Broadwater County Parks and Rec Board Update
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Article Published: 08/21/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 07Broadwater County Parks and Rec Board Update
Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
Parks and Recreation Board Advances Checklist, Discusses Centerville Park Partnership with Rotary
Finalized project proposal guidelines move forward; Rotary Club explores park adoption opportunity; trails projects gain momentum
The Broadwater County Parks and Recreation Board finalized a comprehensive checklist and cover letter for community groups proposing projects on county property during its August 17th meeting and discussed emerging opportunities to partner with the Rotary Club on Centerville Park development.
Board Chair Carol Hatfield presided over the meeting, which included Vice Chair Jennifer Dalrymple and members Wendy Graveley, Amy Currence, and McKenna Gregg. Administrative Assistant Aubra J. Lewis was also present.
Checklist for Project Proposals Approved:
The board reviewed revisions to the project proposal checklist following feedback from the Broadwater County Commissioners. Chair Hatfield and planning staff incorporated several additions, including a cover letter to guide applicants through the process.
Commissioner Lindsey Richtmeyer had suggested adding language to emphasize that the checklist is "specifically for parks and recreation planning" and for the parks and recreation board assessment, to distinguish the form from similar checklists used by other county boards like the Rodeo Board or Fair Board.
The board also addressed a practical concern: applicants need clear contact information. A general email address—broadwatercountyparksandrec@broadwatercountymt.gov—will be established and monitored, separate from individual board members' personal addresses. This approach ensures continuity when board membership changes.
The checklist includes a new section requiring applicants to provide project name, sponsor, and contact information, streamlining the submission process. Board members will finalize the checklist and cover letter and send it to the commissioners for final approval, with implementation expected shortly after.
Centerville Park Development Sparks Rotary Partnership Discussion:
A significant portion of the meeting focused on a proposal from the Townsend Rotary Club to "adopt" and develop Centerville Park. Chair Hatfield met with Steve Ray, the Rotary volunteer leading the effort, along with two other Rotarians to discuss the partnership opportunity.
The Rotary Club is interested in filling holes at Centerville—a safety priority—and constructing a parking lot. The group has drafted a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines county and Rotary responsibilities. However, questions remain about the structure of the partnership: whether it should be formalized as a lease, a park sponsorship agreement, or another arrangement.
"The idea of a park sponsorship came from the Lions Club in Ennis," Hatfield explained, noting that she was inspired by how effectively other communities organize volunteer stewardship. However, the structure varies depending on local circumstances and legal frameworks.
Hatfield provided context from a similar project in Bozeman, where the Rotary Club partnered with the city on a park developed from an old gravel pit. "The city pretty much maintains it," she said. "The Rotary built the structures and got the money to build there." However, Broadwater County does not have dedicated city maintenance crews to support such arrangements, so the partnership model will need tailoring to local realities.
The board agreed to have legal counsel and the County Commission review Steve Ray's draft MOU before Rotary's next meeting. The Rotary Club expects to present a formal proposal to the board in September, with the partnership details clarified.
Trails Program Updates and Grant Pathway Clarification:
Al Christopherson, representing the Broadwater County Development Corporation (BCDC) Trails Committee, provided updates on trail projects and raised important questions about grant applications and project management.
The trails program recently celebrated the dedication of the Missouri River float trail with over 40 attendees and 30 watercraft for the inaugural float. Signs marking the trail have been installed at most locations, and the trails team set up a booth at the county fair.
At the fair booth, the trails program collected 158 signatures on a petition supporting the fairgrounds trail, which will be part of a transportation alternatives grant application expected to go in this January.
However, Christopherson noted that the trails committee needs clarity on grant management procedures. Some federal grants restrict who can apply—the county or an organization like BCDC—depending on the grant source. The Centerville Park trail and parking lot projects involve two separate Fish, Wildlife, and Parks grants: a stewardship grant for the trailhead and parking lot, and a recreation trails grant for trail construction.
"We need to understand what that working relationship is between us so that if there's a project and the board is expecting the trails program through BCDC to come and do a checklist, then we become the checklist preparer and presenter to you," Christopherson said.
The board will develop a memorandum of understanding with BCDC to clarify roles in grant applications and project execution. Aubra Lewis noted that a draft MOU would be helpful before the board's next meeting in September, as the county currently lacks a civil attorney.
Rod and Gun Club Future Plans:
In roundtable discussion, Hatfield reported on a separate meeting with Commissioner Debi Randolph regarding the Rod and Gun Club's future plans. The club is open to moving trap shooting facilities but may retain the indoor shooting range at its current location.
Hatfield said she will connect with Brad Peek, a club leader, to discuss opportunities. She recommended that board members visit the club and the associated long-range shooting range where sporting clays and archery are available.
"It's really important to know for all entities that are on county land with leases: long-term vision, long-term planning," Hatfield said. Understanding the club's plans will help inform the board's decisions about other sports and recreation projects.
Board Member Term Reminder:
Lewis reminded the board that Amy Currence's three-year term expires December 31, 2026. Board positions must be advertised publicly for 30 days, even for incumbents seeking renewal. Currence will need to submit a letter of interest to continue serving.
Next Steps:
The board scheduled its next meeting for September 21st at 6:00 p.m. Tentative agenda items include the Rotary Park adoption proposal, the BCDC MOU for trail projects, and continued discussion of the Centerville Park development. A field review of the proposed Centerville parking lot and trail is also being planned for early September to inform grant applications.
