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Park openings delayed by weather; Blacktail construction mobilizing and reservations fill fast
Summary
Parks staff reported delayed openings for Coeur D'Alene Dam due to rain, a scheduled ribbon cutting for Lookout Park, Blacktail construction mobilization and high demand for RV reservations; Game and Fish has asked the county to stop holding concerts at McGregor Dam.
Parks staff updated the board on master‑plan progress and near‑term park operations: completion and public openings have been delayed at some sites because of persistent rain, while other projects are moving forward and reservations for new RV sites have sold quickly.
Staff said crews planned to open Coeur D'Alene Dam but heavy rains and muddy conditions prevented final concrete pours and landscaping; the project requires several dry workdays to avoid rutting and poor site conditions. "Maybe in the big picture, we didn't build this park for Memorial Day 2025; we build this park for the next 30 years," a parks staff member said, explaining the decision to delay opening until work can be completed properly.
Lookout Park is on track for a ribbon cutting next week, staff said, with only a few final items remaining. At Blacktail, contractors are mobilizing, mailboxes are being moved to avoid construction zones and staff have removed playground equipment and reclaimed reusable materials for relocation.
Reservation activity has been strong: parks staff reported 10 RV sites with electrical hookups at the beach (added after state health‑department approval) and 12 primitive boondocking sites (three near the dam and nine near the primitive area west of the golf course). Officials said the online reservation system opened recently and many dates — including Fourth of July weekends — filled quickly.
The board also discussed concerts in the parks. Staff said Game and Fish considers McGregor Dam to be part of a wildlife management area and, under agency guidance, large events require approval by the agency director; Game and Fish requested the county stop holding concerts at McGregor Dam going forward. Staff said this request prompted a reduction in planned concerts and that the parks staff will seek alternate sites for events.
Staff told the board to expect a busy upcoming period: as weather allows, crews will finish landscaping, install buoys and complete other pre‑season work; mowing and operations will increase as parks reopen to the public.
