The Jamestown Finance and Legal Committee has unanimously recommended the approval of a contractor selection process for a new miniature golf course at Frontier Village. On November 18, 2023, the committee authorized Jamestown Frontier Attractions to initiate a construction manager at-risk selection process. This move is a significant step towards enhancing recreational offerings in the city.
Mayor Dwaine Heinrich emphasized that Frontier Village is city property, and the final contractor selection will require the approval of the Jamestown City Council. The course is deemed a specialized project, necessitating a request for proposal to ensure that qualified contractors are considered. Emily Bivens, executive director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Jamestown Frontier Attractions Board of Directors, stated that the selected contractor will negotiate a guaranteed maximum price for the project.
Funding for the miniature golf course has been bolstered by a grant of $212,500 from the North Dakota Department of Commerce through the Destination Development Grant Program. Currently, Jamestown Frontier Attractions is working to secure additional funds for a local match to meet grant requirements. The total estimated cost for the golf course is expected to be under $500,000, with construction slated to begin in 2026 and the course expected to open in 2027. The facility will be located near the amphitheater within Frontier Village, where plans also include transforming the amphitheater stage into a picnic pavilion.
Development Funding Initiatives Recommended
In addition to the mini golf project, the Finance and Legal Committee also recommended approval of three funding requests from the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corp. One significant request is for $125,000 to support tourism initiatives that attract visitors to Jamestown. If endorsed by the City Council, this funding would consist of $100,000 from the city and $25,000 from Stutsman County. These funds enable Jamestown Tourism to enhance its digital presence and outreach.
Further recommendations include an additional $35,000 for the revamped Workforce Pathways Program, previously known as the Internship Reimbursement Program. This initiative aims to better support local employers and facilitate the transition of interns into full-time positions. The program is designed to reimburse employers up to $3,500 for hiring university or college students, with interns receiving at least $15 per hour. The funding split for this program is proposed at 80-20 between the city and county, amounting to $28,000 from the city and $7,000 from the county.
The Jamestown Development Corp. is also seeking funding for renovations to its building at 120 2nd St. NE, housing the JSDC, Chamber of Commerce, and Jamestown Tourism. The total estimated renovation cost exceeds $362,000, with the JSDC responsible for 20% of the costs.
Civic Center to Enhance Volleyball Facilities
The Jamestown Civic Center and Promotion Committee has also made strides in improving local sports facilities. They unanimously recommended the purchase of volleyball equipment for the Civic Center’s sports courts, with an estimated cost of over $13,000. The equipment will include two volleyball net systems, storage carts, game volleyballs, and referee flags.
Tricia Seckerson, president of the Jamestown Volleyball Boosters, highlighted the potential economic impact of volleyball tournaments, estimating that a weekend tournament could generate between $10,000 and $15,000 in revenue from concession sales and visitor accommodations. The junior spring program currently engages around 175 girls per season, although challenges remain regarding the availability of adequate gym space for tournaments.
Civic Center Director Pam Fosse noted that hosting tournaments could quickly recover the funds invested in the new equipment. As these developments unfold, Jamestown continues to prioritize recreational and economic initiatives that enhance community engagement and attract visitors.
