The Fargo Park District is engaging in a robust strategic planning process with the assistance of Dr. Jeff Schatz and Schatz & Associates, LLC. The process will start in January 2024 and is expected to conclude with a final presentation of findings to the Fargo Park Board of Commissioners in June of the same year.
The strategic planning process will include a systematic approach which involves assessing current position, identifying key priorities and community needs, and outlining actionable steps to ensure sustainable growth and development.
The Strategic Planning Committee will meet the following dates:
- January 17, 2024
- January 31, 2024
- February 21, 2024
- March 6, 2024
- March 20, 2024
Strategic planning is a vital process for the Fargo Park District as it will provide a roadmap for achieving long-term goals and fulfilling the mission to enhance the well-being of the community through recreational and green space initiatives. The process and results will empower the Fargo Park District to make informed decisions, foster community engagement and cultivate an environment that promotes health, recreation and overall quality of life for visitors and residents alike.
Check back here to view committee meeting agendas, meeting recap summaries and regular updates throughout the entire process. For any additional information please call 701-499-6060 or email info@fargoparks.com.
January 17: Committee Meeting
January 17, 2024
4:00 - 6:00 pm
- Orientation and overview
- Introductions of committee members
- Meeting dates, times and locations
- Meeting norms and expectations
- Strategic planning overview
- Organizational structure
- Current Fargo Park District initiatives
- Current trends in park districts
- Finance report
- Desired outcomes exercise
- Mission, vision and core values discussion
Members of the Strategic Planning Committee gathered for their first meeting on Wednesday, January 17. The Committee is comprised of 37 members including staff, community leaders, board members and other partner representatives.
This week’s meeting included introductions, setting meeting expectations, an overview of the Fargo Park District and its organizational structure, review of current national parks and recreation trends, examination of current Fargo Park District initiatives, finance reports and a desired outcomes exercise. The meeting concluded with an overview of the current Fargo Park District mission, vision and values.
As a strategic step forward, committee members were tasked with studying the mission, vision, and values statements of other park districts. Findings and preferences will be discussed at the next meeting on January 31, where the committee will continue its collaborative work towards creating new mission, vision, and value statements. These will serve as guiding principles for the Fargo Park District in fulfilling its mission and advancing its work.
To review the full presentation used at the meeting click here.
Below you will find links to handouts and articles used in Strategic Planning Committee Meeting #1. Please click the title to view the document.
1. Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2024
2. Favorite Park and Recreation Activities According to the Data
January 31: Committee Meeting
January 31, 2024
4:00 - 6:00 pm
- Review notes from January 17 meeting
- Strategic planning overview
- Current Fargo Park District initiatives
- Desired outcomes exercise
- Survey and focus group review
- Mission, Vision and Core Values discussion
Below you will find links to handouts and articles used in Strategic Planning Committee Meeting #2. Please click the title to view the document.
Members of the Strategic Planning Committee gathered for their second meeting on Wednesday, January 31.
After a quick review of the outcomes of the first Strategic Planning Committee meeting, members spent time reviewing and reflecting on an overview of current Fargo Park District priorities and responsibilities including facilities, parks, events, programs, leagues and more. Committee members were invited to offer constructive feedback on the Fargo Park District’s current initiatives and priorities, identifying areas for improvement.
Committee members went on to review themes that surfaced during the data collection phase of strategic planning, including internal staff surveys, external community surveys and stakeholder focus groups. Survey and focus group results were organized into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Committee members analyzed findings, reflecting on the implications they have for the future of the Fargo Park District.
Finally, a significant amount of time was dedicated to an in-depth examination of the current mission, vision and values of the Fargo Park District. Committee members shared thoughts and provided feedback on the direction these important statements should take in the future. The committee will continue to brainstorm, workshop and develop a new mission, vision, and set of values to guide the Fargo Park District for years to come.
The Strategic Planning Committee will meet again on Wednesday, February 21 to continue their work.
To view the full presentation used at the meeting click here.
February 21: Committee Meeting
February 21, 2024
4:00 - 6:00 pm
1. Mission, vision, value statements - continued review and development
2. Strategic priorities and goals discussion
Below you will find links to handouts and articles used in Strategic Planning Committee Meeting #3. Please click the title to view the document.
Members of the Strategic Planning Committee gathered for their third meeting on Wednesday, February 21.
After a quick review of the outcomes of the first two Strategic Planning Committee meeting, members spent the majority of their time discussing, writing, editing and workshopping possible mission, vision and value statements. Committee members shared thoughts and provided feedback on the direction these important statements should take in the future. Work done by the committee will be brought to an internal Fargo Park District writing team who will use the ideas and feedback to finalize and solidify the mission, vision and value statements which will guide the Fargo Park District for years to come.
The Strategic Planning Committee will meet again on Wednesday, March 6 to continue their work.
To view the full presentation used at the meeting click here.
March 6: Committee Meeting
March 6, 2024
4:00 - 6:00 pm
- Final feedback on mission statements
- Value statements
- Vision statement review, rank and provide final feedback
- Strategic planning survey and focus group themes review for committee feedback
Below you will find links to handouts and articles used in Strategic Planning Committee Meeting #4. Please click the title to view the document.
Members of the Strategic Planning Committee gathered for their fourth and final meeting on Wednesday, March 6.
After a quick review of the outcomes of the first two Strategic Planning Committee meeting, members spent some time giving final feedback on the Fargo Park District’s next mission, vision, and value statements. Members reviewed options, workshopped language, and provided feedback on moving forward and finalizing these important statements, which will guide Fargo Parks for years to come. Next, feedback will be taken to an internal writing committee made of Fargo Park District staff for finalization. Stay tuned for final versions!
Members then spent the rest of the meeting reviewing the Fargo Park District’s strategic anchors and priorities. Strategic anchors and priorities will help to focus leadership and staff as they move forward in implementing the overall strategic plan. The priorities were categorized into the following three areas: organizational excellence, places and spaces, and relationships.
Organizational excellence includes governance, master planning, data analysis systems, staff accountability and anything else that allows the Fargo Park District to operate efficiently and effectively from an organizational standpoint.
The places and spaces priority puts an emphasis on parks and facilities, programs, and events which make up the bulk of the work that the Fargo Park District engages in.
Finally, the relationships category will encourage the Fargo Park District to prioritize and pursue strong relationships across the community and state. These could include relationships with non-profits, other government entities, underrepresented populations, subject matter experts and others.
Committee members had the opportunity to review the three strategic priorities and anchors and provide feedback for moving forward.
While the work of the entire committee is now complete, the strategic planning process is ongoing. Fargo Park District leadership and writing committee members will continue to work to finalize mission, vision and value statements, strategic priorities, anchors and more. Once the strategic plan is complete, it will be presented to the Fargo Park Board of Commissioners and implemented internally on an ongoing basis.
To view the full presentation used at the meeting click here.
