04-16-87 Parks Comm MinutesPARKS C=IPITEE
April 16, 1987
The meeting was held in the Conference Room at 4:06 P. M. Attending were
Chairman Manning, Committee member Nystul, Acting Mayor Schindler, Parks
• Director Drent and many interested citizens. C. Manning stated that the
purpose of the meeting was to see the proposal from the Golf Association on
expansion for another nine holes, then turned the meeting over to Dale
Haarr. Copies of the proposal were distributed. Haarr introduced President
of the Board of Directors,Kalispell Golf Association, Billie Jean Walter and
Board Member Mike Burr.
Haarr stated that at the Board's recent meeting a motion was made that a
presentation be made to the Parks & Recreation Committee and City Council on
the following: Basically, the Board supports the contention that the
property north of the existing fence has been and presently is under the
Golf Association's first right of refusal to that area. He reviewed the
paperwork that they feel made this possible. The Association is along way
from having plans totally in place the amount of funding the nine hole
development will necessarily take time, the manner in which it will be done
has not yet been discussed, but some of the land will be in their future
expansion plans.
Maps and documents were referred to in an effort to identify the area the
Association believes they have the opportunity to utilize. Haarr asked
that the fence remain as is until development plans are complete. C.
Manning stated that he did not believe the Council ever reached an agreement
as to exactly what area of Old Lawrence Park was actually specified as far
as the area around the green, that will have to be addressed later. He
asked Director Drent to clarify the 6 acres and location of the old fence
and was told it was located on the narrowest point of the neck, west side of
• the north end of Lawrence Park. The present fence does not fit that
description. Manning explained that any expansion done by the Association
must first be cleared with the City Council. A decision must be reached on
dividing the developed park land and the golf course.
C. Nystul asked if the Association was aware of any provision in the
existing lease that clearly defines boundaries for either party's
responsibilities. Drent attempted to define the boundaries and it was
agreed that the explicit definition of the boundaries is not included in the
lease, nor is the donated new property with about 3 million dollars worth of
lease owned improvements. A new lease must address this. Drent stressed
that he needs relief for overburdened use of Woodland Park and stated that
this Council must decide this issue now. Plans for rehabilitating the old
park would include nature trails in the area north of the fence. The amount
of land required for golf course expansion would not allow this parkland
goal, according to Drent.
Richard Kuhl spoke of Friends of Lawrence Park concerns on boundary
decisions. Wildlife, vandalism, traffic problems were discussed. C. Manning
stated that defining lines now is unfair to both parties, Drent preferred to
see it settled now. He has time and volunteers to get the development done.
Dale Haarr suggested that Kalispell citizens cannot be expected to provide
parks for the entire area, that a county levy might establish a county park.
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C. Nystul felt that the committee should present this discussion to the
council. A final decision should be reduced to writing in the form of a
resolution what the long range plan for the area is. The existing lease
needs a legal description.
• C. Manning observed that neither party seemed to be willing to make
compromise at face value and supports drawing a straight line due north to
the corner of the fence to establish lines. Discussion followed on boundary
lines and area needed for a viable park, Drent felt that the minimum would
be 15 acres.
MOTION:
C. Nystul moved that the committee recommend that the resolution be
clarified by stating the line will be a northerly line from where the
existing fence meets the toe of the hill. He explained the motion further,
at a point north from where the existing west fence terminates on the west
end straight north. This was seconded by Chairman Manning.
The meeting adjourned at 5:40 P.M.
Transcribed by Markie Sabol
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i
/_TlThe
Mayor and Cc
(corit'd)
Another important adjunct to a good golf course, and a tourist attraction
in itself, is a regulation —size practice driving range. We do not have space
for such a facility within our present limited acreage.
At the same time we are in danger of losing some of our area to the gravel
mining operation of the City engineering department, on the eastern limit
of the course.
t is our hope that
as een d in on
Pon ac
esign and extend our
In carrying out design and
co—operation from the City
Recreation.
All of which is re
Kalispell Golf Association,
Dr. Earl Calton, President.
add
the
a.
construction, we would again hope to receive
in arranging a grant;.from the Bureau of Outd
ssub7fiitted.
" Note re balance on "new nine": The cost of this new nine holes has all
been repaid. However, in 1970 the Association remodelled the club house
at a cost of $33,341.00 and this amount was added to the loan accounts which
had been used to finance the new nine and guaranteed in the same way. So the
balance of $22,875.00 is actually for the club house improvements.
* Note re Gibbs property; This balance could have been paid long ago but
the mortgage is at a favorable rate so the Association is letting the rent
of the house on the property take care of the payments from month to month.
General note: In the year 1963, through 1972, the Association has made a
total of $106,500.00 worth of leasehold improvements to the golf course
property. This includes the $50000.00 paid to the City in connection with
the closing of the road through the course.
The figure for leasehold improvements above does not include the donations
of heavy equipment use made by many of our members, or the thousands of
man—hours spent by the members in construction and re —design of our new
nine. A conservative estimate of the value of these donations would be in
the neighborhood of $50,000.00.
KALISPELL GOLF ASSOCIATION
P. O. Box llla — Buffalo Hill — Phone 7N-5M
• KaHspeg, Montana 50901
Jan.7th.1974.
To: The Mayor and Council of The City of Kalispell.
We are a delegation form The Kalispell Golf Association, Hap -Simpson
Is Chairman of the Golf Course Expansion Committee and Les Harrington
is Finance Chairman of that same committee. We wish to present infor-
mation, answer your questions, and ask for your co-operation in a
project to expand the facilities of the Kalispell Municipal Golf Course.
The Kalispell Golf Association is a non-profit corporation which leases
the golf course from The City of Kalispell.
We now wish to expand the present back nine holes of the course into
an 18-hole championship course, and improve the present front nine
holes by building three new putting greens and installing an auto-
matic watering system. This will provide Kalispell with a 27-hole golf
complex of the highest caliber, and will be a proportionately greater
asset to the community and attraction to the tourist than is our pre-
sent course.
Development of this plan requires action by The Council on a number
• of matters. We respectfully request the following:
11/ That the Council add to our leasehold all of the City property tha t
ies between North Main street and the Stillwater River, exclusive of J
���Lawrence Park. This land to become part of the golf course.:
2/ That the Council advise us, as soon as possible, their future plan
for removing gravel from the present 16th. fairway of the golf course.
3/ That the Council accept land to be donated to the Golf Association,
through local government, by a subdivision developer; and add this
tract also to our leasehold to become part of the golf course.
4/ That the Council accept from the Kalispell Golf Association a don-
ation of cash which, when added to the value of the donated land, will,
equal one half of the cost of the completed project. We have in hand
signed pledges from members of the Association totalling $212,000.
We anticipate that a further $35,000. to $40,000. will be pledged and
that the value of the donated land will be about $80,000.
5/ That the Council apply to The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation for a
grant to match our cash donation and the value of the donated land,
and enter into a contract with that Bureau to carry out the project
as outlined.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
H.E. Simpson, Chairman,
Golf Course Expansion Committee,
KALISPELL GOLF ASSOCIATION.
Dar ati Oils
Participants
Amount
$5, 000 amounts 1 $ 5,000
530 " 1 500
100 If 3 300
20 If 1 20
Total Contributions....... I. ....... $ 5,820
Grand Total ........................ $213t320
Mavor Riornehv nsked Clt••.lttnrn-y Donahue to report on .the status of land to be
tie' -1 fnr the axn'nslon. Cite. A1-torno•, nonahnp mrnrred that Mr. Duane Bltnoy is
offprina, as a sift to the Cit,•, anpr^rlrmtel%, 7n arras of land adjacent to the
present golf enUreo and to the aravol nit In '.nwrone- Park. Mr. Bit -no- would like
to make the presantntinn in 1071 If pessfhlp. An anplicattnn to the Bureau of
Rnerrntion for mitebing funds for the dovolo�aent of the land as An additional 9
holes to thr golf enurse and AutboriTarlon to elgn rontraets is needed from Mayor
Bjnrneby end members of the elty ccmncll in the form of a rpsnlution.
Discussion no loratinn of new devolo�mpnr relative to gravel pit explained by City
Attorney Donahue •aith the aid of map of the City. rravol. may be moved and stock-
piled in nnoth^r location. Test holes will be made to assist in this decision.
The Golf Assnciation is anelous to start in onrly aprtn!; and architect needs to
know pmoerty houndaries. Thav expect ro come tip with the best IS hole Self course
• possible, making n total of 17 We golf enurse and s driving range.
Arrangements for an accran mad to thn mmnerty from the dlrectinn of the old
WM tpftnh bond dlseussed. with the nnssthility of Flathead County being, asked to
build a bridge over Stillwater,P.iver.
Councilman Thomas steta•I that It Is reall- nn asset to rho City to have such a land
donation And to have it Pavpinnvd as planned.
nrilmen S11ter moved that the enuncil add to our leasehold all of the City
norty that Iles betroen North `.'gin Street and the Stlllwntar River, exclusive.
!ar.-rpncc park and that this Innd hpcnme nlrt of the golf course. Seconded by'
neilman !'nann. Carried.
Members of the council a. -reed that City Lngincpr Lauder he anthnrized to run 6 test
hnler in the nron?rty and that the Golf Assnciation than he advised as soon Its
possiblo as to the future pinns for removtn" gravel from the 16th fairway of the
golf course, so that nrchttncts can prepare a property boundary.
Councilman Thomas moved the council accept land to be donated to the Golf Association,
through local government, by a subdivision developer; and add this tract also to our
leasehold to become part of the golf course. Seconded by Councilman Sampson. Carried..
Councilman Thomas moved the council accept from the Kallspell Colf Association a
donation of cash, which when added to the value of the donatod land. will equal one
half of the cost of the completed project. Seeorried by Councilman Schwartz.
• Carried.
Cornnciiman Schwartz moved the enuncil apply to The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation for
a grant to match the cash doration and the -slue of the donated lard, -and enter Into
a Contract with that Bureau to carry out the devalnpment as outlined. Seconded by
Crnncilru,n Sifter. Carried.
A review of the stinulntinna In the Rift of lane! was made by Mr. Duane Bitney and
"' eney Dornhwp as fol lnwsI -
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"IN THE HEART OF THE NATION'S PLAYGROUND" 1
KALISPELL, MONTANA 49901
December 5, 1974
Kallspell,Golf Association
Kalispell, Montana 59901
Gentlemens
The city is granting to you permission to use an area
in the north part of Lawrence Park for a golf green.
The specific area and location of fencing must have approval
from the Director of Public Works, Harvey L. Knebel, and the
Superintendent of Parks, Pieter Drent.
HLK/ke
Yours truly,
Harvey 1. Knebel
Director of Public Works
all practical purposes, the available park land is divided into 3 distinct areas,
d Lawrence Park - approximately 8 acres along the river and to the north; the
• pen Area in the middle - approximately 20 acres and Wilderness or Swamp Area to the
south — approximately 28 acres. For the purpose of clarity, the three areas will
be discussed separately.
History and Current -
Old Lawrence Park was originally developed in the early 1900's as part of the pumping
station. For many years it was kept up by station personnel and contained flower beds,
manicured lawns and was inhabited by peacocks and pet deer. After the pump station
was automated, the park fell into disrepair.
In 1975 it was somewhat restored under the C.E.T.A. Program. All dead trees and ex-
cess brush were removed, some leveling was done and the playground equipment was re-
paired. In 1978 restrooms were installed by th , th
park has been maintained in its curr T!�F upper part approximately 6 act
was incluae he expansion of the Golf Course.
Due to the poor access, the park has seen limited use. However, in 1963, 22 picnics
and 8 weddings were held there, with an approximate attendance of 1,500 people.
The area is also used as a fishing access to the Stillwater and as a starting point
for river rafts.
The Girl Scout Day Camp meets here for 14 days anni*lly and a summer theater is also
held at the Park.
Noffsinger Springs and water Department pump station are located in this area of the
Vii� Open Area was originally part of the swamp, with an arm of the Stillwater running
through it. For many years it was used as a dump ground for street excavations, brush,
etc. by the Street Department and private citizens of Kalispell. This practice was
halted in 1975 on request of the State Fish & Game Department and the Army corps of
Engineers. During the last few years, considerable time has been spent by the Parks
Department leveling the area and where possible, mowing has been done.
A large stockpile of leaf mulch is stored there, as is a stockpile of street waste to
be used in future development. A temporary road was built along the swamp in an effort
to prevent people from driving over the grass; this has been met with limited success.
The City's gravel pit is located in the northeast corner, but the amount of gravel to
be taken is limited due to an agreement with the Golf Association.
The Wilderness or Swamp Area has seen no use but as an overflow from the Stillwater
River. In1981 the City cooperated with the Flathead Conservation District in opening
an old river channel of the Stillwater to prevent further erosion at the John Mueller
property. All other channels are still clogged up with debris, mostly from the 1964
flood. The entire area falls under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers, under
the Clean Water Act. Its use is therefore limited and further filling might bring on
legal action by downstream property owners who have put the blame on the City for
their troubles when a dike was built along the Stillwater to prevent flooding of the
Golf Course.
0
Anew location for this ball field itns been under coudidoration ror �.m.� .�..
to the deteriorating condition of this field, its poor location and lack of
parking. Lawrence Park has been mentioned as a new location.
COURTHOUSE PARK - 1.26 acres
• Maintained by Flathead County.
BEGG PARK - 8.27 acres
Not under consideration for development until the proposed trailer park is realized.
AIRPORT ROAD PROPERTY - 2.25 acres
This area is being used by the Street Department for snow storage. No plans for
development to a park since Begg Park is nearby.
WASHINGTON STREET PARK - 1 acre
This park contains some playground equipment. No current plans for further de-
velopment.
DAILEY BALL PARKS - 10 acres
These fields were realignedthis year, resulting in four girl's softball fields and
one Babe Ruth field. Fences around the fields were repaired and the area is now
in good condition. There would be room for three soccer fields if the need arises
and if an agreement could be reached with the Airport Association.
The Parks Department is repeatedly called upon to mow and clean up around and on
the airport. The responsibilities of this department and the Airport Association
• should be more clearly defined.
Approximately 500 bales of hay were sold from the area west of the runway. The
Senior Babe Ruth League ballfield is located in that area.
CONRAD MANSION 'PARK - 2.77 acres
Approximately 2 acres across from the Conrad Mansion was purchased from the Conrad
Estate and .77 acres from Dr. S. Willis, including a part of the creek draining
Woodland Park. The area ties in with existing right of way of Cbllege Avenue.
A start was made cleaning up this area by members of the Church of Latter Day
Saints and is to be continued next spring.
EAGLES PARK - 0.26 acres
Trees and picnic tables were provided by the Eagles organization. It is maintained
by,the Parks Department.
LAWRENCE PARK - 56 acres
The original Lawrence Park near the pumphouse is in fairly good condition, but in
need of new fireplaces and picnic shelter. Vandalism to the restrooms is a problem,
but closure of the upper end next to the golf course has eliminated some of the
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The area is still not used to its full potential by the public, mairrly due to the
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poor access,
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Lawrence Park Proposal
Presented by Gail Downey, representing the Flathead Group of the Sierra Club,
the Audubon Society, and Flathead Wildlife Incorporated.
My name is Gail Downey and I represent the Flathead Group of the Sierra
Club, the Audubon Society and Flathead Wildlife Incorporated. I would like
to present a proposal for the development of Lawrence Park. I will present
a rap of the proposal, describe the features of the proposal and discuss several
merits of the proposal.
,his proposal represents a muiltple-use, family oriented park, utilizing
the 'largest remaining open city -owned land within the Kalispell city limits. The
proposal includes a picnic area containing a picnic pavilion, playground equip-
mert, and horseshoe pits, informal play -fields, interpretive nature trails, two
access points into the park, wheel -chair accessible paths , limiting of
vehicular access into Old Lawrence Park, jogging trails and tennis courts.
That I have briefly described represents our ultimate vision for the
development and resto ration of Lawrence Park. However, we recognize that
fun.d_ng for such a project may be available only over a period of years. For
this reason, we propose development in a series of steps, designed such that
Lawrence Park will present an attractive multiple -use open space at each
stage. I wculd like to describe each stage of development we envision, and
:ii ry •-our attention to each feature as it appears on the map.
Stale is
Stage 1 -will include the clearing, landscaping, and reseeding of the large
open area, shown here. This area will contain informal play -fields, approxi-
mate'-., the size of two football fields placed side by side. The portion of the
• area .not containing play -fields will seeded to natural grasses and wildflowers.
:ur.n- this stage, the present road running just south of the large bank will be
se_a_ated from. the open fields either through landscaping and banking, fcncinT.
or -ard-rails. Such a barrier would protect the play -fields from encroachnen
b; c-f-road vehicles.
Sta _ 2
_wring,; Stage 2, a picnic area will be iuilt. This area will contain picnic
ta-:-s, fire -,sates, a playground, horse -ghee pits and restrooms. ;'he picni.;
area will be located in the shaded area adjacent to the the river. t:ature trails
wit:. Lnterpretive signs will to established,--unning 'cecween the natural area and
tce playfields. Backstops will be constructed in the play -fields.
=rior to Stage 3, access to this park is limited to that from Ncrth Main.
We _=ropose to use available city land located between Whitefish Stage Road and
the-tillwater River as a second access point. This access would consist of a
parkl:g area and a footbridge crossing the Stillwater Fiver. in conjunction
with the footbridge, a wheel -chair accessible trail will lead from the bridge
to ':o`h the new picnic and play -field area and to Old Lawrence Park. At the
polnt where the footbridge adjoins the path, a directional and informational
sign will be placed. Also during Stage 3, a picnic pavilion will be constructed
in .`.e picnic area, to accomadate use by large groups.
Sta`-e 4:
tage 4 will include placement of a parking area in this location, and a
• gate .o limit public vehicular access into Old Lawrence Park. The location of the
gate -ay be determined by the City Parks Department, but we feel that it would
be best located somewhat south of the footbridge access, to prevent car -
pedestrian conflicts.
Stage 5:
After limiting of vehicular access into Old Lawrence Park, Stage 5 will con-
sist of restoration of Old Lawrence Park. The details of this restoration will
be determined by the City Parks Department, but it has been suggested that this
portion of the park could be restored in a manner similar to 'Woodland Park, with
consideration for the historical nature of the present park.
Stage 6°
During Stage 6, tennis courts and jogging trails will be constructed and
located in the areas indicated on the map.
We believe that this proposal contains mnay positive qualities and con-
siderations. Some of these aspects include:
A. The use of Lawrence Park as a multiple -use, family oriented public park.
B. Potential uses include picnicking, walking, jogging, cross-country skiing,
bird -watching, wildlife observation, informal baseball, soccer, and softball,
frisbee, tennis, play for children, school field trips, and enjoyment of
plants and flowers.
C. Usage by a wide age span, ranging from families with small children to the
elderly.
D. A park for the use of residents from the rapidly developing Whitefish Stage
area.
• E. Development which can proceed in stages, offering a useful and attractive
park at each stage,
F. ':wo access points into Lawrence Park, without creating a "through" street
and ensuing traffic problems.
G. Restoration and protection of Old Lawrence Park, historically one of Kalispell's
finest parks.
H. The possibility of funding through both bureau of Cutdoor Recreation and coal
tax money.
I. Volunteer labor for development has been offered by all three groups present-
ing this proposal.
J. Preservation of unique urban wildlife habitat, containing over 100 bird species
and numerous wildlife species. This habitat and its species has been assessed
in a report by Dan Casey and Craig Hess; copies of this report are available.
I and the groups which I represent thank you for the opportunity to present
this proposal and ask you to thoughtfully consider its merits.
n
K UIf Golf a Ur If
Association
P.O. Box 1116
Kalispell, Montana 59901
Phone (406) 755-5902
April 1, 1985
To: Kalispell City Council
From: Marlin Hanson, President of the Kalispell Golf Association
RE: Proposed 9-hole addition to the existing golf course
The Kalispell Golf Association Board of Directors and General Manager Mary
Combs, meeting at noon, April 1, 1985, has unanimously voted to withdraw at this
time its intention to develop another nine holes on city property adjacent to
Lawrence Park, known as the "Golf Course Addition."
It is our belief that the conditions and intentions proposed make our plans
unworkable, even if the Kalispell City Council were to adopt an intention to
lease the referenced property.
• The Association would request that arty development of the property should
face the same proposed conditions and limitations.
And, within three years, if planned development of the area has not met the
necessary conditions and limitations set forth by the Council, then the Associa-
tion again would be interested in developing the property if it can be shown
that adequate cooperation exists.
The Association still has plans to expand to 36 holes, but until we see 100%
cooperation with our efforts, the Association is not ready to commit the time,
money or effort that would be needed.
We appreciate the Council's efforts to proceed with developing the area,
but the Association is not willing to pursue another nine holes in this area at
this time.
Sincerely.
Marlin Hanson
President
Kalispell Golf Association