As part of its strategic planning effort, the Bismarck Park Board formally adopted new vision and mission statements along with seven core values shared with the district's management staff.

The park board, contracting with the Great Plains Benefits Group, Inc., is developing its strategic plan with the help of consultant and Great Plains President Roger Krueger. At Thursday's meeting, the board officially adopted the statements and core values, approved the consultant's report, and adopted the 2008 Strategic Planning Cycle and Format.

The vision statement: Create the opportunities, enhance the quality of life.

The mission statement:To create, advocate and preserve diverse recreation opportunities as a cornerstone of our quality of life.

Core values: Integrity, teamwork/cooperation, professionalism, diversity, honesty/accountability, respect and community.

"The purpose of the vision statement is to create a word picture of the future. What the organization strives to become or is striving for,"Krueger said. "The mission statement is the principle vehicle for how you will fulfill the vision statement. A mission statement is something to be accomplished while a vision is something to be pursued."

The core values define the character of an organization, according to Krueger. They describe what the organization stands for, guiding the thoughts and actions of the organization.

The 2008 Strategic Planning Cycle provides the park board and district staff with a specific timeline for planning, development and budgeting for 2008. To go along with the planning cycle is the creation of a Strategic Planning Committee, which will include the park board president, a board member and two Bismarck citizens at large. The two at-large members will be chosen in January.

"We spent a lot of time on the vision statement," commented board member John Sagsveen. "We feel it is something we can use on pamphlets and brochures. Personally I like it; it makes sense to me."

In other activity, the Bismarck Park Board accepted a land donation from Geiger and Kunz Investments in the Harvest Grove 9th Subdivision.

District director Steve Neu said the subdivision is located just above the intersection of Washington Street and Highway 1804. The property, consisting of 15 acres, is at the very top of the subdivision and is not suitable for lots, though it is conducive as an open space and greenway.

The property is outside city limits, but this does not preclude the district from accepting it, according to Neu. There are no obligations for development of the property, and it will be set aside as public space.

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