Council approves Belgrade Regional Parks, Trails and Recreation District budget; splash-pad study planned

The Belgrade City Council on July 6 approved the fiscal year 2027 budget for the Belgrade Regional Parks, Trails and Recreation District.

Staff said the parks board reviewed and approved the budget at its June meeting and the district will forward the document to the county commission as part of the broader approval process. The parks district budget includes a transfer from a permissive medical levy for insurance offsets, a debt-service payment for a $6 million bond under development, and operating/CIP items including shade structures for Ryan Lehi Park, a dump trailer, and a side-by-side ATV with plow attachment. Staff also noted $127,000 will move from operations to the district CIP to support active projects.

Jordan Green, director of parks and recreation, described a splash-pad update study that will evaluate current conditions, maintenance needs and future options; the study will include public engagement and be used to build a master plan to seek grants and budget for improvements. Council members expressed general support, though one member questioned whether study funds might be spent directly on construction.

The council approved the parks district budget after a motion and second; no public comment was recorded during the hearing on this item.