Council approves River's Edge Park master plan

Plans for River's Edge Park along the Flathead River will remain fluid for now.

The Columbia Falls City Council on Monday voted to approve a master plan for the park that outlines goals for the park, but keeps flexibility for the future.

The plan set goals for the park to include a trail system, recreation space, river accessibility, gather space while preserving open space, creating education opportunities and providing adequate parking.

For nearly two years since the city purchased the park, a committee of citizens and Council members has been working on guidelines for the park.

Committee member Sarah Dakin told the Council Monday that the master plan is intended to be a guiding principle.

"The vision for the park is to enhance the quality of life for every citizen. To meet that we understand we need to be flexible in design, but also maintain the natural integrity of the park," she said.

City staff asked the Council to approve a master plan for the park. The city is currently submitting applications for grants and funding for the park, which require the city to show a plan for the area.

The master plan sets up a four-phase approach to development. Spread out over those phases include developing a trail system, creating a picnic area, developing a kids' fishing site, exploring development of a dog park, developing recreation areas, constructing a pavilion and constructing permanent restrooms on site.

Few folks commented on the plan Monday. A handful of supporters for creating a folf course at the park returned after speaking to the Council earlier this month. Folf or disc golf is played much like traditional golf, but using a flying disc. They submitted a map for how a course could be developed.

Folf is listed as one of the possible uses for the park as part of the master plan.

The Council didn't make much mention of the course Monday.

"I'd like to see a non-invasive folf field," said councilman Don Barnhart. "Maybe do four holes."

Supporters have said they'd like to see an 18-hole course built, but a nine-hole course would be sufficient.

Also included in the phases is creating a boat launch. Recently proposed development maps of the park have included constructing a road along the southern edge of the property that would create driving access to the Flathead River.

Several Council members have expressed interest in making driving river access through the park a priority.

The Council did not vote on a development map for the park, but chose to leave the specifics of trail, road and parking lot locations open for later discussion.

Councilman Mike Shepard has been a proponent of creating fishing access. He has said that the Teakettle site to the south is overwhelmed with use.

"I'm happy with all the work they've (the committee) done on it to leave it as is and allow it to develop as it develops," he said.

He did note that Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has shown interest in partnering with the city to create access at River's Edge.