Belgrade council names West Post Phase 4 park for Jerry Askin

The Belgrade City Council voted unanimously to name the West Post Phase 4 park "Jerry Askin Park" after hearing a parks board recommendation and testimony from a longtime friend and neighbor.

Parks and Recreation Director Steve Klotz opened the item by correcting an earlier summary and saying the parks board recommended naming the Phase 4 park Jerry Askin Park. Resident Joe Nelson, who said he has known Askin for 45 years, described Askin’s ranching roots in eastern Montana, his Montana State University studies in animal science, his long career at Barnard Construction and his involvement in rodeo and community mentorship. Nelson urged the council to approve the name in recognition of Askin’s contributions to the West Post community.

Council discussion included a caution from a council member about the potential pitfalls of naming public facilities after individuals — instances elsewhere where honored names were later reconsidered — and City Manager Cardwell noted the city is preparing a naming policy that would generally steer away from naming facilities for living individuals and suggest conditions for posthumous naming. Parks Director Klotz confirmed the parks board had recommended the name and supplied background information in support of the request.

After brief discussion and additional public-comment opportunity (none), the council moved to approve naming the park as presented; the motion passed unanimously. Council members and staff noted the council retains sole discretion to rename or change facility names in the future and that a formal naming policy is forthcoming.

Sources: Director statement, resident testimony and council vote recorded in the Belgrade City Council meeting transcript.