Belgrade parks board asks staff to include $10,000 for Summer Nights in next budget

The Belgrade Regional Parks, Trails and Recreation District board voted to ask staff to include $10,000 in the proposed FY2026–27 budget to support the Belgrade Community Coalition’s Summer Nights events.

Lynn Turner, speaking for the coalition, said last year’s series drew roughly 1,700–2,000 people per night and that organizers expect 2,300–2,500 attendees per event this summer. Turner said sponsors cover most event expenses, volunteers contribute hundreds of hours, and the parks district’s prior $10,000 donation helped make last year’s program successful. “We would appreciate the parks district’s continued support of $10,000 again this year,” Turner said.

Board members praised the community value of the events but pressed Turner on rising costs and alternatives for funding. One director proposed funding two nights (a $14,000 commitment); others favored matching last year’s contribution while encouraging the coalition to pursue additional sponsorships and in-kind support. Staff emphasized the district has multiple competing budget priorities and asked the coalition to pursue other revenue sources.

Director Jamie Rosemary moved the request to include $10,000 in the draft budget, and Director Alex Katie seconded. Chair Renee Matamo called for the vote; the board approved the request and Chair Matamo said staff will include the line item for council consideration.

The district’s action is a formal request to staff to carry the $10,000 item into the upcoming proposed budget; it does not itself expend funds until the budget is adopted and, if required by process, the city council reviews the recommendation.