Established in January 2019, The Matching Grant Program has supported numerous community projects that improve the recreational experiences of Fargo Residents. Below is a list of Fargo Park District Projects completed as a result of The Matching Grant Program.
Fargo Youth Baseball received a $15,000 match grant to partially fund their project: Scoreboards at Tharaldson Little League Complex. According to Fargo Youth Baseball, the scoreboards provide a better experience, better tournament atmosphere, and world-class events. With the number of tournaments held at the complex, scoreboards are needed on all four fields in order to ensure a quality tournament experience and to draw additional teams.
Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society received a $15,000 match grant to partially fund their project: Laying the Foundation for an Edible Forest. The Edible Forest project provides educational opportunities on local food and horticulture, connects to nearby garden trails for walkers and bikers, and provides a haven for birds and native pollinators. The Edible Forest project started the summer of 2019 at the Northern Plains Botanic Garden at Yunker Park in north Fargo and is the first development phase of their planned arboretum.
Fargo American Legion Post 2 Baseball received a $9,900 match grant to partially fund the replacement of the decades old public address system at the 52+ year old Jack Williams Stadium. Legion Post 2 baseball involves three different teams: Bombers, Jets and Post 2 who all call the stadium home.
Growing Together Community Gardens received a $4,115 match grant to partially fund their project. The project allows Growing Together Community Gardens to purchase a BCS walk-behind tractor and Rotary Plow as well as a Flail Mower. The new equipment allows Growing Together Community Gardens to raise the beds more efficiently at their 6 locations and compost the remaining plants more effectively in the Fall.
Fargo Fastpitch Association received a $2,366.17 match grant to partially fund their project: Fargo Fastpitch Main Diamond Upgrade. The project provides additional safety measures to Diamond 5 at the North Softball Complex. According to Fargo Fastpitch Association, the new measures include fence top protectors on both foul line fences and the outfield fence as well as the addition of an outfield fence screen. These upgrades improve player safety for the more than 300 players who utilize this space.
Post 400 Legion Baseball received a $15,000 match grant to partially fund their project: Starion Field Phase 2. Post 400 Baseball in conjunction with Fargo Youth Baseball worked together on a Phase 2 project at Starion Field intended to provide for a better experience for players, fans and opponents. Phase 2 consists of installing a batter’s eye in center field, flagpole with American flag and tables throughout the facility. The addition of a better’s eye is functional, attractive and increases opportunities for Starion to be a host site for advancing tournaments.
Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society received a $6,405 match grant to partially fund their project: Fostering Garden Usability & Accessibility. The project provides path construction to improve access to the Children’s Garden and Edible Forest and better meet ADA requirements. In addition, a structure installed at the south end of the Edible Forest provides a shaded place to rest as well as serves as a trellis for plants. A handicap-accessible picnic table is installed to ensure the space is widely usable.
