Jill Schramm/MDN Park board candidate Justin Hammer, left, listens as candidate Mike Schmitt, right, takes a question at a candidate forum in Minot City Hall Tuesday.

Minot’s five park board candidates see potential to advance big projects in Minot and build on past progress.

“We’ve done a good job of upgrading things, making things better with a very, very minimal tax increase to the citizens of Minot and I think we can continue to do that,” said incumbent Chuck Emery.

Incumbents Perry Olson and Mike Schmitt also are seeking to retain their seats, while Logan Longtin and Justin Hammer are hoping to land one of the three open spots on the board in the June 14 city election.

Hammer said his focus will be engaging and involving user groups, particularly in bringing more events and economic development to the city.

“I’m going to bring a lot of energy. I want to build relationships with user groups. I think there’s a lot of relationships that are already great. I think there’s other user groups out there that could really benefit from the park district, and the park district would be more of a facilitator to help those user groups grow in numbers. Those user groups, in turn, will turn around and help the park district grow,” Hammer said.

Emery said his priority is to develop the family recreation area west of Minot. He added he would like to explore the option of a 1% sales tax, which could generate around $11 million and replace the approximate $8 million now collected from property taxes.

“I want to continue to build on what I think has been the best thing that we’ve done the last four years, and that was the combination of the Parks and Rec,” Olson said. “Bringing those together I think made a system that made a lot more sense and allowed us to offer more to the community and the citizens and we need to keep building on that, getting more people using our facilities and our programs.”

Asked for their top projects, Olson and Emery listed turf at the Maysa Arena and more basketball courts. Schmitt wants to see a fieldhouse at Maysa and more courts to broaden recreational opportunities for everyone. Hammer has similar priorities but also believes a fourth sheet of ice at Maysa would benefit para-athletes.

Longtin said he would like to see bike paths expanded and facilities made more accessible to all abilities. He also would push for wi-fi in city parks and the additional activities for families and seniors that indoor turf, multi-use space and green space can provide.

“I see a lot of opportunities for development for our parks and public spaces to make Minot even more healthy, a more welcoming community, and I’d like to be a part of that process to make that happen,” Longtin said.

Candidates mentioned the desire to see an aquatics facility. Olson said laying the groundwork with the school district to potentially partner on a facility is important.

“I feel like everything comes down to what the constituents want,” Olson said. “If the people want it, then it will happen. If they don’t, then it won’t, but I think we’ve kept that door open to increase the swimming opportunities.”

Schmitt said the park district has many projects on its wish list, but it comes down to what residents want.

“This is going to take a lot of community input. It’s going to take a lot of talk with individuals,” he said “We’re going to have to interact with the community on how we want to get those projects done if that’s what the community wants.