Belgrade parks board approves consent agenda; staff outlines bike‑park timeline, new hire and tree manual

The Belgrade Regional Parks, Trails and Recreation District board approved its consent agenda and received a detailed staff report on ongoing maintenance, staffing and capital projects.

Parks staff said the crew is “fully staffed again with the hiring of Kate Jackman,” and that Jackman brings experience on golf courses, ski hills and snow removal. Staff said Jackman has brought project ideas likely to appear on future agendas.

The staff report covered a range of seasonal and planning items. Parks staff described using the quiet December to catch up on shop and vehicle maintenance and tune the cross‑country skiing groomer, and said crews are evaluating materials to refresh the splash pad and playground equipment. Staff said one crew member is working on starting‑block locations for the disc‑golf course to add clarity for players, and another is designing pavilion signage that will include QR codes linking to CivicRec for reservations and payment.

On larger projects, staff said the city council will review a contract to build the pump track portion of the Mayfair Meadows Bike Park on its Jan. 20 agenda. Staff added that a sizable grant application due in May may fund “several $100,000 worth of the project.”

Staff also reported the district signed a contract with CTA Architects to develop a tree manual for right‑of‑way and broader planting guidance; the manual will draw on local DNRC foresters and aim to guide tree selection, planting and long‑term maintenance across the city and parks.

On infrastructure, a board member asked for an update on the new well at Interstate Park. A staff member said the well is producing to expectations, is undergoing a 72‑hour pump test and will follow state certification steps with NRC and DEQ; once certified, staff said they will coordinate tree replacement and secure the well house before restoring park access.

Board members also discussed signage and public information. Staff said pavilion schedule signs with QR codes and public maps will be created and distributed with the communications director, and that the district’s IT team is implementing the CivicRec reservation portal. Staff said they have spoken with a camera vendor about a splash‑park camera and are awaiting a cost estimate.

Board members raised neighborhood safety and lower‑speed signage; a staff member said Public Works has the item in its queue and noted a recent local ordinance change — originally aimed at school zones — now allows the jurisdiction to adjust speed limits in other locations, which could speed installation. Members discussed possible HOA partnerships to accelerate sign installation before the next fiscal year.

There were no speakers during the public forum. The Clerk moved to approve the consent agenda and the Chair declared the motion carried. The meeting concluded after brief member updates about community events and a volunteer request for Holiday Light Park takedown.

The board did not take any additional formal votes during the meeting. The city council review of the pump‑track contract and the May grant deadline are the next procedural milestones noted by staff.