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BEMIDJI — Changes to the city of Bemidji's Parks and Recreation Department could be coming soon.

During Monday's regularly scheduled Bemidji City Council work session, City Manager Rich Spiczka hosted a discussion regarding city operations. Here, Spiczka detailed a new, three-word mission that will guide city operations moving forward.

The new mission is "Service. Efficiency. Connectivity," and essentially boils down to best serving the community while building better connections between staff, council and the public.

Spiczka listed a few different options to help accomplish the new mission.

One option aims to split the Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department into two — the Parks and Trails Department and the Recreation Department.

"In order to best serve our city, we need to be strategic about its structure and realize when changes need to be made," Spiczka wrote in a "I think it is imperative to separate Parks and Recreation to pivot to our current needs, set us up to handle future growth and most importantly, to promote efficiency in both departments."

Spiczka notes that the Parks and Recreation Department has seen an exponential rise in costs compared to other departments, but has continued to offer more services, justifying the additional costs.

He believes that consolidating the departments will help prevent costs from rising as much in the future and will increase the impact of funds and resources.

"The separation will allow us to better manage both by providing focused attention and assuring we understand what it takes in resources for each to stand on their own," he wrote.

Spiczka recommends making the change immediately so that the two new departments can operate independently for the remainder of 2025. This would allow the city to evaluate the two and alter them as needed.

The city would not need to hire anyone new to accomplish this goal. Additionally, this is an item that does not need to be approved by the council. Spiczka asked for feedback and could make the change soon.

Spiczka detailed two new job positions that he feels the council should consider: a communications and engagement director and a community development director.

The communications and engagement director would be an entirely new position that focuses on telling the city's story, communicating with the media, notifying the public and heralding a "go-to" section for information and responses. The 2024 audit shows that the city is under budget and can afford this position.

The community development director would be a returning position that was cut in the past due to budgetary constraints.

"In order to facilitate growth and keep up with the needs of our community, we need to be open for growth," Spiczka wrote. "We need a professional to engage those requesting feedback on potential projects. We need a professional to seek out potential opportunities and help potential partners navigate."

Spiczka proposes funding the position entirely through building department fees.

He requested council feedback and will look for a vote of approval during the next council meeting. If approved, an application process would ensue.

The Bemidji Indoor Sports Commission (BISC) is comprised of three organizations: Bemidji Girls Fastpitch Softball, Bemidji Youth Baseball and Bemidji Youth Soccer. The BISC is leading a project to revitalize the Neilson Reise Arena, which is located at city park in the Bemidji Curling Club building and was closed in 2020.

The council first heard of this project in July 2024. A project proposal was presented to the council in December 2024. Since then, the BISC was awarded a George W. Neilson Foundation grant for $250,000 to begin the project.

All council members expressed support for the project, which aims to add artificial turf, retractable batting cages and a walking track.

Overall, a handicap accessible lift, fire alarm system, keyless entry, protective film on spectator windows, fresh paint, updated locker room and workout spaces are also set to come to fruition.

Operating costs would be supported through membership fees of the three organizations that make up the BISC. The BISC plans to offer hourly rentals that would boost revenue.

But in order for the BISC to operate the facility, it must enter a lease agreement with the city. Thus, the council will look at approving a lease agreement during the next week.

The facility could be open to the public as soon as October 1, 2025.

The council will next meet for a regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 7, at City Hall. All meetings can be viewed on the