Bolstered by preliminary discussions with Bismarck State College officials, the Bismarck Park Board now wants to move into formal negotiations to lease state land for an indoor aquatic center.

Park board president Mark Zimmerman reported at Thursday's meeting that he and board member John Sagsveen met with president Larry Skogen and other BSC officials last week about the proposed aquatic center.

"It was still a very general discussion on building an indoor pool on state land. It's moving along. We had some good discussions, and there are a number of issues that have to be worked out," Zimmerman said.

Sagsveen added that BSC officials seem quite enthusiastic about the proposal.

"I look at it as a tremendous opportunity for the city, park district and the school," Sagsveen said. "I like the location. Building there will save us quite a bit of money. The parking is there, and it has built in clientele. It fits the needs of northwest Bismarck."

Attorneys for the board of higher education are researching some type of lease agreement for the site. While Streamline Recreational Development Group remains a part of the mix, the nonprofit group has not been involved in discussions, Zimmerman said.

"What I've heard is that many people are excited about the opportunity - college kids and people that live in the community," said board member Mike Gilbertson, who holds the pools portfolio for the park district. "BSC is an interesting type of campus. It is not a UND or NDSU; it's a relatively small campus that draws heavily from students in the Bismarck-Mandan area."

Gilbertson added that while there is a built-in clientele with BSC students, this shouldn't discourage the rest of the community which wants to use an indoor pool.

"I'm guessing people will be surprised at their opportunities to use it. I don't think that will be an issue," Gilbertson said.

Board members agreed that while Streamline's proposal to finance a facility is still available, the district may want to revisit financing options further down the line. Zimmerman did say that BSC's commitment appears to be providing the land, and they cannot expect any financing from the college for construction.

The next step, according to Sagsveen, is to get back together with BSC and formalize the issues, possibly bringing back something for the park board to consider at its next meeting in July. He made a motion to that effect, which was approved unanimously.

Zimmerman said he would like to step back from the negotiations and appointed Sagsveen and Gilbertson to carry on the work.

The board authorized staff to work with a consultant and formalize a concept for renovation of Hillside Pool and Lions Park. The 50-plus-year-old pool is far exceeding its life expectancy and is in need of major renovations or even replacement to remain a viable facility.

District director Steve Neu added that, if renovations are undertaken, the park district will have to comply with Bismarck parking codes, which will mean providing additional off-street parking.

District staff were also authorized to meet with youth baseball and adult softball organizations to formalize these groups' commitment to additional fields at Cottonwood and the Stein property in northeast Bismarck.

The district's facilities are at capacity, according to Neu, and demand continues to grow. Before the district moves ahead with infrastructure plans to serve new facilities, the commitment of user groups needs to be determined.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)