Bismarck Park Board new facility estimated cost $108 Million

The Bismarck City Commission Tuesday heard from the Park Board and community members about the need for a new facility in Bismarck.

A study carried out for more than a year has pointed to a need for a new facility with indoor tennis and pickle ball courts, hockey rink, gymnastics room.

The facility would contain many more amenities as well.

It is estimated to cost a $108 million.

The Park board proposed that 5-10 percent of the cost could be covered by private partnerships, and the rest could be covered by a half cent sales tax increase for the city.

Commissioners voted to put the proposed tax increase on the June ballot.

"That facility is going to, we believe, draw people and things to Bismarck that people will be coming to town for. So there's an indirect effect with that," said Brian Beattie, Park Board resident.

The tax would sunset after the bill on the facility is paid. Staff have scheduled ten months to design the complex, and two years for construction.