Board reviews Mayfair Meadows bike-park schematic and $870,000 engineer estimate

The Belgrade Parks board reviewed preliminary engineering materials for a proposed Mayfair Meadows bike park, including a schematic cover sheet and an engineer's cost estimate staff said is approximately $870,000.

A staff speaker described the figure as an engineer's estimate rather than a firm bid, adding that "by the time we adjust for inflation and the time we do the project, plus with the contingency, we're probably looking at somewhere hopefully around, the $1,000,000 mark or a little less." The transcript records the phrasing: "I think it's gonna say it's 870,000 as an estimate."

Board members asked whether multiple estimates or bids had been sought. The consultant/staff said the estimate came from a company tied to the preferred bike-track vendor (American Ramp Company working with Velo Solutions) and that it is typical to rely on an engineer's estimate at this stage; going out for bids can bring in multiple prices but sometimes draws no responsive bidders for specialist work.

Staff noted the choice of a Velo Solutions-style track could make the facility eligible to host certain categories of regional races, potentially increasing local economic draw if events develop. Board members flagged the project as similar to past skate-park procurement challenges and underscored the need to identify contractors able to build specialized cycle-track features.

No formal decision or vote on funding for the bike park was recorded at the meeting; the board discussed next steps such as preparing phase-1 plans that include grading and site work and pursuing donated materials or sponsorship when available.