Grand Forks 1997 Flood Recovery: Park District
Renewed, Rebuilt, Reborn
The impact from the Flood of 1997 for the Grand Forks Park District was massive with more than 100 acres of park district land lost. The largest loss of park acreage was Lincoln Park, Central Park and half of Riverside Park. Additional lost recreational amenities were Frisbee Golf Course, Riverside outdoor pool, and 9 holes of golf at Lincoln Park Golf Course. As recovery began, the park district needed to acquire 350 + acres of land through partnering, entrepreneurial operating and park dedication from private developer processes.
During the aftermath of the flood, the park districts’ Blue Line Club and the Eagles arena were used by The American Red Cross as offices, shelters and rescue centers.
The park district received a $1 million federal Marshall Grant for a period of two years following the flood. Our mission was to provide recreation and daycare options for the children of Grand Forks. In the summer of 1997, the park district converted two tennis courts at Center Court Fitness Club into a fully qualified daycare to help the community’s residents who lost in-home daycares due to the flood. The 1st Season’s Family Center was established (indoor playground and community room) to provide for daycare and a drop–in center for those living in the FEMA trailer court that was located in the industrial park west of Interstate 29.
The park district moved as many facilities as possible out of the floodplain and renovated and added many new features to the district’s palette. Two new Splash Parks were added to University Park and the renovated Elks Pool.
Lincoln Drive Park was established where Lincoln School stood prior to the flood. The old Lincoln School flagpole still stands near the new Lincoln Drive Park community room and warming house. The large park and disc golf course lies in the location where the Lincoln Drive neighborhood once stood. Lincoln Park Golf Course was completed in 2004 with its 9-hole layout and remodeled clubhouse.
In an effort to replace the 9 holes lost at Lincoln, a 210-acre, 18-hole world-class golf course was developed by the Grand Forks Park District. King’s Walk Golf Course, an Arnold Palmer Signature Course, opened for play in 2002.
The park district still operates with the same community-focused mission as it did prior to the flood. Developing new and maintaining existing facilities, along with creating recreational opportunities for families and children in the city of Grand Forks, are ways in which we continue to enhance lives in our community.
Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 13:04:28 EDT