Yellowstone commissioners deny sale of Charles Russell Park after neighborhood outcry

The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners on June 19 voted to deny a proposal to sell Charles Russell Park, a 3.446-acre undeveloped parcel in the Frontier Subdivision, after a lengthy public hearing in which neighbors urged the county to keep the land in public ownership.

Monica from Public Works opened the hearing and said the park, platted in 1954 and accessed from Calamity Jane Boulevard and Wild Bill Hickok Drive, functions primarily as open space. She told the board that state statutes allow such a sale but that the county would first need an appraisal and public bidding process; she said a private offer of $20,000 had been made but could not be accepted without that process.

Residents who spoke against the sale said the park was intended as preserved natural space and warned of erosion and water impacts if hillsides were cut for development. "The park is home to many wild animals," said Jeff Locken, a longtime Frontier Subdivision resident, citing deer, pheasants, fox and even mountain lions. Deborah Feurer described repeated runoff after a neighboring house was built and urged the county to "do an environmental study on what this water is gonna do to the other residents." Tom Newman and other neighbors said steep grades and coulees could worsen erosion if a road or houses were built.

Craig DeBuck, who owns lots east and west of the park and made the $20,000 offer, told the board he seeks only to create a small road to access his lots and said he would follow the legal appraisal and bidding process if the board directed staff to proceed. "I'm not trying to develop that park," DeBuck said, adding he supports surveys and appraisals "and whatever is needed to do this the right way."

Several speakers, including Connie Ewing, cited language in the subdivision certificate and the intent that the park remain for public use. Ewing said residents were willing to contribute minor amenities, telling the board she and neighbors would "donate a picnic table" to enhance public use.

After public comment, a commissioner moved to deny Resolution 24-14; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The chair closed the hearing and thanked residents for attending.

The action means staff will not proceed with appraisal or bidding related to this proposed sale. The board later continued routine business, including setting July 9 public hearings on the proposed abandonment of part of Rosebud Lane and on the intent to dissolve the Yellowstone County Parks Board.