Jamestown Parks Commission Votes to Seek Firms for $33M Improvement Plan

Facing $33 million in deferred maintenance across its facilities, the Jamestown Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously Monday to begin advertising for architectural and engineering firms to lead a comprehensive capital improvement planning process for the Jamestown Parks & Recreation District.

Executive Director Amy Walters told the commission that a comprehensive planning process had surfaced the full scope of the backlog, and that outside expertise is now necessary to translate that figure into an actionable strategy. "It's becoming apparent that we need some support as we look at how are we going to put a plan in place, what's it going to cost us, and then what are some potential funding strategies to support that plan," she said.

Walters estimated that hiring qualified firms to guide the capital improvement planning effort would cost between $35,000 and $50,000. That range is not included in the district's 2026 operating budget, though the district holds roughly $3 million in reserve funds and carryover dollars that could cover it. No contract will be signed before the commission weighs in: "We would bring that recommendation then back to you (commission), and we would know a cost before we would enter into a contract," Walters said.

Monday's meeting also addressed a separate but related infrastructure matter. The commission unanimously agreed to the conditions of a North Dakota Department of Transportation right-of-way encroachment permit, required because the district's administrative building sits within the right-of-way for the Business Loop West reconstruction project. That state project involves converting the U.S. Highway 52 and 10th Street Southeast intersection into a roundabout and rebuilding Business Loop West from 4th Avenue Southwest to 10th Street Southeast.

The vote on March 9 authorizes advertising only; the district must still solicit proposals, evaluate respondents, and return a recommendation to the commission before any planning contract is executed. The specific breakdown of what comprises the $33 million in deferred maintenance, along with the RFP timeline and permit conditions, has not been publicly detailed.