Staff recommends that Council approve the resolution adopting the updated Master Plan for Cottonwood Park.

Cottonwood Park is an undeveloped park located on the west end of Billings. Most of the property was donated by the Forbes family in the early 2000s, with the intention that it would be developed into a community park. The Master Plan aims to guide the future development of Cottonwood Park, ensuring it meets the needs of the community and adheres to the donors' wishes.

The development of Cottonwood Park aligns with the goals identified in the West Billings Neighborhood Plan adopted in May 2001, which highlighted the need for large parcels of land for community parks in the West Billings area. Initial planning studies and property dedication led to renaming the park to Cottonwood Park. The city agreed to honor the Forbes family's vision for the park, focusing on multifunctional community uses rather than developing it as a sports complex.

The park's proposed features include a community center, playgrounds, picnic shelters, recreational courts, a splash pad, a memorial pond, and various trails and paths to facilitate connectivity with surrounding areas and promote diverse recreational activities. Extensive public engagement was conducted to ensure the Master Plan reflects community preferences, including surveys and public meetings.
 

City Council may:

• Approve the resolution adopting the Master Plan; or,
• Not approve the resolution.

The consulting services to create the Master Plan were budgeted in FY24 and have been paid to the consultant except for the remaining balance.
The only funding available at this time is cash in lieu funds, that have been collected over the years from surrounding developments, which is not enough to develop a significant portion of the park.