Paula Redmann
Paula Redmann has been the Community Relations Manager for Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (Parks & Rec) ten years. “This is a good fit for me,” said Redmann. “I love community collaboration – health and fitness and keeping people active and busy.”
She works with staff to develop programs, capital campaigns, tournaments and special events for Parks and Rec, along with making sure people find out about them, by coordinating the marketing and public relations.
Parks and Rec offers numerous programs for youth and adults throughout the summer. They also partner with many groups. “Sleepy Hollow isn’t our program, but it is held in one of our parks,” explained Redmann. “We don’t run the men’s and women’s softball programs (which are the largest in the state), but we rent them the fields. You can’t go very far in this town and not see something Parks and Rec has something to do with.”
July is National Parks and Recreation month, and the Park District has a rich history of having a July Celebration. There will be a wide variety of activities and events for people of all ages to participate in and reminders about everything Parks and Rec has to offer. “We may mention a 5k or a 10k that is going on, or encourage people to visit McDowell Dam or the Dog Park,” said Redmann. “We want people to discover and explore other areas. I go crazy when people say ‘there is nothing to do.’ We have 45 playgrounds, 54 parks, over 60 miles of trails.
“I am convinced people did not move here just to work, they also moved here to play. For example, we have over 300 sand volleyball teams and every single one of them gets a beverage permit so they can grill and do a little tailgating, too! From archery to fencing to arts and culture, we are a part of so many things.”
Parks and Rec provides a wide variety of free activities and facilities so anyone can take advantage of what they have to offer. Reserve a shelter for mom’s birthday, explore the arboretum, play disc golf, visit McDowell Dam, throw some horseshoes!
Because of the growing population they are feeling the crunch on the program and facility side. Parks and Rec just completed raising about a million and a half dollars for the new ballpark, and they are anticipating a discussion about more ice very soon. It is a good problem to have.
“We are the health provider you don’t know about,” said Redmann. “There are physical, mental and social benefits to taking advantage of what we, and/or our partners have to offer. We invite people to jump in. Parks are all around and there are opportunities for everyone, young and old. Go explore, just go play.”
For more information visit bisparks.org
Some Parks and Rec Fun Facts:
~57 horseshoe pits
~6 outdoor skating rinks with warming houses
~2 remote controlled aircraft fields
~1 dog park with three fields
~Over 500 participants in youth baseball
~Over 980 participants in adult basketball
~Over 79,000 rounds of golf played last year