ABOUT US
Bismarck Optimist Club
Optimists bring out the best in our youth, our community and ourselves. Our members share one common trait - we know that we can make a difference in the lives of others.
Bismarck Optimist Club was founded on July 20, 1971 by the following 25 Founding Charter Members:
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Roger Bakken
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Duane Bentz
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Alvin Borner
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Greg Butler
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Winston (Win) Curtiss
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Darvin (Darv) Engel
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L. Edward Gull
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Robert Frazier
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Lee Hanson
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Michael Heinzen
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Merton (Mert) Johnsrud
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Ronald Keller
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Jack Neumann
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Owen Noteboom
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John R. Pearcy Jr.
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Robert Saueressig
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Howard (Howie) Seigfried
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Michael Speaks
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Howard Unterseher
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Leroy Vander-Linden
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Chris Welle
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Charles (Chuck) Wilson
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Richard (Rick) Wright
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Roswell (Ros) Henke
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Thomas Kelsch
Optimist Family Park
Nestled in the heart of Bismarck at 2098 North 16th Street, the 3.03 acres park was donated to Bismark Park and Recreation District in 1980. Bismarck Optimist Club member Leroy Vander Linden secured the donation of the land from AT&T.
In 1983, Bismarck Optimist Club put in a request to sponsor the park and donated $4,000 toward the playground. The park was dedicated Optimist Family Park in 1984.
Throughout the year, matching grants have been utilized to future develop the park including a memorial bench, sundial, playground equipment, a sand volleyball court and flagpole. The park’s shelter is dedicated in memory of Leroy.
Join Us For Lunch
Bismarck Optimist Club hosts its Tuesday weekly luncheon meetings at Bismarck Municipal Country Club, 930 N Griffin Street. Our one hour meetings begin at noon and feature speakers from a variety of nonprofit programs and other organizations that share our club’s mission. Quarterly socials are also planned.
