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Belgrade parks staff pursue 80‑acre DNRC parcel, say HOA stormwater ponds will transfer to district starting 2027
Summary
Staff told the board they are pursuing an 80-acre parcel from the DNRC near the wastewater facility and plan to ask HOAs to transfer stormwater ponds to the district ahead of a 2027 accountability deadline; Jackrabbit Crossing development plans will include opportunities for park-design input.
District staff reported they are working with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) to obtain an 80-acre parcel adjacent to the wastewater recovery facility, but said state staffing shortages have slowed the process.
"We are still working with the DNRC, to work on obtaining that property, the 80 acres that's out by our wastewater," a staff member said, adding that the district expects to partner with the wastewater recovery plant and that the plant’s enterprise fund could help pay for a permanent easement to reduce the district’s long‑term financial impact.
Board members and staff also discussed impending development called (formerly) Jackrabbit Crossing. Staff said developers will return to planning with changes and that the parks district will have opportunities to advise on park locations and designs, especially because some new subdivisions will have small lots and limited private yard space.
On maintenance responsibilities, staff told the board that many stormwater ponds are currently owned by homeowners associations and that the parks district plans to ask HOAs to transfer ponds to the district because "starting in 2027, we're gonna be held accountable for that." Staff said accepting these ponds creates maintenance challenges that the district must plan for.
Board members asked for future agenda updates on winter programming (including the possibility of ice rinks), an update on the Clover Leaf subdivision near the apartments and further information on how park amenities will integrate with the denser subdivisions. No formal decisions or votes were taken on land acquisition, easements or pond transfers at the meeting; staff described these as ongoing discussions.
