Hardmeyer - City Magazine

Field view of Dickinson's Badland Activity Center
continued from page 43
The BAC will also provide year-round usage opportunities
that will positively contribute to the image and quality of life
of southwestern North Dakota. Possible offerings include
exhibitions, car shows, banquets, concerts and many other
special events.
“The BAC is just another example of our community being
progressive and providing first-class facilities for our citizens
and visitors,” said James Kramer, director of Dickinson Parks
and Recreation. “This facility will help our community attract
more football and track and field events, as well as smaller
trade shows and conferences, which will generate more sales
tax revenue to fund future projects.”
So who made this fantasy a reality? The innovative
Dickinson community, including Dickinson State University,
Dickinson Catholic Schools, City of Dickinson, DSU Blue
Hawk Boosters, DSU Foundation, Dickinson Public Schools,
Dickinson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Dickinson Parks
and Recreation, Stark County Commission and Dickinson
Chamber of Commerce.
As Kevin Thompson, executive director of the DSU
Alumni Association and Foundation, says, “The Badlands
Activity Center is becoming a reality because of the
cooperation by all entities in the Dickinson region.”
BAC is highly regarded by athletes and students alike.
“Students resoundingly support the BAC project. They
demonstrated their approval by voting to increase student
fees which will contribute approximately $1 million to the
project,” reports Hal Haynes, vice-president for DSU Student
Development.
There is no doubt that the BAC will be a destination place
for the entire region. The facility truly opens doors to a vast
array of events.
Fortunately, enthusiastic community members will not
have to endure the suspense much longer. The center is
scheduled to be football-ready by September and completely
functional by the spring of 2010.
September 2009 47