Park Board approves Blackie Coulee plans

Lengthy discussions concerning the Kiwanis cabin siding project and the Blackie Coulee alternative project took place at the monthly Hill County Park Board meeting Monday.

Hill County Commissioner Mark Peterson discussed the Blackie Coulee project.

In April, the board approved sending on to the Federal Emergency Management Agency a prioritized list of items for the improvement of the park in place of replacing a flood-destroyed bridge in Blackie Coulee. FEMA did not approve replacing the bridge, but allowed the park to propose other purchases or projects in its place, totalling about $162,000.

Some of the projects Peterson discussed include a skidsteer loader and finishing up the sprinkling system.

Peterson said the Blackie Coulee project is considered a large project according to FEMA.

“In a large project we have to pay for the work and ask for reimbursement,” he added.

The board agreed to pay the $2,800 engineering bill. They will use insurance money from the recent flood damage to the Kiwanis cabins to pay for the project.

The Kiwanis cabin siding project was discussed as well.

Beaver Creek Park Superintendent Chad Edgar said the siding for the cabins would cost $42,802 for the 13 cabins.

“The bottom line is right now — those cabins need siding,” he added.

The board collectively agreed to hold off on this project until the Blackie Coulee project is completed.

The next park board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 5.