The Bismarck Park Board is moving forward with an ambitious list of capital projects, with expectations of district staff coming back with possible funding sources at the Nov. 19 meeting.

Seven projects were detailed to a crowd of about 50 at a special park board meeting held at the Bismarck Public Library Thursday evening. Architects and engineers from companies that developed preliminary plans made the presentations.

The projects could develop as many as three new swimming facilities, six softball diamonds, four Babe Ruth baseball fields, a driving range, two baseball fields, golf course improvements, new trails and much more.

The park board unanimously approved a motion to accept the reports and another motion to move forward with further development of the projects. This, said district director Steve Neu, will allow the district to enter into discussions with the city for possible funding through a city sales tax betterment package and the hotel/restaurant tax.

A $4.1 million Cottonwood recreational facility project would develop 45 additional acres south of the existing facility. Ulteig Engineers Inc.'s Brant Malsam described six new softball diamonds, a baseball field, two concession/restroom buildings, five shelters, two playgrounds and the ability to add four more softball fields with the purchase of 15 additional acres.

Roger Weigel, of the men's softball association, described the need for the facilities and the organization's commitment of $200,000 to the project.

In north Bismarck, about $4.5 million would be spent on youth baseball fields, a driving range and many other improvements to the Pebble Creek/Stein property, according to Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson's Tom Kary.

Architect William Ellig made a presentation on the reconstruction of Hillside Pool/Lions Park. Replacing the pool, depending on what features are included, will cost an estimated $3.8 million, while park improvements will cost about $2 million.

Ellig offered the park board an alternative of going with a smaller pool at Hillside and developing a neighborhood pool facility at the new Generations Park in northwest Bismarck for about $3.5 million.

The park district has been in discussions with Bismarck State College to include an aquatic/wellness center on the campus. The facility would fit on the campus just west of the library, near the Community Bowl parking lot. Neu also described a large improvement package that would include the Community Bowl and development of a new park on city-owned property overlooking the river. No cost estimates were provided for the plan.

Also discussed were improvements to New Generations Park and the Valley Drive greenway; the VFW Sports Center bleacher replacement project; and expansion of the High Prairie Arts and Science Complex.

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