The Mandan Park Board approved a $68,500 improvement project for the fitness/cardio area of the Community Center at Monday's meeting.

The project will add about 400 square feet to the fitness/cardio area, allowing for four more treadmills, four additional stationary bikes and three or four more ellipticals, park district Director Cole Higlin said.

"Demolition could start tomorrow and the work shouldn't disrupt the memberships' workouts. We'll block off the area with protective screening, and work will subside during the busiest hours, during noon and from 4 to 7 p.m.," Higlin said. "The only time we might have to shut down is when the carpet it put in."

A variety of new flat-screen televisions will be put in as an added incentive to members.

Terry Kraft, who made the motion to proceed, said he feels the improvements will bring in another 500 to 1,000 members for the Community Center.

In other activity, the Mandan Park Board:

3 Accepted a donation of property from Mitzel Builders for a park that will be located south of 27th Street near Fort Lincoln Elementary. Higlin said that several details have yet to be worked out, and he also said that the Jaycees are interested in participating in developing the park.

3 Heard a report on building a proposed enclosed cart storage facility at Prairie West Golf Course. A 112-by-24-foot facility able to hold 70 golf carts will cost and estimated $63,500.

The need for the facility came up because of recent vandalism at Prairie West, totaling about $44,000. Higlin said that four individuals have been arrested for the vandalism though charges have not yet been brought by officials.

3 Awarded the contract for a 25-foot wireless marquee for the Community Center to Cook Signs. The bid came in well under the $50,000 estimate at $35,921. The board approved that up to $40,000 be spent, including demolition of the old marquee.

3 Approved a lease for Dacotah Centennial Park to the Bismarck-Mandan Stockcar Association. The board increased the base facility rental fee by $2,000 to $24,000, with the additional money to be used for bleacher renovation. The 15 percent concessions charge and 50-cent surcharge on tickets remained the same as the previous year.

3 Approved a lease for Dacotah Centennial Park to the Mandan Horse and Saddle Club. The club will pay $250 for the year or $25 per each event it holds. Last year, the club's events had more than1,000 kids participating.

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