Williston Parks and Recreation District & Spring Lake Nature Center Partnership

The Williston Parks and Recreation District (WPRD) is excited to announce a new partnership with Spring Lake Nature Center (SLNC), formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at a recent Park Board meeting. This collaboration marks a new chapter for the Spring Lake Park Keelboat site and the community.

SLNC will host a Soft Launch from March 4–April 25, 2026, offering the community its first look at the Center’s vision and programs. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SLNC relies on a donation-based model, ensuring accessibility while growing its impact through community support. For more details, upcoming events, and ways to get involved, visit springlakenaturecenter.org.

With the formal approval of the MOU, WPRD is providing clarity about how this partnership came to be, what it means for the community, and how it protects public assets while expanding opportunity.

 

Why This Partnership?

The Keelboat Facility at Spring Lake Park is a publicly owned asset with significant potential. In recent years, it has been underutilized and in need of modernization. Rather than allowing the facility to remain inactive, WPRD explored ways to activate the space in a manner aligned with its mission of recreation, education, and community enrichment.

Spring Lake Nature Center is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission directly aligns with the natural resources and outdoor amenities at Spring Lake Park. The organization focuses on environmental education, conservation awareness, and community engagement, programming that naturally complements the setting.

This partnership allows:

• Expanded educational and nature-based programming
• Increased community use of the facility
• Grant and fundraising eligibility to improve the building
• Activation of a public asset without transferring ownership

 

What This Agreement Is and Is Not

This is not a sale or lease of the property. The Keelboat remains 100% owned by WPRD.

The agreement grants SLNC a revocable, non-exclusive license to operate programming from the facility for an initial one-year term. WPRD retains oversight of:

• Facility condition
• Public safety
• Asset stewardship
• Board approval of any capital improvements

This is a one-year operating agreement designed to evaluate performance, programming impact, and fundraising progress before considering any longer-term arrangement.

 

Why Pause Reservations?

As part of this transition, new reservations at the Keelboat are temporarily paused. This allows:

• Operational planning
• Program scheduling
• Evaluation of how the space can best serve the community long-term 

The goal is not to reduce access, it is to expand better structure how the facility serves the public.

 

How Is This Funded?

This agreement does not commit WPRD to new capital spending.

Under the MOU:

• WPRD continues providing baseline utilities (electricity, water, sewer).
• SLNC is responsible for staffing, programming costs, operations, and fundraising.
• Any future capital improvements require WPRD Board approval.

The structure allows SLNC to pursue grants and private donations that would not otherwise be available to a public entity alone, leveraging outside dollars to improve a public facility.

 

Accountability & Oversight

To ensure transparency and public accountability:

• SLNC provides quarterly financial summaries.
• The parties hold quarterly review meetings.
• Either party may terminate the agreement for material nonperformance.
• SLNC must carry $2 million in liability insurance naming WPRD as additional insured.

This ensures strong public oversight while allowing the nonprofit to operate effectively.

 

How Did This Come Together?

This partnership developed through mission alignment conversations between WPRD leadership and SLNC regarding:

• Underutilization of the Keelboat
• Community interest in environmental and outdoor education
• Opportunities for external grant funding
• The desire to activate public space without expanding district staffing

The MOU reflects a carefully structured approach that protects the district while creating space for innovation and community growth.

 

What Happens Next?

SLNC will host a Soft Launch (March 4–April 25, 2026) to introduce programming and community engagement efforts. WPRD will monitor operations throughout the Initial Term and conduct formal reviews before any long-term decision is considered.

This is a pilot year focused on:

• Expanding access
• Growing programming
• Measuring impact
• Exploring renovation feasibility

 

Key Message for the Community

This partnership is about activating a public asset in a responsible, fiscally prudent way without transferring ownership, increasing taxpayer burden, or reducing oversight.

It represents a collaborative model where:

• WPRD retains control and stewardship
• A mission-aligned nonprofit brings energy and programming
• The community gains educational opportunities
• External funding can be leveraged for improvement

Our goal is simple: To create an engaging, educational, and vibrant future at Spring Lake Park that benefits the entire Williston community.

 

For any questions or additional information, please feel free to contact us through our regular communication channels. We are happy to assist you.