Belgrade board approves Henson Park dog‑park design, endorses crushed‑gravel trail

The Belgrade Regional Parks and Trails Recreation District Board unanimously approved the design for the Henson Park dog park and authorized staff to finalize design specifics with the applicant and designer.

Staff described the design packet — an overall site plan, a rendering and an irrigation plan — noting the plan provides two fenced areas (a larger off‑leash grass area and an engineered wood‑chip area) and includes a crushed‑gravel fines trail proposed by the applicant to meet ADA and Gallatin County trail standards while reducing cost compared with asphalt or concrete.

A parks staff member told the board that the city engineer requested two concrete aprons at driveway approaches to the gates and recommended the city bear that cost to avoid damage to curbs and turf. "I would agree with the engineer that those should be done," the staff member said, adding the city streets department could likely perform or cheaply contract that work.

On trail surfacing, the staff member said the applicant's contractor has experience using a crushed fines mix that meets ADA and county requirements and would substantially lower project costs. The applicant offered to fund paving if the board required a paved trail, but staff recommended proceeding with the proposed crushed‑gravel surface and keeping district funds out of the additional paving cost.

Board members asked whether wood chips would be ADA‑compliant when used as part of the entry sequence and whether tree plantings would be protected. Staff said the forester has reviewed species and will work on planting details and protections, and that they would confirm ADA compliance for any wood‑chip access points.

The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the dog‑park design as presented, subject to final staff approval of design specifics; the motion passed unanimously. Staff said next steps include completing permit reviews, scheduling a preconstruction meeting with the contractor and authorizing the designer to proceed once outstanding minor details are resolved.

Next steps: staff will confirm ADA access details for wood‑chip areas, finalize permit requirements with public works, and coordinate a preconstruction meeting to set requirements and timelines.