Tuesday, October 5, 2021
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This image shows a graphic of the Fargo Park District plans for two big projects.

 

 

The Fargo Park District Board of Commissioners tonight made key decisions on two of the largest projects in district history. In separate motions, the Park Board voted unanimously/5-0 to move forward with an adjusted scope for the Fargo Sports Complex and unanimously/5-0 to adjust the Island Park Pool project timeline and scope to compliment the Island Park Master Plan process. The Board has previously noted that both projects are about improving the quality of life for people of all ages. 

As of September 29, 2021, final cost estimates for the proposed adjusted scope of phase one of the Fargo Sports Complex have risen to $80.2 million. These costs include all construction, fees, contingencies and owner soft costs. Phase one of the project now includes: 1 full size indoor soccer turf field, 4 full sized basketball courts, administrative offices, Sanford Power, multipurpose community space and a 400 meter indoor walking track. Tonight’s Fargo Sports Complex decision allows the staff to continue fundraising for the project and present alternative funding solutions. If additional funds are not secured for the total cost of the Fargo Sports Complex by the 2023 budget cycle, the Park Board will refund any taxes received by the taxpayer related to this project.  

The decision to adjust the Island Park Pool project timeline and scope to compliment the Island Park Master Plan process was made after careful consideration of public input on the project. Through the public meetings held on the topic, the Fargo Park District overwhelmingly heard the public and neighborhood’s desire to see the Island Park Master Plan completed before the pool project and not in tandem as originally planned. Also at tonight’s meeting, the Park Board approved and awarded a proposal for Master Planning Services at Island Park from AGL Landscape Architects & RDG Planning and Design.  

Tonight’s adjustment on the pool project timeline allows Park District time to engage the public, stakeholders as well as pool architectural and engineering design services to complete the Island Park Master Plan. This will mean the public has one final summer to swim at the current Island Park Pool. Plans will be made for the pool to open for the 2022 season with demolition beginning in the fall of 2022 after it closes. This adjusted timeline greatly increases the likelihood of the pool being closed for only one season. 

For more information, call 701-499-6060 or visit FargoParks.com.  

For more information on the Fargo Sports Complex and the Project Update Fact Sheet, please visit the Fargo Sports Complex Project page on the Fargo Park District website here