The Mandan Park Board is awaiting a July 24 draft report that will outline what kind of recreation center it could build for $4.4 million.

Parks and Recreation Director Cole Higlin told the board Monday that architectural consultant Ohlson Lavoie is scheduled to present its report late next month.

The firm was contracted by the park district to draw up a basic concept of recreation center and certain features, but it does not factor in a location or land costs. The cost of the preliminary draft is $4,600.

Board president Tracy Porter said the discussion was preliminary. "I don't think the rest of the board is going to support something if it means the rest of our programs will stand still," Porter said. "I think we did the right thing in hiring this firm because we don't know."

Higlin predicted it would be an 18-month project to complete a full recreation center from planning to opening if it is found feasible.

Resident Susan Beehler asked for more solid proof of why the Mandan Community Center could not be retrofitted into a full recreation center.

She asked the park board to consider the full economic impact for the community for that 18-month lapse, and whether fitness club members would not return to the park district if they start using other facilities.

Board members responded the decision to move out of the community center for the school district would be done because it was the best decision for Mandan as a whole. "It makes sense for the school district to own it," board member Bruce Brucker said.

Higlin said the ceiling of the Community Center would have to be raised to make room for an indoor walking path.

Brucker said it was hoped that most people would be attracted to coming back to a new recreation facility, and its new features could attract new people.

Higlin said a lot of what he can do is tied to whether the school district decides to own the facility and if there is a vote to redirect funds from the former junior high to the Community Center.

The school district would like to own the community center and house its administrative offices and vocational programs at the center.

The city of Mandan owns the building and the park district currently leases it. Both partner with the school district in operating the community center. The city has offered to pay off a $1.4 million long-term debt to dissolve the partnership.

The park district and the school district have proposed a new partnership to operate the indoor pool portion of the facility only. The school district would cover remaining Community Center expenses.

The park district has agreed to move out of the Community Center by July 2010 if needed.

The park district tentatively plans to convert the Raging Rivers Water Park buildings into office space in the short-term.

Higlin said he'll have a more concrete plan by September or October.

Raging Rivers

In a separate matter, the board agreed to lease the go-cart and miniature golf portions of the Raging Rivers Water Park from the former owner of the water park, Raging Rivers Inc., for $1.

The park district purchased the water portions and slides at the park for $2.25 million.

Under the lease agreement:

n There is no liability risk or expense to the park district. All expenses will be deducted from gross revenue from the golf and go-carts.

n Raging Rivers Inc. is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the golf and go-cart areas.

n The park district will receive 2 percent of the profit.

n 98 percent of profit goes to Raging Rivers Inc.

Higlin said the two attractions would ensure more hours during cooler weather days.

Water park manager Reid Katzung agreed more people would come on days they couldn't swim.

Old Red Trail path

Brett Gurholt of Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson told the board that the multi-use path on Old Red Trail is 95 percent ready to bid.

It will be bid on July 1, and work is slated to begin in August. It will be completed on Oct. 2. The park district is receiving a $284,000 Transportation Enhancement grant. The project's local share from the park district is $140,000.

The project had to be relocated to Old Red Trail and Collins because a road was being closed near the former site proposed for the trail.

KC Park land sale

The board tentatively approved developer Sam Towner's request to sell just over one-half acre of the KC Park near the intersection of Fifth Street Northeast and Third Avenue Northeast. Towner proposes to create single-family homes at the current park district property.

Higlin said the requested property is in a sloped area used now for drainage. "As it sits today, it's not worth a whole lot of dollars,"he said. "There is no value to the property because of the unlevel terrain. The benefit would be it would go back on the property tax roll. We don't use it. We have more expense maintaining it."

The final transaction hinges on the review of park board attorney Arlen Ruff. Ruff will determine whether the property should be legally bid out.

New superintendent

The park board approved Jamie Buck of the Links of North Dakota near Williston as its new golf superintendent. He will begin June 22. Three candidates were interviewed for the job.

Televised meeting

On a trial basis, the board has agreed to televise its 5:30 p.m. July 13 meeting at City Hall through Dakota Media Access.

A retreat for the park board also is set for July 13 after the regular meeting.

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