Broadwater County Parks & Recreation Board Reviews Progress, Summer Projects
Author: Carol Hatfield, Broadwater County Parks and Rec Board
Article Published: 06/19/2026 Volume: 4 Edition: 50Broadwater County Parks & Recreation Board Reviews Progress, Summer Projects
Carol Hatfield
Broadwater County Parks and Rec Board
The Broadwater County Parks & Recreation Board met on May 18, 2026, to review ongoing projects and discuss community partnerships that continue to strengthen recreation opportunities across the county.
New member McKenna Gregg introduced herself - highlighting her fundraising and conservation experience. McKenna brings prior experience serving on boards, along with a background in government, which has given her a strong understanding of public service, collaboration, and responsible decision-making. She’s particularly interested in contributing to initiatives that enhance community engagement, improve access to outdoor spaces, and support the long-term sustainability of our recreational resources.
The Board recognized the success of the Epic Day of Service with the Rotary Club of Townsend, held earlier this month at Centerville Park. Rotarians, Parks and Recreation, and Broadwater County Trail Volunteers began cleanup by cutting up and clearing down dead trees and limbs. Board members expressed appreciation for the Rotarians and volunteers whose work will help create a park the community can enjoy.
The Board discussed the two master plan concepts for Centerville Park. Key differences included parking areas (one versus two lots), restroom presence, and number of courts/play areas. Public preference and survey results suggested Concept Two was favored, yet it lacks outdoor restrooms present in Concept One. The Board acknowledged the park plan should remain a living document, allowing for future amendments as funding or priorities change. The Board agreed to review public input appendices in detail before making a recommendation for commissioners.
Due to the County not having a budget line item for parks and maintenance, the board discussed their concerns about maintenance needs at Connor’s field, highlighting sign deterioration, bleacher repair, and storage building condition. The softball and baseball associations currently use the field, and the maintenance responsibilities are currently unclear. The Board discussed potentially charging a fee to support maintenance costs, referencing the county fairgrounds model, where fees are charged, and maintenance personnel funded. The Board decided to do further research on fee structures, maintenance responsibility, and coordination with user groups before making any decisions.
Recap from Al Christopherson, Chair of the Broadwater County Trails Committee, included attendance at Ales for Trails event, upcoming National Trails Day activities, new logos developed for branding and merchandise, and ongoing discussions for a potential pedestrian bridge crossing over the Missouri River, with support from national trail alliances and the dedication of the Missouri River Paddlers Trail at the Toston Dam planned for July 18, 2026.
Next Parks and Recreation meeting is set for June 15, 2026, 6:00 p.m. at the Flynn Building, 416 Broadway Street, Townsend.
