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Kalispell approves Ashley Creek Park annexation and P‑1 zoning to build contiguous parkland
Summary
Council annexed roughly 25.7 acres, rezoned 10.55 acres to P‑1 public and adopted findings to create a 36‑acre Ashley Creek park corridor intended for long‑term conservation and public access.
The Kalispell City Council approved a multi‑item package to annex and rezone land along Ashley Creek, advancing plans to create a contiguous 36‑acre public park.
The council adopted Resolution 62‑90 to annex about 25.7 acres and approved Ordinance 19‑43 (initial zoning to P‑1 public for annexed parcels) and Ordinance 19‑44 (rezoning 10.55 acres from B‑1 neighborhood business to P‑1 public for parcels already inside the city). The actions were unanimous.
City staff described the action as the next step in a long‑running effort — led in part by the Bibler family and the city — to preserve the Ashley Creek corridor, link existing parkland and create a green anchor in a fast‑developing area. Donny McBath, planner II, said the land has previously been used for industrial operations but now functions as open space; zoning to P‑1 allows parks, trails, schools and other public uses and permits long‑term stewardship by the city or partners.
McBath said the annexation area sits within the city’s annexation boundary and is served by nearby sewer, water and utilities. Electric service is provided by Flathead Electric Cooperative and gas by Northwestern Energy; emergency services would transition to city jurisdiction upon annexation. McBath told the council the project would likely generate fewer daily vehicle trips than a commercial use and that if traffic were to exceed 300 trips per day a traffic impact study would be required.
Public comment was generally supportive but raised questions about long‑term maintenance. Kyle Voitlander, a local candidate who said he drives past the site daily, thanked the council and asked who would fund operations and maintenance if the initial construction is privately funded. City staff said the Bibler family is providing private funds to develop portions of the park, the city purchased the nearby YTAC property and a memorandum of understanding outlines future cooperation; specific long‑term funding and maintenance details remain to be worked out.
The planning commission recommended approval of the annexation and rezoning and staff said the proposal aligns with the Kalispell Growth Policy 2035’s goals for natural corridor preservation, infill and park expansion.
The council approved the annexation and both zoning ordinances by roll call. The action allows the city and partners to proceed with park planning and future development steps; detailed funding, operations and trail design remain subject to separate agreements and future council approvals.
