The City of Watford City is excited to announce plans for a new urban park on Main Street, aiming to create a vibrant community gathering space. This park will host various events, including seasonal programming, vendor shows, live music, and food truck festivals.
The decision to develop this park stems from a comprehensive Community Survey and Downtown Redevelopment Plan completed in Fall 2024, which received over 800 responses. The survey identified a strong community desire for an urban park and more mixed-use commercial spaces in the downtown area, specifically on North Main Street (Area 2).
Recognizing the challenges for private development, the City, along with its Roughrider Fund committee, moved to acquire the necessary properties in late 2024. The Roughrider Fund, a 1.5-cent city sales tax established in 1998, is dedicated to projects enhancing community welfare, recreation, business, and economic development. The Roughrider Fund Committee has committed up to $1.5 million from the fund for the purchase of seven Main Street lots, including the four intended for the urban park and three adjacent buildings for future mixed-use development.
The proposed urban park will be located on the vacant lot between Door 204 and The Choice Building. Preliminary plans for the park, estimated at $2.5 to $3.5 million, include a dedicated stage, sound system, public art displays, and concessions.
Future development plans for a multi-level mixed-use commercial and retail space in the remaining lots between the square and Larsen’s Service Drug are being discussed as well, with no official timeline or significant developments to announce at this time.
A community-driven capital campaign to fund the park’s construction will launch in 2026, with construction anticipated for 2027/2028 and a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for June 2029.
This project signifies Watford City’s dedication to fostering a dynamic community and a downtown core that meets the long-term needs and aspirations of its residents.
Architectural renderings of the space are available and were supported by the same North Dakota Department of Commerce grant that funded the community survey.
Results of Community Survey & Downtown Redevelopment Plan:https://econdev.mckenziecounty.net/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Watford-City-Future-Redevelopment-Vision.pdf
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For more information, contact:
Vawnita Best, Community & Business Development Director, City of Watford City
701-580-1862, vbest@nd.gov