The Belgrade Regional Parks, Trails and Recreation District Board discussed redesigning Triangle Park on April 2, taking advantage of a federally funded road improvement project on adjacent East Madison Avenue. The Public Works Department's consultant, Sanibel Engineering, presented three preliminary design concepts for the 0.7-acre park at no cost to the district. The designs range from a natural woodland approach featuring wildflowers, native plantings, and boulder seating, to a more developed plaza concept with playground equipment and hardscaped surfaces, to a combined option blending both approaches. Director Jordan Green noted the park sits in a low park equity area and currently remains underutilized.
The board provided clear feedback favoring the most naturalistic woodland concept, emphasizing preservation of the park's mature trees and native vegetation. Board members expressed concerns about removing trees for unnecessary shade structures when natural canopy already exists, and raised practical maintenance considerations such as protecting wildflower areas and managing loose materials. The board also discussed whether to include children's play elements given the park's small size and proximity to East Madison Avenue, with some members suggesting community input during the upcoming public process for the road project could help inform that decision. No formal vote was taken, but directors instructed Green to relay their preference for the woodland design to Sanibel and the Public Works Department.
In related business, the board received updates on the proposed skate park expansion. The design firm American Ramp Company clarified that expansion costs would be identical whether undertaken at the current location or elsewhere, and that no construction cost savings would result from coordinating with summer bike park work. Board member Alex Cady requested that staff identify additional potential skate park sites across town to distribute amenities more broadly throughout the community.