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Bozeman commission OKs $680,000 parks budget amendment for Story Mill splash pad and sports‑park fields
Summary
The commission approved a resolution to move $680,000 from the Parkland Trust and Park & Trails District funds to cover four capital projects: Story Mill splash pad/parking ($170,000) and two Sports Park projects including Field 7/Field 13 infrastructure ($510,000). Vote was unanimous 5–0.
The commission voted unanimously to amend the City’s FY26 operating budget to increase appropriations in the Parks and Trails District Fund and increase transfers from the Parkland Trust Fund by $680,000 to cover four capital projects.
Park Planning and Development Manager Addie Jaden told the commission the request covers two Story Mill Park items (a themed splash pad and an east parking lot/landscaping changes) and two projects at Bozeman Sports Park (a new synthetic field and related parking/irrigation connections). Jaden said the Story Mill request is $170,000 and the sports‑park projects account for $510,000 of the total.
Jaden explained the Parkland Trust is funded largely by cash‑in‑lieu payments from denser developments that cannot provide parkland, and the Park & Trails District Fund comes from dedicated local tax revenue created in 2020. She said the splash pad will use a recirculating system, has outside funding (Trust for Public Lands, Gallatin County grants) and is scheduled to open next spring. Parks Director Mitch Overton described synthetic turf as lower maintenance than grass but with an 8–10 year replacement horizon and recurring maintenance needs.
Deputy Mayor Morrison moved the resolution; after discussion about parking, landscaping and partnerships with the school district and the Sports Park Foundation, the commission voted 5–0 to approve the amendment.
