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Parks director seeks $735,000 for Basin Creek Park restoration; HPC reviews caretaker‑house mitigation
Summary
Butte-Silver Bow Parks & Recreation Director Shawn Fredrickson presented a $735,000 restoration plan for Basin Creek Park funded by BNRP resources; the Historic Preservation Officer reported mitigation steps after logging near the Basin Creek caretaker's house.
Parks & Recreation Director Shawn Fredrickson told the Historic Preservation Commission on May 5 that a $735,000 package of work has been approved to restore Basin Creek Park, with Great West Engineering selected to perform the work.
"We would not prefer any open flames in the park for fear of fire damage," Fredrickson said, describing the department's cautious approach to the historic fire pits. He outlined the proposed scope: lawn repair (preferably sod if funds allow), removal of dead trees, installation of new trees and irrigation, a fire hydrant, an ADA-accessible pavilion, restrooms, a parking lot, improved lighting and security, and interpretive signage.
Historic Preservation Officer Kate McCourt updated the commission on the Basin Creek caretaker's house and nearby grounds after recent logging activity. McCourt said she filed a CU‑R form and proposed mitigation measures: the slash pile that obscured features has been removed; once unobscured, staff found no new damage to listed historic features; shrubs in a northern fire pit will be removed with proper tools; a buried barrel has not been located; and a roughly 30-foot fence will remain in place. McCourt said she received apologies from colleagues who had not been involved earlier in logging plans and that Director Fredrickson will provide more detailed plans for lawn and park features.
Fredrickson said planned logging will delay construction work and that the park will likely remain closed through the summer while large trucks use local roads. He also said the Parks Department has engaged the U.S. Forest Service in discussions about trailheads accessed from the proposed parking area.
Why it matters: the work combines recreation improvements with historic‑district sensitivity in a park adjacent to designated resources; the commission must weigh preservation mitigation as site improvements proceed.
Next steps: Great West Engineering will proceed with design and the HPO will monitor proposed treatments and mitigation; staff will report back at a future meeting.
