Sean Frederickson, Butte-Silver Bow parks and recreation director, delivered the department’s annual update on Nov. 19, describing completed projects, season statistics and proposed work at Father Sheehan Park and Basin Creek.

Frederickson highlighted completed work including painted gazebos and the Father Sheehan pavilion, head-frame lighting funded by local donations, Skyline Park trail and bridge work and addition of two pickleball courts. He said Ridgewaters saw 32,579 admissions in 2025 (up from 32,071 in 2024) and the parks recorded 255 pavilion reservations. On Highland View Golf Course, he confirmed irrigation is supplied by two on-site wells that refill the course pond and is not drawn from Basin Creek or other potable sources; he said a reclaimed-effluent line from the wastewater treatment plant is available as an auxiliary source.

Commissioners pressed Frederickson about Father Sheehan Park conceptual plans and whether stormwater work would remove ball fields or tennis courts. Frederickson said the slides shown while applying for grants were conceptual and that no final designs or awards have been made; he said the tennis court at one location sits in a floodplain and likely will be removed, but emphasized there are currently no plans to relocate ball fields and that youth leagues will be part of any decision.

Earlier in the meeting the council considered communication 202-5560, a request from Historic Preservation Officer Kate McCourt for authorization for the chief executive to sign an agreement for Basin Creek Caretaker's House wastewater construction administration. Commissioners debated years of deferred work and differing views on whether to continue investing in the caretaker house or demolish it. Commissioner Shea moved to concur and place the communication on file; the clerk recorded a 9–1 vote in favor. Commissioner Fisher cast the lone dissent.

Frederickson and multiple commissioners also discussed locked access at Big Butte; Frederickson said staff closed a gate for safety after vandalism and that staff will open the gate on request for organized events.