Children play with bubbles in Oak Park last summer.

Spring is in the air in the Magic City and the anticipation of the season ahead surrounds us. It has been said that change is constant. Those words hold true when looking through the scope of the Minot Park District.

We find ourselves with many evolving projects with a large portion of them surrounding Roosevelt Park and the Roosevelt Park Zoo with the MI-6 and MI-7 flood control projects well underway. We know there will be impacts and disruptions to our facilities throughout these projects. The number one priority of the project is safety for our patrons, staff and the animals that call the Roosevelt Park Zoo home. We do ask our community for patience and grace as construction will continue to increase through the spring and summer months. We will actively be updating the Minot Parks website as well as our social media outlets to keep our park and zoo patrons informed on any interruptions that may occur. We know the construction process will be messy, but we believe the result will be beautiful for Roosevelt Park, Roosevelt Park Zoo and our community.

Our community continues to change and evolve. As we continue to grow as a community, the Minot Park District wants to grow alongside it in a fiscally responsible manner. Planning is an integral part of that process. Our planning includes indoor and outdoor facility planning, the needs and wants of our community members and future forecasting maintenance of our current parks and facilities. Our goal is to be as proactive as possible with maintenance and reactive when unexpected maintenance occurs.

The Minot Park District has a proposed plan to map the future for our community. To learn more about Mapping the Future please visit www.minotparks.com/mappingthefuture.

One constant in our community is affordable summer programming offered by the Minot Park District. Summer registration is open and can be completed online at www.minotparks.com or Minot Parks App. Summer activities include t-ball, art classes, fitness gym, fast pitch softball, zoo camp, tennis, track and more! Please note that scholarships are readily available at the Minot Park District office. We are committed to keeping children active in our recreational programming regardless of financial barriers. Our team has plenty of great events lined up for you including Live at Oak Park, Fourth of July Festival, Arts in the Park, Pumpkin Walk and Loggerfest. For a full list of Minot Park Event visit https://minotparks.com/events/.

So, while it appears to be true that change is inevitable and, in many cases, intimidating. Our staff at the Minot Park District is embracing the challenges that come with the process. Our mission remains to continue to improve the quality of life for our citizens of all ages and abilities. We are grateful for our passionate and dedicated employees on all levels because they are truly what keeps our parks and facilities running smoothly for the Minot community.

We are excited for the road ahead at the Minot Park District. One June 3 our community will tell us which route to take into our future. Regardless of the route decided, the Minot Park District will continue to learn from the past, be engaged in the present and plan for the future.