the ice center completed several major renovations and capital improvements to enhance both performance and visitor experience. New brine headers installed in the Charbonneau Arena. A critical compressor rebuild was completed to ensure reliable ice production and extend the longevity of the refrigeration system. Restroom facilities were updated to provide a cleaner, more modern environment for patrons, and the addition of a new Zamboni significantly improved ice quality and operational efficiency. Together, these investments reinforce the center’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, dependable facility for athletes, families, and the community.

HEART RIVER GOLF COURSE During the past golf season, we made significant investments in both infrastructure and technology to elevate course conditions, operational efficiency, and the overall player experience. Major capital improvements included cart path renovations, upgrades to on-course restroom facilities, and the construction of an additional cart storage shed. We also introduced a new golf management software system to streamline tee time scheduling, point-of-sale operations, and reporting capabilities. Complementing this upgrade, we added a fleet of new GPS-equipped golf carts, providing golfers with enhanced navigation, yardage accuracy, pace-of-play support, and on-cart communication features. To further support course management and player safety, we implemented a Perry Weather Monitoring System, delivering realtime weather tracking and lightning detection to improve decision-making and emergency preparedness. Collectively, these additions and upgrades demonstrate our commitment to modernizing operations, protecting long-term assets, and delivering a high-quality, forward-thinking golf experience for our patrons.

29 parks 6 trails Dickinson Parks and Recreation maintains 29 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.

1 new playground! veterans memorial park The addition of the Veterans Memorial Playground demonstrates a long-term partnership with both Dickinson Matthew Brew American Legion Post #3 and the Stark County Veterans Memorial Association.

The “fort” themed playground will provide recreational opportunities for the surrounding neighborhood and the community as a whole during the summer Bandshell concert series. The $100,000 project includes slides, climbing amenities, and interactive play features. An official ribbon cutting will take place prior to the first Bandshell concert of the season. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone!

1 new park! sundance cove

Sundance Cove became the newest park space in the Dickinson Parks and Recreation portfolio in 2025. With this transition, the park space is now public and DPRD took over responsibility for the maintenance of the playground features and .18 miles of trail through the community.

Pearson Orchard The goal of this project was to bring a first community orchard to the City of Dickinson to promote fruit production in North Dakota by educating the community on the wide variety of fruits and berries that are hardy enough to survive the winters in SW North Dakota. The orchard utilizes a previously undeveloped park property in the Nuhaven subdivision. Our first planting in May 2025 consists of 46 trees with many varieties of apple, cherry, pear, and plum trees provided by a generous donation from TJ Herauf (CocaCola of Dickinson). Berry rows will be added in the spring of 2026. When the fruit is ready for harvest in late summer, access to the orchard will be available by appointment. The Park District will be looking for volunteers to help with pruning, watering, and harvesting in the coming years.

Memorial Park trees DPRD started a tree removal and replacement project at Veterans Memorial Park in 2025, removing dead and diseased Green Ash trees and replacing them with a more diverse canopy. Sixty trees were planted representing maple, hackberry, elm, oak, linden, honeylocust, buckeye, and lilac varieties.

The new trees were planted on the south side of the Bandshell surrounding the new playground with additional plantings planned to the west hillside in 2026.

turtle park parking lot The parking lot at Turtle Park has been degrading for years and could not be used as a base for an overlay project. Instead, the park district choose to mill the material in the existing parking lot and grade the material to create a new gravel parking area in line with the other parking lots in the area. Taking advantage of the West Broadway mill and overlay crews that were already onsite, the project was able to be completed without additional mobilization. The new base eliminates the preexisting pot holes and allows the park district to consider an asphalt overlay in the future.

crooked crane trail Crooked Crane Trail, established in 1999, is a multi-surface trail that winds around the Patterson Lake Recreation Area, which is owned and operated by the Dickinson Parks and Recreation District. The Stranski segment of the trail extends through the northwest portion of the recreation area, connecting the Nyoda (Trap Club) Trailhead to the Stranski Trailhead.

The goal of this project was to construct a permanent and sustainable 4-foot-wide natural surface trail suitable for both hikers and cyclists along this 1.3-mile section. Two new loops were added, incorporating a variety of cycling features such as tabletops, rollers, and small berm turns, increasing the total trail distance to 2.37 miles. Additionally, culverts were installed at four drainage crossings to improve water management. As part of the overall project, the Nyoda (Trap Club) Trailhead was expanded and upgraded in conjunction with the construction of the new trap club facility. Funding for the project was provided through a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant, with matching contributions from Marathon Petroleum and material donations from Stark County.

100 trees were added to the northside main recreation area at Patterson Lake. The trees were a mix of many spruce varieties, junipers, aspens, ash, and maples.

Risa and Darrell Nodland graciously donated the trees and fencing material, a $7,000 cash value but invaluable to the future of the park. The trees were planted by volunteers from the Dickinson Disc Golf Association.

RECREATION wrcc fitness Group Fitness at West River Community Center is more than a workout—it’s an experience. Our classes bring people together to move, laugh, and grow stronger side by side. With a wide variety of formats and levels, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re just getting started or looking to challenge yourself. In a time when so much fitness has moved to screens, our classes offer something increasingly rare—live, in-person instruction. Our certified instructors are there with you every step of the way, providing real-time guidance, encouragement, and personal connection you simply can’t get from a video. Beyond the physical benefits, Group Fitness is about belonging. It’s the friendships formed, the familiar faces that motivate you to show up, and the shared energy that makes every class more fun. When you join Group Fitness at WRCC, you’re not just attending a class—you’re becoming part of a supportive, uplifting community.

27

Group fitness classes

Aqua Aerobics

Most attended Group fitness Class

66 personal training clients

outdoor pool The WRCC Outdoor Pool continued to be a valued community destination in 2025, even with an unusually high number of weather‑related closures that limited us to 60 operational days out of 73. On the days we were able to open, attendance remained strong and consistent, showing how much our community enjoys and supports the facility. Our staffing team was a major highlight—we were fully staffed for most of the summer, which helped us deliver smooth, safe, and reliable operations throughout the season. Despite the challenges Mother Nature threw our way, the pool maintained a positive atmosphere and a strong commitment to safety and service.

dive into aquatics What a year for our aquatics team! With 50 dedicated staff members, we made waves in training, programming, and community engagement. We hosted five Lifeguard Certification courses, training 43 individuals and welcomed 13 new team members to the West River Community Center staff—while also supporting other facilities in the region. Our pools got some love too! Both the leisure and lap pools received a fresh coat of paint, and we’re thrilled for even more updates and renovations coming in 2026.Staffing challenges from previous years didn’t hold us back—our team worked hard to keep programs running smoothly. And speaking of programs, swimming lessons thrived! With four Water Safety Instructor courses, we trained 16 new instructors and taught 668 participants through group and private lessons. That’s a huge win for aquatic education and safety in our community! Beyond certifications and lessons, 2025 was all about connection and creativity. From themed swim nights to collaborative safety events, we turned our pools into hubs for fun, fitness, and friendships.

668

SWIM LESSON PARTICIPANTS

13

new team members

16

New Instructors

Heart River Golf Course 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.

18

PGA Jr. League Participants

98

adult golf league teams

36

tournaments held

pickleball nights King of the Court Nights and Dinkers Nights continued to draw strong interest throughout 2025, offering pickleball players a fun and competitive way to engage with the sport. King of the Court provided both recreational and competitive divisions, giving participants the chance to test their skills in fast‑paced matches where players worked to hold their spot at the top as long as possible. Dinkers Recreation Nights offered a more laid-back experience designed for 2.5–3.25 level players and seniors, while Dinkers Competitive Nights catered to players ranked 3.25+ who were eager for higher-level play. Feedback from participant surveys highlighted especially positive experiences, with many commenting on how much fun they had throughout the night. The blend of competition, camaraderie, and accessible play has helped establish these pickleball nights as a staple in Dickinson Parks & Recreation programming.

348

participants

34

CHAMPIONS CROWNED

teen after hours Dickinson Parks & Recreation’s Teen After Hours events give local youth a fun, free, and safe space to unwind at the West River Community Center. Teens can enjoy basketball, gaming, or simply hanging out with friends. These evenings are designed to provide a relaxed, activity‑filled environment where young people can connect and enjoy time together.

Alongside these events, CTRL Play offers another exciting option, an epic gaming‑focused night at the Dickinson State University Student Center. Teens can level up on PC, Switch, or Xbox, enjoy plenty of snacks, and relax with friends in a welcoming hangout space, all completely free. Together, these programs give teens multiple ways to stay active, socialize, and experience engaging, memorable nights in Dickinson

1,123

TEENS ATTENDED EVENTS

155

teens attended nye pary

TEENS AFTER HOURS

Excellence is what we do Sandy Deichert memorial

CHALK WALK

VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

30 individual artists

The 2025 Chalk Walk showcased the strength and resilience of our local arts community. The event saw an impressive turnout, with more than 30 artists creating vibrant chalk masterpieces along the walkways. Their work was met with enthusiastic support from over 600 community members who attended to celebrate and encourage the artists. The event highlighted the community’s ongoing commitment to public art and creative expression, reinforcing Chalk Walk as a valued annual tradition that brings residents together in a colorful and engaging way.

YAP VOLLEYBALL 154 participants

40 teams

The first inaugural Sandra Deichert Memorial Volleyball Tournament was a tremendous success.The event not only honored Sandra’s legacy but also brought the community together in a meaningful way. Thanks to the strong participation and support, we contributed $4,925 to the Sandra Deichert Memorial Fund. These funds were distributed to various youth sports clubs in the community.

PARKSIDE MOVIE TINY SPORTS 125 participants

Parkside Movie Night is a fun and relaxing evening at the Phil Patterson Memorial Bandshell as families settled in to watch

132 participants

Tiny Sports offers toddlers an energetic introduction to both individual and team‑based activities. The program focuses

It was another record-breaking year for

Trolls 2 under the summer sky. Before the

YAP Volleyball. The program is designed

movie began, attendees enjoyed playing

for the various age groups and abilities to

a variety of yard games, adding to the

improve their skills and then the ability to

festive atmosphere and giving kids and

put it all together with multiple jamborees

adults alike something active to enjoy. In

at the end of the program. For example,

true community spirit, both popcorn and

the K-2nd graders, focus on hand-eye

drinks were offered for free, creating an

coordination, while the 3rd-6th graders

inviting and family‑friendly event.

in 2025 were the obstacle course and

SWIM UNDER THE STARS

exploration, and supportive parent‑child

focus on the fundamentals of the game of volleyball such as setting, passing, and serving.

1,338 attendees Swimming Under the Stars, Sponsored

by Midco, had the second-highest attendance in the event’s history. Despite facing adverse weather conditions on both days, staff and partners successfully adapted to ensure the event could continue. The strong turnout highlights the community’s enthusiasm and support, making it another memorable and successful evening for all involved.

on helping young children build gross motor skills, confidence, and social connections through a variety of age‑appropriate activities, including basketball, soccer, t‑ball, dancing, yoga, running, and a lively obstacle course. The kids’ favorite activities soccer. With its emphasis on movement, interaction, Tiny Sports continues to play an essential role in fostering healthy habits and positive early experiences for Dickinson’s youngest participants.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Dickinson Parks and Recreation maintained a strong financial position over the past year, with total revenue of $7,446,872.73 and total expenses amounting to $6,845,235.46. Overall, the district operated with a balanced budget, ensuring the sustainability of recreational facilities and services for the community. The financial outlook remains stable, allowing for continued investment in park improvements, programming, and infrastructure.

Revenue 2025 User Fees: $3,700,573.45 Property Tax: $2,112,187.79 Intergovernmental Funds: $719,230.86 Sales: $288,975.39 Rentals/Leases: $418,953.75 Administrative/Donations: $206,951.49 Total: $7,446,872.73

User Fees Property Tax Intergovernmental Funds

Sales Rentals/Leases Administrative/Donations Expenditures 2025 Personnel: $3,980,013.59 Administrative: $607,953.22 Maintenance: $606,534.07 Utilities: $742,229.21 Supplies/Equipment: $908,505.37 Total: $6,845,235.46

Personnel

Utilities

Administrative

Supplies/Equipment

Maintenance

dickinson parks & recreation Phone

Website

Address

701.456.2074

dickinsonparks.org

2004 Fairway St