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Broadwater County Parks and Recreation Board
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter

Broadwater County Parks and Recreation Board

Rachael Brug

Staff Reporter

The Broadwater County Parks and Recreation Board on April 20 approved bylaw changes aimed at bringing younger voices into its work, voted to recommend a new board member, and continued planning for a volunteer cleanup day at the Centerville property.

Chair Carol Hatfield led the meeting, which included approval of minutes from December, January and March. Board members noted they did not meet in February.

Financial snapshot

Aubra Lewis, the board’s administrative assistant, presented the financial report showing an operating cash balance of $35,354.35. Lewis said the account includes $10,000 in proceeds from a vault toilet sale deposited in September 2025, and that there have been no other transactions in the last two years aside from office supplies purchased for roughly $10,000.

Nichole Brown, Broadwater County community development director, explained the fund is supported by minor subdivision development fees. She said major subdivisions — generally six or more lots — are required to provide park land or cash in lieu of park land at fair market value, but the county has not received a major subdivision in a long time.

New member recommended

Board members voted unanimously to accept the application of McKenna Greg and forward the recommendation to the Broadwater County Commissioners for approval.

Greg told the board she lives on the south side of town and purchased her home about a year and a half ago. She works in state government in Helena, previously worked for a conservation-focused U.S. congressman, and serves on the Montana State Library Board. Greg said she wants to be more involved locally and help ensure Broadwater County remains a strong community as it grows.

Bylaws updated to include youth

The board also approved amendments to its bylaws clarifying that youth under 18 are eligible for membership. Members added language allowing for “a youth liaison” as an advisory member, and removed an outdated sentence about appointments that board members said was unclear.

County Commissioner Lindsey Richtmyer, the board’s commissioner liaison, noted that youth members under 18 can serve as voting members if they meet engagement and attendance standards. Board members said they plan to reach out to the local high school.

Hatfield is expected to sign the amended bylaws, which will be presented to commissioners on April 29 as part of the consent agenda.

Centerville cleanup day set for May 16

Board members continued planning for a Centerville volunteer cleanup day on Saturday, May 16, in partnership with the Rotary Club as part of Rotary’s International Epic Day of Service.

Planned work includes trash and debris pickup, vegetation trimming, and trail preparation, with possible help from a Boy Scout group. The board discussed lining up contractors for tree trimming and mowing, and emphasized that the county must be listed as additionally insured on any contractor policies.

Members also discussed a volunteer waiver form that will be reviewed by County Attorney Kevin Bratcher and brought to the commissioners on April 29 for approval.

As part of the cleanup day plan, the board discussed developing a parking area parallel to Centerville Road, including an approach permit and grading and gravel work ahead of May 16.

Trails and grant updates

In other updates, board members discussed ongoing trail work led by the Broadwater Community Development Corporation. Grant funding has been approved for an asphalt trail on Front Street. The group is also pursuing longer-range connections, including a Centerville trailhead and trail project supported by a $120,000 commitment from Canyon Ferry Trust to strengthen upcoming grant applications.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 18.