Game Changer # 1: Riverfront Park & Festival Grounds

The Big Idea

A riverfront park and festival grounds were ideas mentioned by several stakeholders during the input process.  Stakeholders also mentioned an overall desire for more family friendly activities and programming along the river.  Keelboat Park was identified as a central location in the city that might be suitable for such a space.  A redesign of the park could include a mix of parks related infrastructure alongside commercial vendor opportunities, making the space appealing to a diverse group of users. Partnering with local events operators would be critical to keep the space activated throughout the calendar year. Reimagining Keelboat Park as a prominent riverfront park and festival grounds would bolster civic pride, strengthen Bismarck’s identity as a river city, and create a place for additional family friendly programming and community celebrations.

Existing Site Conditions

The site proposed for the festival grounds is the existing Keelboat Park and Grant Marsh Boat Ramp. The site is owned by the City of Bismarck and managed by the Bismarck Park District. Much of the site is in the 100 year floodplain or floodway, making development of this site very challenging. To fully utilize the space, the existing boat ramp would need to be relocated. Additionally, careful coordination with area mountain biking groups would be necessary before adding any infrastructure to the hillside. However, the central location and adjacency to existing community assets such as Bismarck State College, The Landing, and Gateway to Science make this an ideal location for a prominent community riverfront festival grounds.

Proposed Site Conditions

Relocating the Grant Marsh Boat Ramp would allow for a redevelopment of the space. An expansive open lawn and modest band shell could accommodate community based programming. Removable “shipping container” style buildings could be used for seasonal food and commercial offerings that could be relocated during any flood event. Cafe style seating overlooking a splash pad and natural playground would create a family friendly setting. Removable boardwalks, ADA fishing piers and kayak launches would make the river accessible to the diverse list of user groups in the community. A pedestrian bridge and trail system, that carefully coordinates with existing mountain biking trails, would connect the river to BSC and the broader Bismarck community.

Festival Grounds Images

The Recipe

  • Permanent public restrooms.

  • Removable bandshell for community based programming & events.

  • Large open lawn of at least 1/2 acre for events.

  • Removable or “Shipping Container” style food vendor buildings / kitchens.

  • Food Truck parking pads with electrical put-ins and water hook-ups.

  • Removable pavilion with cafe style seating for 40-60.

  • Removable boardwalk along riverfront.

  • ADA accessible kayak launch and shore-fishing infrastructure.

  • River themed splash pad and natural playground.

  • Light and sculpture garden.

  • Small public swimming beach.

  • Pedestrian bridge connection from Bismarck State College hilltop to the festival grounds.

  • Immediate parking for 50 to 100 with additional 200 to 300 additional spaces within a 5 minute walk.