We strive to keep our parks and facilities as clean as possible. Crews start to pick up garbage as soon as it begins to thaw from snowbanks. However, if you notice any areas that are particularly soiled, please let us know by submitting a service request form or by texting "GARBAGE" to 701-997-7275.
Crews install floating bridges, kayak launches and docks as soon as ice and river levels allow. Docks are typically installed first because they are the easiest to move in and out if river conditions change suddenly. Floating bridges and kayak launches are generally installed in May, weather dependent.
All of our parks are public spaces and open to the community year around, but some amenities are closed for the season in the fall and reopened in the spring. Water will be turned on and permanent bathroom facilities opened each spring once staff determines most of the freezing potential has passed.
Portable toilets are placed near existing bathroom locations as a temporary measure until water is turned back on.
In order to keep parks and green spaces beautiful and healthy, the Park District begins spraying and fertilizing in the spring and continue into the fall. Employees are licensed as commercial applicators through the State of North Dakota and all chemicals used are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Fargo Park District does not apply mosquito control chemicals. The chemicals that are applied are most commonly herbicides for broadleaf weed control, fungicides and fertilizer.
We would not be able to maintain our parks, trail and facilities without the help of season staff. In general, there are two groups of seasonal staff: those whose schedules allow them to work from April to October and those who are only available the end of May until August (generally students and teachers).
Our crews are always looking for additional help, especially in the spring and fall. If you are looking for full-time, part-time or seasonal employment please visit our Employment Opportunities page.
Creating ice for outdoor skating rinks can be a complicated process! Factors such as outside air and ground temperature, amount of sun and snow, wind levels and type of surfacing the ice is made on can all play a part in how quickly rinks can be opened to the public. Typically, our crews can have a rink ready in 14 days, if the temperature is consistently around 10 degrees Fahrenheit and there is little to no snowfall.
Maintenance and operations teams are responsible for clearing snow on 90+ miles of trails and sidewalks, over 30 acres of parking lots and the entrances of 40+ buildings and facilities. Trails are cleared by pickup and plow or a tractor and blower depending on the severity of the storm and level of snow fall. Typically, all routes are cleared in eight hours, but large amounts of snow and high winds can sometimes complicate and delay the process.
