Boise City Council approves $4.25M budget amendment for new community park

The Meridian City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing community recreational spaces by approving a budget amendment of $4,250,000 for the acquisition of land designated for a new community park. This decision, made during the council meeting on April 15, 2025, reflects the city’s commitment to addressing the growing need for public green spaces in rapidly developing areas.

The council discussed the option to reduce the budget to $4,115,000, which would still cover the necessary closing costs, but ultimately decided to maintain the original amount. Any unused funds from this budget will revert back to the park impact fund, ensuring that taxpayer money is effectively managed. The council is set to finalize the purchase with the title company by April 30, 2025.

Council members expressed their gratitude to the team involved in the acquisition, particularly acknowledging the efforts of Mark Bottles and Kurt Starman, who played crucial roles in coordinating the partnership and donation process. Councilman Overton highlighted the importance of this park, noting that it will serve a vital need in an area that currently lacks sufficient recreational facilities.

In addition to the budget amendment, the council approved two resolutions related to the purchase of the property from Hawaii Holdings and Intermountain Gas. These resolutions are part of a broader strategy to enhance community infrastructure, with council members emphasizing the importance of preserving open spaces as the city continues to grow.

The discussions during the meeting underscored a collaborative approach among council members and city officials, with a shared vision of creating quality parks that will benefit current and future residents. As Meridian continues to expand, the addition of this park is seen as a crucial investment in the community's quality of life.