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Council annexes Ashley Creek acreage, rezones parcels to create Ashley Creek Park
Summary
The council approved annexation of about 25.7 acres and rezoned an additional 10.5 acres to P‑1 public to create a contiguous Ashley Creek Park; the project is planned to be privately funded with an MOU for use of some city‑owned property, and council and residents discussed long‑term maintenance funding and public‑safety concerns.
Kalispell — The City Council voted to annex 25.7 acres along Ashley Creek and to rezone roughly 10.5 acres to P‑1 (public) to create what city staff and property owners described as a contiguous Ashley Creek Park and riparian corridor protection area.
Why it matters: The annexation and rezoning put land into city jurisdiction and dedicate it for public park uses that staff and the planning commission say align with the city’s growth policy and conservation goals. Public comment focused on maintenance funding, impacts on city services, and concerns about homeless encampments and public safety.
City staff described the joint application from Bibler Resources Company and the City of Kalispell. Planner Donny McBath said the land includes the Ashley Creek corridor, formerly industrial mill property that now functions as open space, and that the P‑1 zoning would allow permanent public parkland, trails and related civic uses.
Staff recommended annexation and initial P‑1 zoning for parcels identified at 301 Fenway and adjacent Bibler parcels; the planning commission forwarded a positive recommendation subject to findings of fact. McBath told the council that utilities are adjacent and that the city expects minimal new day‑to‑day service demand because the land will remain open space. He also noted the city purchased part of the YTAC property and that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) exists covering future integration of some city‑owned parcels into the park plan.
Public comments were generally supportive but included questions about who will fund ongoing maintenance and long‑term repairs. Speaker Kyle Voitlander thanked the council and supporters for moving the park forward but asked who will fund maintenance in 10 years if the park is constructed with private funds. Several residents raised similar questions about future responsibility for trails, maintenance and public‑safety resources. Staff said the details of permanent funding and endowments are still being worked out and that, to date, the Bibler family or associated private funding would provide initial development while the city holds an MOU covering future uses.
Councilors said this action is a first step to protect the riparian corridor and allow the city to coordinate trails and stewardship; further action on funding, park design and agreements will follow. The council adopted Resolution 62‑90 (annexation) and approved Ordinances 19‑43 and 19‑44 (initial P‑1 zoning and rezoning) by roll call votes.
Ending: The annexation and rezoning create a legal framework for Ashley Creek Park and riparian protection; staff and the property owners will return with details on funding, management and the park design before construction of trails or public amenities.
