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Butte‑Silver Bow outlines $735,000 Basin Creek Park rehabilitation; logging will delay work
Summary
Parks Director Shawn Fredrickson presented a $735,000 plan to repair the lawn, install irrigation, an ADA pavilion, restrooms and other amenities at Basin Creek Park; the project was approved for design procurement and Great West Engineering selected, but logging operations are expected to delay on‑site work through the summer.
Butte‑Silver Bow Parks & Recreation Director Shawn Fredrickson presented a $735,000 plan May 5 to rehabilitate Basin Creek Park, describing lawn repair, new trees and irrigation, an ADA‑accessible pavilion, parking, restrooms, improved lighting and signage, a fire hydrant, and security upgrades.
Fredrickson told the Historic Preservation Commission the funding comes from the Butte Natural Resource Program (BNRP) fund, an offshoot of the state Natural Resource Damage program that supports lost recreation resources. He said the November 2025 BNRC approval led to a formal proposal accepted in November 2025; the RFP selection committee chose Great West Engineering to proceed with design and contracted services.
Fredrickson said the project team initially proposed work on the historic gazebo but BNRC directed that gazebo repairs be handled through the Historic Preservation Office. He also said the lawn needs substantial remediation — possibly sod if funds allow — because of dam restoration and groundhog damage. The commission heard that the historic sign is currently with Commissioner John Weitzel for restoration.
Commissioners raised questions about trailhead management and U.S. Forest Service involvement; Fredrickson said the Forest Service has been involved in conversations but details remain open. He also told the commission that ongoing logging activity in June will require large‑truck access and that the park will likely remain closed through the summer while heavy trucks use the area.
HPO Kate McCourt reported a CU‑R update on the Basin Creek Caretaker’s House noting mitigating measures, cordons around sensitive features, removal of a slash pile with no new damage to listed features, and removal of shrubs growing in a fire pit. The commission did not vote on construction work at the May 5 meeting but accepted the presentation and asked staff to provide updates at the next meeting.
Next steps include design work by Great West Engineering and further coordination between Parks, HPO and any external agencies involved in trailhead access and logging logistics.
