Those walking or running on Bismarck's trails system are asked not to mark their distances with paint.

The Bismarck Park Board on Thursday asked its director, Steve Neu, to draft some policies to prevent the practice.

"It is quite ugly, as far as I am concerned," board member Mike O'Brien said. "I was wondering if we would have a policy saying that you either have a plastic mark stake you put in or having the washable chalk on there. We really don't have a policy telling people they can't do that."

O'Brien was told that organizations are given permission to mark the trails if they notify the park district about a race or walk event. However, these groups are asked to use a liquid chalk that is washable and will eventually fade. Some are asked to repaint over a marking occasionally.

Neu said there are instances where groups will mark the trail just before the event without notification or a utility company marks a project.

Neu added that they have a good relationship with organizers of larger road race events, but there are others who make late decisions and the park district has little control of how the trail is marked.

He said the park district needs to simply spell out what materials can be used for marking the event trail distances when approached to hold an event.

It was suggested the path be premarked or taped, or that portable markings and chalk be used.

Commissioner Michael Gilbertson cautioned against too many policies. He said that could mean that no one notifies the park district of an event.

O'Brien said he believes it is better to have a written policy.

In other business, the board awarded Dakota Fence of Bismarck the low bid for playground equipment at McDowell Dam for $42,402.

The materials are funded through the Burleigh County Water Resource budget, but the Bismarck Park District maintains McDowell Dam for Burleigh County.

"It's part of the management contract," said Neu. "We manage the capital improvements as well."

The water board also approved the purchase and installation of the equipment.

He said the Bismarck Park District receives administration funding to manage the location.

The equipment will be installed by fall.

Neu was asked about another party purchasing the old playground equipment. He responded that the existing equipment did not meet standards, and it was the park district's position no transfer of the old equipment will occur.

"We do not want to assume liability," he said.

The night ended with debate about discussing items not listed on the agenda.

In discussion, board members agreed it was best to place the items on the agenda whenever possible in advance.

In the event that something needed discussion and there was not enough time to study it, the matter could be discussed.

Board members said, in these cases, they would try to table the decision for a later meeting.

They agreed that, with an emergency, the unannounced item could be decided upon.

(Reach reporter LeAnn Eckroth at 250-8264 or leann.eckroth@;bismarcktribune.com.)