For Moorhead Parks and Recreation, there is the matter of filling in the gaps -- bike trails that don't connect, parks too small to accommodate all ages.
In Fargo, the parks department jogs to keep pace with the city's southern growth -- more swimming pools, more park land.
But in both cities, 10-year park outlooks promise recreation opportunities will be easier to access and will accommodate more diverse groups of people. From an indoor skateboarding course to more rec opportunities on the Red River, both parks departments are branching out as a result of public input.
"We've come to a point where people feel comfortable approaching us in the grocery store and saying 'How about this?'" said Roger Gress, director of parks and recreation in Fargo.
"Being more aware of public needs means we can meet them."
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And so Fargo plans to.
Long-range projects include a new $4.5 million ice arena, which Gress said leaves room for oft-neglected girls' hockey players and figure skaters.
After years of publicized battling with skateboarders, the Fargo Park District plans to build a skate park near Dike West by this fall. A swimming pool in the southwest, and improvements to Edgewood, Prairiewood and Rose Creek golf courses round out the list of big-ticket investments.
Oh, wait, add one more: The future.
Gress hopes to see lots of green in new developments south of Interstate 94 and west of Interstate 29.
For Moorhead, Parks Superintendent Riaz Aziz said the key word is "update."
The parks department is in the process of studying the city's future park and rec needs and how those fit into the development of the city and schools.
Linking fragmented bike trails. Meeting growing ice demands. Adding non-swimming activities for a beach party atmosphere at the swimming pool. All will help bring Moorhead into the modern era.
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"Some of Moorhead's park concepts are about two decades old, especially our habit of putting small parks every few blocks," Aziz said. "We're working with city planners to develop larger parks where we have enough activity space for a broad range of ages. That includes tot equipment, softball fields, ice and benches all in the same place."
Moorhead also will build on some of its recent progress, improving access for pontooning, fishing and canoeing in the Red River.
Aziz said probably his department's most expensive venture, and likewise the city's most critical need, is what he calls a "family fun center," which combines a performing arts facility with an indoor gym.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Sarah Henning at shenning@forumcomm.com or (701) 241-5538
