Parks and Recreation Board votes 6–0 to recommend North Mesa bike park as budget priority

The Parks and Recreation Board voted unanimously to recommend the North Mesa bike park proposal be considered a priority item during County Council budget hearings. At the board meeting, a member moved "that the PRB recommend that the County Council consider the bike park proposal as a priority item during their budget hearings." The motion was seconded and approved in a roll call vote, 6–0.

Why it matters: The bike park is a component of the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan. Board members described the park as part of phase 1 of the master plan but discussed related phase 2 elements (open-space trails and additional amenities) and whether construction sequencing and budgeting adequately preserve adjacent open space and trail connectivity.

Board discussion included both support for the bike park and requests for greater attention to surrounding open space. One board member said concerns remained that phase 1 work could reduce open space access before phase 2 trail work is completed; staff replied that consultants for adjacent projects do communicate and that the county directs contractors to coordinate when projects are adjacent.

Motion and vote: Committee member (speaker 6) moved the recommendation; the motion was seconded by another committee member (speaker 3). The clerk conducted a roll call; members Nepper, Marsden, Alder Sabas, Bowen, Vice Chair Cohen and Chair Watkins recorded affirmative votes and the clerk announced the motion passed 6–0.

Next steps: The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to County Council for consideration during the budget hearings. Board members asked staff to keep public communication channels and consultant coordination clear as phases proceed.