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Rodeo club urges county help on fencing, parking and safety as airport work shifts lots
Summary
Members of the local rodeo association asked the Broadwater County Airport Board for information and help after contractors removed a north‑side fence and planned airport construction and a water‑tower project threatened usual rodeo parking and 4‑H camping areas.
Members of the local rodeo association told the Broadwater County Airport Board they need clearer answers about fence removal, replacement and parking for upcoming events.
Denise Thompson, who identified herself as “the president of the rodeo association,” told the board that a fence on the north side was removed and that the association had not been told when or whether the contractor would replace it. She said the group would like to retain recently installed fencing material if possible and asked whether the contractor’s duties included fence replacement.
The rodeo representatives also raised concerns about parking and camping space for rodeo events and for 4‑H participants. A planned water‑tower project will remove or fence off some areas the association has used for overflow contest and camper parking, the rodeo members said. That loss could mean longer walks for spectators and safety issues, particularly for evenings and during large days such as Friday and Saturday of rodeo weekends.
Board members and the rodeo group discussed several mitigation options: opening a gate in an east fence to allow staged entry and ticketing, using a city‑owned strip farther down Airport Road, exploring temporary shuttle or tractor/wagon shuttles from overflow pasture areas, adding temporary lighting for safety and possibly shifting some 4‑H camping to the lineman‑rodeo area if the city permits. The board said the question of runway‑protection‑zone limits and FAA guidance would need engineer review before the county could authorize temporary parking on some parcels.
Board members asked Mary, the project coordinator referenced in the meeting, and Lance, the contractor contact, to coordinate on fence duties and timing. Rodeo leaders said they would talk with Mary and offered to help remove and store reusable fence material if that would speed replacement at the south end.
The board said it is willing to consider temporary access and parking adjustments if engineers confirm safety and regulatory compliance; it asked staff to continue discussions with the city where Airport Road crosses city property and to report back to the board.
