Exhibit building acoustic work finished; windows pending as maintenance and contractor work planned ahead of summer events

Park County Fairgrounds staff reported progress on capital work and a short list of maintenance projects the board hopes to complete before summer events.

Morgan reported that the acoustic installation in the exhibit building is finished and only cleanup remains. Morgan and Christina inspected the space and said the new treatment substantially reduced echo. Morgan said the board still needs to install acoustic fabric at the ceiling, and that window installation was scheduled for the week after the April 16 meeting, with a contingency of the following week if installers are delayed.

Maintenance and contractor work

The director said she is soliciting contractor quotes to repair irrigation damage, fill sinkholes, and replace damaged frost‑free water hydrants and services. She expects some of that work to take place April 30, when the Career Expo for Agriculture will bring high‑school students to the grounds, and said performing some work then would allow students to observe heavy‑equipment operations.

Morgan also reported she had some vacancy-savings funding available (primarily from benefits savings when a permanent maintenance position was unfilled) that could pay for several small maintenance projects the grounds’ maintenance person would otherwise have completed. The board discussed prioritizing projects such as sprinkler-head repairs, ADA door-button retrofits, handrail installation in bathrooms, and toilet replacement so contractors can be retained in advance of busy summer schedules.

Regional assistance and inspections

At a recent Montana Trails, Parks and Recreation Association conference Morgan made connections with other counties and municipalities, including the city of Bozeman, which may be able to send staff to help with playground inspections at Silvergate Park and to troubleshoot a two‑wire irrigation system at Arch Park that local contractors are reluctant to work on.

Insulation grant timeline

Morgan said the insulation project has been delayed but that the grantor extended the project deadline; the director stated the extension was granted but did not specify the exact new deadline during the meeting. The board intends to complete the insulation work by the extended deadline.

What the board will do next

The Master Plan Committee prioritized a short list of maintenance projects and will help staff move forward with contractor procurement. Morgan will circulate contractor quotes and a volunteer call for trim, painting and other tasks when dates are finalized.