Council approves park agreement with developer to build 10‑acre Tribute Park funded by Falcon Crest impact fees and donor contribution

The Kuna City Council unanimously approved Resolution R52‑2026 on a motion that will allow the city to acquire land and accept a developer-funded plaza for a new 10‑acre park near Tiercel Road and 5 Mile Road.

Developer Mark Tate of M3 Companies told the council the project, called Tribute Park at Valor, is part of a long‑planned community buildout adjacent to the Valor Classical Academy and would include a large playground, reservable Ramada, sport courts and a “tribute” plaza. Tate said the company “is offering to donate, I believe we set up to $225,000” for the Tribute Plaza and related vertical features.

City Treasurer Jared Impey and staff described how the purchase and construction will be financed. Impey said the agreement anticipates reimbursing roughly $900,000 in park impact fees already paid from the Falcon Crest subdivision and sending future Falcon Crest park impact fees to the developer on a quarterly basis. He estimated phase‑one costs at about $3,000,000 and a possible phase two near $2,000,000, and warned reimbursements could continue for several years as fees are collected.

Parks and Recreation Director Chris Shregle said staff has been involved in design discussions, contractor outreach for playground equipment and planning for field lighting and irrigation. City Attorney Mark Bybee reminded the council that development impact fees are restricted to growth‑related capital purchases and cannot be used for routine maintenance of existing parks.

Council members asked how the deal would affect other parks and the city’s impact fee balance; staff reported roughly $5,800,000 in the park impact fee fund as of March and said the Falcon Crest reimbursements would be accounted for from subdivision‑specific collections, not the general parks budget.

The council approved the resolution after questions about funding mechanics and timing. The agreement calls for continued collaboration with city staff on final design; Tate said the developer hopes to finish design this year and turn the park over to the city in 2027 if schedules permit.

The resolution passed with a motion, second and an affirmative voice vote. The city will return the final, executed agreement and the project schedule to council as design details and engineering submittals are completed.