Commission approves Saddle Club lease in Wadsworth Park after resident raises Master Plan concerns

The Great Falls City Commission on Jan. 6 approved a lease agreement with the Great Falls Saddle Club for a portion of Wadsworth Park after hearing public comment and follow-up discussion.

Park and Recreation Interim Director Jessica Compton said the Saddle Club has a long-standing partnership with the city, is responsive, pays its bills, and staff recommended continuing the arrangement. Retired Army Captain Benjamin Cipriano testified against renewing the lease in its current form, citing the 1998 Wadsworth Park Master Plan (Resolution 8973) which he said recommends reducing the Saddle Club's occupied acreage from 37 to 7 and relocating it to the park’s northeast corner. Cipriano argued the Master Plan envisions the park as public space for all citizens and said continued reliance on the Wilkinson Lane entrance could worsen traffic if a new ramp is constructed at 34th Avenue Northwest.

Compton said portions of recent park upgrades were not funded by the Park and Recreation Department but were donated or grant-funded (disc golf, docks, pavilions, pit toilets). She also noted the department’s Fee Study and Cost Reallocation Plan is reviewing the Master Plan and will provide recommendations. Commissioners discussed options including postponing for more information, amending the motion, or approving a five-year agreement that both parties can terminate with 60 days' notice.

Commissioner Rick Tryon initially moved that the Commission not approve the lease but the motion failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Tryon then moved, and Commissioner Wilson seconded, that the Commission approve the lease agreement with the Great Falls Saddle Club. The motion carried 5-0.

The approved five-year lease includes termination options for both the City and the lessee; staff will follow up on Cipriano’s Master Plan concerns and the Park and Recreation Fee Study will continue to evaluate long-term park implementation.