By Dawn Morgan
May 21,2020
My interest in the Fargo Parks System goes beyond the Core Neighborhoods. Ideally, the parks throughout the city should be developed for varying purposes with trails and paths connecting them.
Director of Fargo Parks, Dave Leker, informed me that the growth of the City of Fargo is overlaid with plans for new parks. Eight percent of the acreage of new development is deeded by developers as a designated park with rudimentary development completed before the housing project begins. Currently, twenty to thirty such parks exist.
Near arterial roads of twelve feet or wider, the Parks Department works with the City to establish bike and walking trails. Other paths between parks are developed by the Parks Department.
It would be rewarding if each of the neighborhoods would establish a neighborhood association which could adopt their park and determine its best use knowing that neighborhoods differ in their needs. Also, the needs of the neighborhood may change with time. Selection of the park’s current use could be made by the community and altered as the neighborhood matures. Contemplative parks, art parks, playground equipment for children, open green space for games, skate parks for youth, butterfly gardens, water features, flower gardens are a few possibilities. Selection of these varieties of outdoor spaces could be developed with the help of a neighborhood association.
When visiting my niece in Edmonton Alberta, I found that all new developments in that city have a neighborhood center where citizens meet. These are funded by a fee assessed to each neighborhood for the development and preservation of the community center. These centers can be reserved for family or neighborhood events or for classes and entertainments so that residents do not need to drive thereby encouraging walking and riding bicycles in the neighborhood.
Parks encourage not only communing with nature, but also physical activity and social engagement as residents learn to know one another and work on projects together.
One of the ways in which larger projects can be accomplished is through the Fargo Parks District Foundation Grants which can be applied for in the Spring or Fall for the following year. The Park District will match up to $15,000. Sources of matching funds can come from other grants, individuals or supporting businesses and institutions.
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