About Us

About Us

Here at Dickinson Parks and Recreation we focus on bringing the community together by providing endless amounts of programs, events and places for people to recreate. Dickinson Park District owns 2,685 acres of park land and green space which is comprised of 28 developed parks, 9 future park areas, and pedestrian trails. The Park District also manages 14 facilities that can be seen throughout the website. If there’s something you don’t find, please feel free to let us know.

Dickinson Parks and Recreation is a member of the North Dakota Recreation and Parks Association (NDRPA) and supports the following mission statement:
To enhance the quality of life for the community and its visitors by providing leisure opportunities.

Dickinson Parks & Recreation is committed to providing equal access for all participants. All programs are open to individuals with disabilities. If special requirements are needed due to a disability, please include a written request with registration form.
Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy

Financial Aid Program

DPR does not want to deny any participant access to activities due to their inability to pay. We have established a financial aid program to assist individuals to enable participation by all residents of our community. Please fill out our SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION and return to the DPR Admin Office.

Dickinson Parks & Recreation publishes an annual Park District guide each year along with seasonal activity guides.

View our current and past guides here.

2024 proved to be an award-winning year for Dickinson Parks and Recreation. At the state convention in September, the district earned several prestigious accolades, including the Young Professional Award presented to Caleb Burgard, the Partnership Award recognizing the collaboration on the Sanford Sports Complex, the Golden Egg Award for excellence at Friendship Park, and the Innovative Program Award for the StrongKids initiative. These honors highlight the district’s commitment to excellence and its ability to foster creative solutions to meet community needs.

2024 Annual Report

The Board of Park Commissioners approved the Dickinson Parks & Recreation District Facilities and Programs CODE OF CONDUCT at its December 8, 2025 Park Board Meeting.

GENERAL POLICY PROVISIONS

Those using Park District facilities or who are otherwise participating in Park District programs (the “Participants”) are expected to conduct themselves in a cooperative and respectful manner. Those using Park District facilities or otherwise participating in Park District programs shall avoid engaging in behavior that can either injure or threaten another Participant, supervisors or spectators or otherwise evidence unsportsmanlike conduct that would have a negative impact on others at the facility or other Participants in the program. Each Participant has a responsibility to treat other Participants with respect. Participants shall not conduct themselves in such a manner during the use of Park District facilities or participation in Park District programs that would bring discredit upon the Park District or any Park District program.

VIEW FULL CODE OF CONDUCT

Dickinson Parks & Recreation District (DPRD or District) has provided quality recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of Dickinson, North Dakota for over 75 years. As a forward-focused organization, we have established a Master Plan that serves as a road map to future recreational opportunities within its service area. The effort signifies a community driven approach, shaping a visionary document that not only delineates goals, objectives, strategies, and policies but also serves as
the compass in guiding the decision-making processes.

2025-2045 MASTER PLAN

Building on the 2025–2045 Master Plan and in alignment with the City of Dickinson’s Direction 2050 Comprehensive Plan, this Strategic Plan defines clear, actionable priorities for the years 2026 through 2028.

DPRD-Strategic Plan-2026-2028

The plan represents a balance between maintaining and modernizing existing infrastructure and expanding inclusive, high-quality programming that reflects community needs. It serves as a three-year roadmap to guide decisions on resource allocation, partnerships, and performance outcomes, ensuring that DPRD continues to enhance the quality of life in Dickinson through recreation, wellness, and community engagement.

Dickinson Parks & Recreation has completed the 2024-2029 Recreation Programming Plan as a five-year guide to our program services provided to the community of Dickinson.

Becoming a sponsor for our programs and events are some of the best ways to show community support. VIEW MORE.

In accordance with Park District policies, and the City of Dickinson Municipal Code, no person or business may conduct for‑profit operations on park property or facilities without an approved permit issued by the District. In evaluating a permit request, the District will consider: safety of patrons and property, including Park District property; the appropriateness of conducting the business in a District park and/or facility setting; any additional factors reasonably deemed relevant by the District. The District may charge a fee that reflects additional expenses caused by the business activity and may require liability and property insurance, naming the District as an additional insured on a primary and non-contributory basis.

A vendor application must be submitted to [email protected] at least 14 days prior to the facility usage. Late submissions may be rejected or may not be guaranteed review.

Business Vendor Permit and Application Form

For questions regarding the Business Vendor Permit, please contact the Director of Recreation/Facilities for Dickinson Parks and Recreation at 701-456-2074 or by emailing [email protected].

Dickinson Parks & Recreation Vendor Policy & Application applies to DPRD special events such as the Bandshell Concert Series, Patterson Lake Beach Party, Pooch Pool Party, and other events listed on dickinsonparks.org.
A vendor application must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event.

Vendor Policy and Application Form

Once your form is filled out, please send it to [email protected] or drop it off at the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Office.

The following rules and requirements apply to all vendors:

  • Vendors on DPRD property are only allowed for specific approved events and with Recreation Staff approval.
  • Mobile Vendors are governed by Section 33.06.020 of the City of Dickinson Municipal Code.
  • DPRD does not guarantee exclusivity to any vendor.
  • Vendor placement is at the sole discretion of the DPRP staff, and no vendor locations are guaranteed or promised in advance.
  • Operations shall not obstruct the visibility of motorists, nor obstruct parking lot circulation or block access to a public street, bike path, or sidewalk.
  • Vendor operations shall obey all parking and traffic laws.
  • Vehicles that are used to pull trailers or equipment must be parked off-site if the trailer or equipment is removed from the vehicle for the special event.
  • Approved permits must be kept with the vendor operations and provided to DPRD staff and Law Enforcement when requested.
  • Vendors are responsible for the safety, sturdiness, and protection of their vehicles, equipment, displays, and property.
  • Vendors shall be responsible for the storage and daily removal of all trash. Trash generated from the vendor operations shall not be deposited in park trash cans or bagged and left in the park.
  • DPRD does not provide any trash cans, tables, chairs, or power.
  • Strict timeliness for arrival and departure may apply to a special event and must be adhered to by the vendors. Unless a stricter requirement is in place, vendor vehicles, equipment, displays, and property shall be removed at the end of each day.
  • No sale or distribution of alcohol or tobacco is allowed.
  • If you are interested in multiple events, you may list all events/dates on a single application or include an attachment.
  • Application fees will vary depending on the status of the organization.
      • A $50 fee is charged to for-profit businesses (waived if the vendor is a sponsor of the event) per event/series.
      • A $25 fee is charged to non-profit organizations (with proof of non-profit status) that are collecting revenue per event/series.
      • There is no fee for organizations that are not charging for products at the event, but they do need to complete a vendor application per event/series.
  • The vendor application must be turned into [email protected] 14 days prior to the event.
  • DPRD will approve each application at least one week prior to the date of the event.

For questions regarding Vendor Permits, please contact the Program Supervisor for Dickinson Parks and Recreation at 701-456-2074 or by emailing [email protected].

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