The 2025 Economic Development Project of the Year was awarded to Williston Water World during the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) conference in Minot Oct. 7-9.

Led by the volunteer-driven Williston Community Builders, the $17 million project transformed a donated three-acre site into a state-of-the-art water park operated by the Williston Parks and Recreation District. Since opening in July 2025, it has become a cornerstone of community recreation, according to information from EDND.

The Emerging Developer of the Year award was given to Adrienne Olson, Community and Economic Development director for Casselton. The Community Development Award recognized JimBonita’s Pizza of Hatton. Economic Developer of the Year was awarded to Corry Shevlin of the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation.

Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden presented the awards.

EDND also announced new leadership to the board of directors. Melissa Beach, Economic Development Administrator at Minnkota Power Cooperative, will serve a two-year term as president, while Becca Cruger, director of Workforce Development for the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, joins the board as an at-large member.