Park advisory board reclassifies Romkey Park as a community park

The Moorhead Park Advisory Board voted Feb. 26 to reclassify Romkey Park as a community park, reflecting an extensive overhaul of amenities that staff said will draw people from across the city and the Fargo–Moorhead region.

City parks staff described the 'Reimagine Romkey' project as transforming the site from a neighborhood park that primarily served the municipal pool into a multiuse destination with a new pool, splash pad, skate park, basketball and pickleball courts, a sledding hill and a food forest. "With everything new going in there, we think it's going to draw folks from all over Moorhead and even the greater Fargo–Moorhead area," staff member Sean told the board.

Aaron made the motion to reclassify Romkey Park as a community park; Brian Hogan seconded. After a brief opportunity for discussion, the board voted in favor and the motion carried. The transcript does not include a roll-call-style tally or the names of members who opposed or abstained; the recorded outcome in the meeting minutes was "motion carries." The board noted they expect to tour the renovated park in May.

Why it matters: The community-park classification typically indicates larger acreage, dedicated parking and longer typical dwell times than neighborhood parks, factors staff said will be necessary to support the new facilities and expected usage. The change affects how the city plans amenities, maintenance and long-term capital investments at Romkey.

What happens next: The board will incorporate the reclassification into planning documents and has scheduled a site tour in May to review finished and in-progress work.