Bismarck lies along the banks of the Missouri River in the heart of North Dakota and is home to Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD). BPRD was established in 1927 and is governed by five publicly elected park commissioners. BPRD owns and manages more than 3,400 acres of park land and creates programs and places for citizens to enjoy a wide variety of recreation throughout the year. BPRD’s vision is to be the leader and premier provider of public parks, programs, facilities and leisure services. Sustaining more than 280 partnerships and creative collaborations provide the foundation for BPRD’s diverse and dynamic recreational opportunities, efficient and productive joint use of public facilities, coordinated programming and alternative funding. From horse arenas to hockey, from public art to pickle ball and pollinator gardens, from trails to tennis, BPRD provides community opportunities and impact. BPRD is a health care provider and is sought out as both a leader and excellent partner for programs, projects and possibilities. In 2008, BPRD became the first – and is still the only – accredited agency in North Dakota. BPRD was reaccredited in 2013 and in 2018. BPRD is a 1993 and 2017 Gold Medal Award recipient and a six-time Gold Medal Award finalist. The Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management is the highest and most prestigious award attainable by a park and recreation agency. For more than 90 years, BPRD’s unique relationships, community support, leadership and shared resources have made a permanent impact on the quality of life in Bismarck. BPRD is proud of its staff, appreciative of a supportive elected board and community, and continues to strive to meet the highest professional standards.
