The Fargo Park District and the Kiwanis Club of Fargo invite the community to attend a ribbon cutting for the official opening of a new Kiwanis project at Island Park on Tuesday, October 21 at 11:30 a.m., in the southeast corner of the park.
This collaborative project, called Radiating Wellbeing, was developed in partnership with the Fargo Park District, the Kiwanis Club of Fargo, and students from North Dakota State University and Minnesota State University Moorhead. The project grew out of a shared interest in supporting mental wellness through green space, inspired by research from the World Health Organization showing the connection between time in nature and improved health outcomes.
Planning began in late 2022, with students in NDSU’s Landscape Architecture program and MSUM’s Art and Design program contributing design concepts. From ten submissions, Radiating Wellbeing by NDSU student Kaja Holtz was selected as the foundation for the final design. The Fargo Park District provided construction support while the Kiwanis Club of Fargo committed design and fundraising efforts, including dedicating proceeds from the 2025 Kiwanis Pancake Feed.
The project, located in the southeast corner of Island Park, features an accessible ADA path, repurposed boulders with engraved messages, art elements, stone garden, benches, and sensory-focused amenities. No established trees were removed, and natural materials were used whenever possible to preserve the park’s character. The project reflects the Island Park Master Plan’s vision while creating a welcoming space for reflection, connection, and community health.
Prairie St. John’s Behavioral Health Hospital, Fargo ND, supports the Kiwanis Club of Fargo and this park project. They contributed designated parking spots across from the wellness area to assist with community access to this area of Island Park.
The Fargo Park District and the Kiwanis Club of Fargo welcome all community members to attend the ribbon cutting and experience this new addition to Island Park. Attendees can park on the street, Island Park parking lots, or on the north end of the Prairie St. John’s parking lot across 4th Avenue.
Island Park is located at 302 7th Street S. For more information, call 701-499-6060.
Kiwanis Club of Fargo is a forward-thinking, service-driven organization where service, kindness, teamwork, fellowship, and fun come first. Kiwanis believes neighborhoods and our world are best served when people of all ages and diverse backgrounds work together to share their time and talents. The Kiwanis family sponsors clubs such as K-Kids (elementary), Builders Clubs (middle school), Key Clubs (high school), Circle K Clubs (college), and Aktion Clubs (adults living with disabilities), along with providing annual grant opportunities to local youth programs. The Kiwanis Club of Fargo has been assessing and addressing the needs of local families since 1920, providing over 105 years of servant leadership in our community.
