History of county parks near Polebridge, explained

In the past, subdivisions in Flathead County were at least encouraged, if not required, to set aside a portion of the subdivision as “park” land. I don’t know if that is still the case, but there are two “parks” within what is now the Polebridge townsite just south of the Mercantile.

One is located on the southeast corner of the 26-acre property belonging to the Merc and extends south to the road in front of the Hostel. In the past 20-plus years, this land has often been covered with spring run-off water. It has also had some use as a park. At one time, Flathead County provided a hockey rink which was maintained and used by locals as a hockey rink and for open skating. This rink was burnt in the Red Bench Fire and never replaced. I am told that the nearly 3-acre park has been the site of some softball games, but these ended due to the number of balls lost in the swamp around the field. Other than that, the area has been unused except for some overflow parking at the Hostel.

The other park is on the southeast edge of the Polebridge homesites. This park provides access to the North Fork River. This area has never had much, if any, use by the public. First, there is a well developed river access point at the Polebridge Bridge, complete with toilet. Second, homeowners near the southern so-called park have done everything they can to discourage its use, including blocking the road. Plus, there are no signs indicating a “park” and absolutely no indication that either site is used for anything.

There are no picnic tables, fire rings, playground equipment or any kind of development on either site. It has been that way for years and everyone seemed happy with the status quo. Until this spring.

This spring the new owner of the Mercantile phoned the Flathead County Parks Department and indicated an interest in buying or leasing the “park” adjoining his property. Residents in the Polebridge subdivision—who apparently all support the status quo—learned of the request and were concerned and began writing letters to the Parks Department.

I suppose it is logical that the Parks Department might want to sell or lease unused park lands so they could use the money to maintain or improve parks that are used by the public. It is my opinion that leasing or selling surplus land would require the county to follow an established legal procedure.

The Parks Department would have to inform the County Commissioners they consider the Polebridge parks as surplus property to be leased or sold. The commissioners would then refer the matter to the North Fork Land Use Advisory Committee who would hold required public hearings, take written and verbal comments and then report their findings to the County Planning Board, who would then hold another public hearing in Kalispell. 

The Planning Board would then submit all information to the County Commissioners, who would then make a final decision. That is what I think is required and I certainly hope that is what happens.

What do you think?