Photo Credit: JLG Architects
Mandan Park District’s goal in Mandan, N.D., is to increase the quality of life by creating a sports complex for the community through an increase of ¾ of a cent in the city’s sales tax. The district hopes this complex will attract new businesses, attract new residents to the area, create a strong sense of pride for the community, make a difference for the youth, and encourage a progressive community.
The discussion to increase the sales tax began in April 2013. The park district met with Mandan Horse and Saddle Club, Mandan Rodeo Committee, Bismarck/Mandan Stock Car Club, Men’s and Women’s Softball Clubs, Girls and Boys Basketball Club, Mandan Baseball Club, Mandan Hockey Club, Dakota Star Gymnastics, Soccer Club and Mandan Public Schools to gather input on the various groups’ needs.
In the spring of 2014, the district invited members from each group to a meeting about the proposed sales tax. A representative from each group provided input regarding what facilities they would like to see improved and discussed ideas. A survey was then put online for other community members to share their opinions, which resulted in the decision to move toward a sales-tax initiative. The consensus was to purse a complex for hockey, track and field, baseball, and gymnastics. The school district would operate, coordinate, and maintain the facilities. The park district then decided to delay its current facility improvement needs because of the overall community needs.