Council reviews updated parks comprehensive financial plan; Settlers Park community center scheduled to open in FY28

Parks staff presented an updated Comprehensive Financial Plan (CFP) to the Meridian City Council on Feb. 25, outlining timing, phasing and staffing for a multi‑year parks and recreation buildout.

Key items and timing: Steve (parks staff) told council the community center at Settlers Park is in design and construction is scheduled for 2026–27 with an expected opening in fiscal year 2028. The associated park expansion (about 11 acres) was shown as a related but separately budgeted project; the expansion includes additional parking, a dog park and open play areas that would support the NYB complex. Staff separated capital costs from operating costs in the CFP so the city budgets operating staff and supplies only in the years the facilities open.

Staffing and operations: The presentation proposed a phased staffing model for the community center. At opening in 2028 the city would convert existing positions into two promotions (a facility manager and a classes-and-camps coordinator) and then add staff in subsequent years if demand warrants. Steve emphasized the city’s preference for phased hires to avoid funding positions before facilities open.

Other parks and timeline changes: Steve presented updated schedules for several other projects: Discovery Park Phase 3 remains on the previously programmed timeline (design in 2028; construction 2029); Graycliff (site/build partner timing) was moved later in the CFP because developer timing slowed; the Fields District Community Park was split into two phases and pushed roughly one to two years later than previously programmed. West Meridian Regional Park stayed on its existing higher‑year timeline linked to utility availability. Margaret Aldape Park (a proposed Boise River park) was moved from 2030 to 2033 in the CFP but staff told council the city remains committed to the project and will revisit timing annually.

Funding sources and implementation notes: Staff said construction is primarily funded by impact fees; staff also noted the city plans early right‑of‑way acquisitions on large corridors such as the Linder project to reduce later schedule risk. For one project that was originally scheduled for 2026, staff said an LOI was approved in January and that staff expect to present a purchase action in April. Steve said many CFP items shift annually as development patterns and utility availability change.

Council response and next steps: Council members praised the separation of capital and operating costs and the phased staffing approach. Several members asked staff to return with specific budget requests for FY26 where necessary. Steve told council staff will bring forward any time‑sensitive purchase items (for example the Fields District site) in the coming weeks.

Ending: The CFP remains a planning document that will be updated annually; council asked staff to return with FY26 budget requests and any time‑sensitive purchase actions in the next two months.