It doesn't seem that long ago when the High Prairie Arts and Science Center was created just to the North of the Bismarck State College Campus.  However, now the Bismarck Park Board and the Vision Council for the Arts & Science Center are researching the idea of moving the facility and its partners to the World War Two Memorial Building in Downtown Bismarck.  I have been told by a few people involved in the dealings that some of this idea comes from Mayor John Warford's idea to bring more arts to the downtown area. 

   The Bismarck Park Board at its last meeting voted in favor to go before the Bismarck City Commission to move forward on a plan to research the idea.  Tonight, Bismarck Park Board President Paul Quist will come before the City Commission.  I will be doing a preview story for tonight’s six o'clock news on this issue

   The questions I will be looking to get answered are these:

1) What is wrong the existing location of the Arts and Science   Center ?  Especially when it was only a couple of years ago the facility opened?

2) What ever happened to the plan to add on to the building as first agreed upon when the facility was purchased? 

3) How about parking? For years we have listened to downtown merchants say there is not enough parking in Downtown Bismarck?  How will this facility impact this problem?  I know there is a parking ramp just to the south.  But let’s face it, the winters get cold and people do not want to walk outside when it is below freezing let along 20 to 30 below zero

4) How will Park and Rec programs be impacted with the loss of the gym space?  I am talking about both youth and adult activities

5) What is the estimated cost to the taxpayers for the move and renovation of the proposed new location?

6) Is this something the Park District can afford at this time?

7) If this idea moves forward how will the costs taken on by the park district affect funding for other programs?

   These are just a few of the questions I will have for those people I will talk to today on the idea of moving the Arts and Science Center to Downtown Bismarck.  If you want to come to the meeting, it is tonight at the City-County Building at 5:15

Brad Feldman
KX News
Bfeldman@kxnet.com
www.twitter.com/aroundtown12
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