Park board talks cameras, paddle board festival

Hill County Park Board members will vote next month whether to approve a budget that includes, among other things, new siding for several cabins and surveillance cameras.

The cabin siding and the addition of the cameras would total about $30,000 of the budget.

Park Superintendent Chad Edgar told board members why he believes it is important to spend $10,000 for cameras.

"We just had the most break-ins in cabins since I started this job," he said.

The cameras he is eyeing have 1080 E image capabilities which would enable the viewer to zoom in live, can send live feeds and would also be useful to authorities in catching suspects. That price tag includes four cameras, which would be dispersed at various part of the park, including Camp Kiwanis. He said other camera options are available, those are just the best he saw after his research.

The cabin siding and addition of a soffit would include 13 cabins. If approved, only seven would be installed this year, Edgar said. The $20,000 price tag would include the materials for the other six.

The reason for the improvements, Edgar said, was because holes are in some cabins and the siding is deteriorating in many places.

A Finance and Planning Committee has been in the works and board members said applicants are being interviewed. Once that committee is put together, Edgar said, he will have people to share ideas with about how best to invest money. In a packet dubbed Beaver Creek Park's Future  Plans, Improvements, and Needs, Edgar details future investments like 55 garbage can hangers, 12 to 15 more outhouses, more fire rings, gravel on roads and a trail along the highway.

If all goes as planned, locals will be able to attend a paddle fest June 24 on First Lake.

Local resident Tony Filler and his wife presented the idea to the park board Monday evening. A paddle board rental company from Whitefish would bring in paddle boards, Filler said. Someone would monitor the lake in a kayak and they would probably rent the pavilion and the surrounding area for the evening, so those who want to, can camp out overnight.

"If you get good weather and they're advertised well, you should do well," Commissioner Diane McLean said.

The board agreed that, contingent upon the details of liability insurance and any other technicalities, Filler can pursue hosting paddle board festival. It would be good for the community, they said.

The board re-elected Steve Mariani to chair the board and Larry Kinsella to vice-chair. Mariani was not present for the meeting, which took place in the Beaver Lodge at Camp Kiwanis and was kicked off with a potluck of burgers, hot dogs and many sides and sweets. A small crowd ate with the board before the meeting.