El futuro de la recreación en el condado de Blaine

The Recreation Levy would allow BCRD to meet current and future demand for recreational services provided by the District through Blaine County. BCRD engaged our community throughout the county to understand their recreational priorities. Each are projects the community has told us they want, they’re achievable, and they’re just the start.

• Trails: Improvements for summer and winter trails including the Wood River Trail, Quigley Trails, North Valley Trails, and Galena Trails to connect communities, repair and maintain bridges, install restrooms, improve parking areas, upgrade grooming equipment and enhance multi-use spaces
• Galena Lodge: Upgrades to historic lodge and supporting infrastructure
• Quigley Trails Park: Enhance and construct infrastructure supporting multi-use community recreational spaces
• Aquatic Facilities: Expansion of Aquatic Center operations and aquatic infrastructure
• Sports Fields & Infrastructure: Construction of new and improvements to existing multi-use courts, fields, and facilities to accommodate various activities.
• Long-term Operations & Maintenance: Staffing, equipping, and maintaining existing and future District amenities.

The Recreation Levy is a permanent override levy to BCRD’s founding statute. That means it will require a supermajority (66.67%) to pass.

The levy cost is based on a thorough evaluation of BCRD’s current and future needs, including maintaining existing programs, managing rising operational costs, and addressing the growing demand for recreation in Blaine County. BCRD has operated under the same funding model for 50 years, even as the population has tripled and recreation use has increased. This funding level will ensure BCRD can maintain services, keep programs affordable, and plan responsibly for the future.

BCRD plans for the full life cycle of our resources. The levy is structured so that, when improvements are made, funding for ongoing maintenance, equipment, and staffing can support accessible and affordable operations over time.

Our goal is to design and prioritize recreation spaces that reflect what our community members truly need and want. If the levy passes, BCRD leadership and elected board members will work with users to help shape future enhancements and amenities. Engagement opportunities may include citizen steering committees and other avenues for broad public input.

Raising program fees isn’t a realistic solution because it would price out families and limit access, especially for the 30% of participants who rely on financial assistance.

Donations play an important role, but they fluctuate year to year and aren’t a stable, long-term funding source. The levy provides consistent, dedicated funding so BCRD can continue serving the community without reducing access or cutting essential programs.

Currently, the property is privately owned. The Wood River Land Trust is actively fundraising to acquire the land. Upon acquisition, BCRD is committed to working with the Land Trust to provide benefits like safe biking paths, trail connections, and hopefully restore public access to the hot springs.