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Broadwater County Parks Board Advances Centerville Plan
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter

Broadwater County Parks Board Advances Centerville Plan

Rachael Brug

Staff Reporter

The Broadwater County Parks & Recreation Board met Monday, June 15, 2026, working through a full agenda that included a key vote on the Centerville Park master plan, an update on underground discoveries at the park, ongoing discussion about the future of Connor's Field, and plans for a major federal trail grant.

Financial Report:

The board's current cash balance stands at $35,315.36. Two unexplained line items — $1,350 under contract services and $2,350 under improvements other than buildings — prompted questions from board members. Administrative Assistant Aubra Lewis will research the expenditures and report back.

Centerville Park Master Plan:

The board voted to recommend Concept 2 of the Centerville Park master plan to county commissioners for grant writing purposes, with a parking lot and trail as the first priority. Board member Wendy Graveley made the motion, seconded by Chair Carol Hatfield, framing the recommendation as a phased approach. Board members emphasized the plan remains a "living document" subject to revision as grant opportunities and community needs evolve.

Though a public survey of 128 respondents had favored Concept 1 by a margin of 270 to 178 — with an indoor pool or recreation center drawing the highest number of individual comments — the board and a previous parks board had preferred Concept 2, which features a single centrally located parking area. Board members noted that adopting a concept was necessary to move forward with grant writing, and that neither concept locks in every element shown; features are considered placeholders for future phases.

Commissioner Lindsey Richtmeyer said the recommendation will be placed on an upcoming commissioner's agenda for formal approval. The board also discussed the need for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the county and the Broadwater County Community Development Corporation (BCDC) before grant applications move forward, with BCDC expected to manage both grant funds and contract for the work.

Interstate Engineering and the BCDC Trails Committee are preparing a preliminary survey and design of the proposed trail and parking area ahead of a fall grant application to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, which requires detailed specifications and cost estimates.

Centerville Park: Underground Discoveries

A recent walkthrough of Centerville Park revealed multiple underground holes and compartments in the tree area of the property. Commissioner Richtmeyer described at least two concrete underground compartments — roughly four feet deep and five to six feet long — with a pipe running between them, consistent with old cisterns or privy holes. Additional holes were subsequently found closer to Centerville Road, also in the tree area, and caution tape has been placed around all of them.

Board member Amy Currence reported that the State Historic Preservation Office has no records on file for the parcel. Nichole Brown is following up with local museum historians. The board agreed to investigate further before filling the voids, including a planned site visit with Megan Bullock, Broadwater County Sanitarian. The board also noted that any federal funding for the property would require a cultural resource survey if one has not previously been completed. County Weed Coordinator Jessica Bushnell will send a crew to the property to inspect for leafy spurge.

Connor's Field:

No formal action was taken on the question of whether to charge user fees at Connor's Field, the county-owned softball and baseball property. Board members reported on conversations with both primary user organizations. Townsend Youth Baseball uses the field in April and May as overflow practice space, supplying their own portable restrooms and handling garbage at their own expense. The adult softball league, which plays throughout the summer, charges teams $350 per season and is directing some of those funds toward equipment and maintenance needs.

Both organizations expressed concern that a county fee would be a disincentive to use.

Members noted ongoing safety and liability concerns at the property, including gopher holes in the outfield and a deteriorating backstop, fence, and buildings.

Commissioner Richtmeyer outlined a possible arrangement in which Townsend Youth Baseball could take on management responsibility for Connor's Field in exchange for use of a portion of the Canton Lane county-owned property for practice fields, with no permanent improvements. The board discussed whether an MOU or a lease would be the most appropriate structure, noting that legal counsel has expressed a preference for a lease. No formal decision was made; the board agreed to await a response from the baseball organization before moving forward.

Roundtable: Federal Trail Grant:

Al Christophersen of the BCDC Trails Committee presented plans to pursue a Federal Transportation Alternatives grant — with a January 2027 application deadline — for a hard-surface, ADA-compliant trail connecting Townsend to the county fairgrounds. The project is estimated at roughly $1 million. The Broadwater County Trust Board has committed up to $130,000 in matching funds, representing approximately 15% of the estimated project cost.

Because the trails committee operates as a nonprofit under BCDC, the grant requires a local government sponsor — most likely the county. The committee is already working with Interstate Engineering on grant preparation and field work. Key upcoming requirements include public meetings and a portfolio of letters of support. Christophersen encouraged anyone with an interest in safe, accessible access to the fairgrounds — including families with strollers, seniors, and 4-H participants — to write a letter of support focused on safety and accessibility. The committee plans outreach at community events, including the Fourth of July parade and the county fair.

Roundtable: Sand Hill Parcels

Commissioner Richtmeyer raised the possibility of subdividing two county-owned parcels on Sand Hill — roughly eight and seven acres — to generate revenue dedicated to parks and recreation maintenance. An alternative would be exploring a community land trust model to provide affordable housing on the parcels, with the county retaining ownership of the land while partnering with a nonprofit to develop and manage housing units. Both options will require further legal review, and Richtmeyer indicated she would bring more detailed information to a future meeting.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 20. Agenda items include an update from board member Amy Currence on the Montana Rural Summit, a follow-up on Connor's Field, and a discussion of improving the county parks and recreation presence on the county website.