Stutsman County Seeks Public Input for New Parks Master Plan

On November 26, 2025 the Stutsman County Park Board initiated a community outreach effort by mailing a resident survey and launching an online questionnaire at stutsmancountysurvey.org. The outreach is part of a planning process to create a comprehensive parks and master plan covering county managed sites including Jamestown Reservoir, Parkhurst at Pipestem Lake, Sandy Beach at Spiritwood Lake, Ypsilanti Park and other county lands.

The board is working with Interstate Engineering and ETC Institute on the plan, which has an estimated cost of about $184,000. Responses from residents will be used to prioritize improvements and additions, and to inform decisions about which projects to pursue through future grant applications. The county aims to finalize the master plan in fall 2026.

Survey questions ask about frequency of park use, assessments of existing conditions, desired amenities, support for specific improvements, and interest in potential community events. The data will help county officials understand both everyday needs and opportunities to attract visitors or host larger events. For residents who use the reservoir and lakes the plan could influence day to day access, safety measures and the availability of recreation programming.

Local officials emphasize that community input will shape where limited resources are directed, and that a clear plan will strengthen applications for state and federal grants that require public engagement and documented priorities. For rural counties like Stutsman the ability to secure outside funding often determines whether boat ramps get repaired, picnic areas are upgraded, or trails are expanded.

The timeline calls for analysis of survey results, public meetings and draft recommendations over the coming year. Residents who wish to participate can complete the online questionnaire at stutsmancountysurvey.org or return mailed surveys as directed. The plan will serve as a road map for managing recreational assets and balancing conservation, public access and economic opportunities tied to outdoor amenities.