Floyd County unveils master plans for Sanpeton Community Park and Bob Lane Regional Park

Parks staff and consultant Paul Tinnis of SWT Design presented master plans for two county parks, telling the council the planning process included more than a year of public input and will be executed in phases as funding allows. "This has been about 15 months ... there's been lots of opportunities along the way for public input," Matt Dennison said as he introduced the plan.

For Sanpeton Community Park, staff highlighted near-term uses of a Legacy Foundation grant to improve Shelter 4, repair restrooms, repave parking and clean up the lakefront; recommendations also include a destination playground, spray ground, larger pavilion and improved restrooms. Parks staff noted failing underground utilities in parts of the park and a damaged trail connecting the park to the 4‑H property that will require substantial repair.

At Bob Lane Regional Park, plans emphasize passive, natural-area improvements and trail connections, including the Melvin and Vicky Jensen Nature Preserve and a proposed road and trailhead improvements. Consultants suggested adaptive reuse of the Mitch Farmstead as an event venue and explored possibilities for mountain‑bike trails and a trailhead parking area. Staff said Phase 1 trail work is partly funded through a Land and Water Conservation grant (cited in the presentation at about $275,000).

Parks staff also raised operational issues that will accompany redevelopment. "There's a major geese problem at Sanpeton Community Park," Dennison said, adding that staff may pursue ordinance changes and stepped-up enforcement. The department is also exploring improved park security in coordination with the sheriff's office.

Next steps: parks staff will present the full master plan to the commissioners, continue community engagement and prioritize Phase 1 projects for funding and implementation.