Griggs Park Officially Reopens

July 15, 2026

The East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation Department was thrilled to celebrate the official grand reopening of the new Griggs Park Playground with an afternoon full of fun, community, and celebration.


Families from across East Grand Forks gathered to enjoy the new playground, participate in a Bike Rodeo, plant trees, win prizes, and spend a beautiful evening outdoors. The event showcased the excitement surrounding the park's transformation and highlighted the importance of creating spaces where children and families can play, learn, and connect.


The new playground was built in memory of longtime Parks & Recreation leader Dave Aker, whose dedication to youth recreation and community service helped shape East Grand Forks for decades. His legacy lives on through a space that will inspire imagination, laughter, and lasting memories for generations of children.


The Parks & Recreation Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Aker family for their vision and dedication in making this project possible. We would also like to thank the EGF Home Run Club for serving food during the event, Safe Kids and Polk County Public Health for hosting the Bike Rodeo, and Blue Moose, River Cinema, Circle K, and the many generous community partners and volunteers who donated prizes, time, and resources to help make the grand reopening a tremendous success.


If you weren't able to attend the celebration, we invite you to stop by Griggs Park and experience everything the new space has to offer. From the modern playground and Little Free Library to the newly planted trees and welcoming green space, there's something for everyone to enjoy.


We look forward to seeing the memories that will be made at Griggs Park for years to come!

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Construction Progress Continues on EGF Facility Improvement Project

By Brenna Mathiason • July 15, 2026
Exciting progress is being made on the East Grand Forks Arena Improvement Project as work continues at both the Civic Center and VFW Arena. Over the past several weeks, construction crews have completed several major milestones, bringing the community one step closer to modernized facilities that will serve athletes, families, and visitors for years to come. At the VFW Arena, foundation walls have been completed, perimeter rink concrete has been poured, and the site has been prepared for the next phase of construction. Meanwhile, work at the Civic Center has included completing the new rink floor piping and reinforcement, as well as removing existing pavement and sidewalks to prepare for future improvements. Construction is now shifting toward new rink floor installation, parking lot improvements, utility work, and the construction of exterior walls and building infrastructure. Future work will also include ADA parking upgrades, new sidewalks, and fresh pavement to improve accessibility and the overall visitor experience. These improvements are part of a long-term investment in East Grand Forks' recreational facilities, ensuring they continue to support youth hockey, figure skating, public skating, tournaments, and countless community events for generations to come.  The East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation Department appreciates the community's patience and understanding throughout construction. While temporary closures and disruptions are never easy, every milestone brings us one step closer to reopening safer, more modern, and more functional facilities for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to follow East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation on social media for continued construction updates and project milestones as work progresses.

New Columbarium Niches Available

By Brenna Mathiason • July 30, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery is pleased to announce that a new 160-niche columbarium has been installed, offering additional companion niche options for families choosing cremation. These newly installed niches are designed to hold the cremated remains of two individuals, providing a beautiful and lasting place of remembrance in a peaceful cemetery setting. The new companion niches are available at the following prices: 1st Row (Ground Level) $3,000 2nd Row $3,250 Middle Row $3,500 4th Row (Eye Level) $3,750 5th Row (Eye Level) $4,000 Each purchase includes the opening and closing fee and a marker/plaque . Flower vase and holder installation is also available for an additional fee. In addition to the new columbarium, single niches and companion niches remain available in our existing columbariums, providing a variety of options to meet your family's needs. For those interested in traditional burial, in-ground lots are also available , including: Grass-level marker lots: $500 Upright marker lots: $1,000 To purchase a columbarium niche or discuss the available options, please schedule an appointment with Brenna Mathiason at the East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation office. For complete pricing information, cemetery rules and regulations, and additional details about burial and memorial options, please visit our Resurrection Cemetery webpage or review the Resurrection Cemetery Handbook . We are here to help you make informed decisions and provide compassionate assistance throughout the process.