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City updates Barnes Butte Recreation plan as Combs Flat Road work advances
Summary
Public works director Casey Kiser updated council on Barnes Butte Rec Area progress: water reactivation of an abandoned pond, completion of a 5K paved loop and temporary dewatering for Combs Flat Road; staff will next study logistics for an aquatic center and developed recreation hub.
Public Works Director Casey Kiser briefed the council on work and planning at the Barnes Butte Recreation Area, highlighting completed elements and next steps for more developed recreation.
Kiser recounted the city's 2017 purchase (about 460 acres) motivated primarily by water‑rights acquisition and road‑extension needs. Council adopted a 2020 concept plan developed by a multi‑stakeholder focus committee that proposed natural‑surface and paved trail networks, education kiosks, and a hub area for more developed recreation such as a visitor center, sports facilities and a potential aquatic center.
Completed projects include a pedestrian bridge across the wetland, a 5‑kilometer paved loop path and activating a long‑dormant pond and canal — Kiser said it was likely the first time that pond had held water since the early 2000s. Ongoing work includes the Combs Flat to Peters Road extension and related dewatering for pipeline installation; Kiser said crews installed about 22 dewatering wells to allow trenching and pipe placement, and the 78‑inch irrigation line was being lowered into the new trench.
Kiser said the next steps are technical: studying site capacity for parking, access, water and wastewater service needs for any indoor sports or aquatic facilities, and continuing community outreach. Councilors asked about water flows in the canal and whether dewatering removed or returned wetland flows; staff explained pumps return water downstream so wetland function is preserved while construction occurs.
Kiser described the overall approach as preserving natural character while selectively siting developed recreation close to parking and the school for accessibility. He encouraged council and the public to visit the site and thanked community members and volunteer stakeholders for participation in concept development.
