Letter to the Editor - Let's build a new lodge and keep the park as a park for everyone

Editor,

I want to clear up a couple things about a park board meeting, last one Sept. 12. I have been attending most park board meetings for 14-plus-years. I give reports on cabin owner items and what our group has been up to. We are a group, not an association. I give my ideas or suggestions as a taxpayer.

When discussion about fixing the old lodge came up I stated instead of putting a lot of money in that building why not build a new one that will last many years and not be a bandage or a temp fix. I want a new building that will last. But when I asked if there were plans or drawings, there isn’t. I can’t vote for something when I don’t know what the plan is or see what it is, or its location, or if some of the cement slab can be used as patio or extension to save money. Can’t vote on something without a plan.

Something like the Chuckwagon? Maybe.

After voicing my opinion on that, commissioner McLean asked if the cabin owners are willing to make up the difference in funds lost with no lodge if levy doesn’t pass. Again, my opinion is my opinion, not all cabin owners, but that remark was uncalled for and felt like a threat. I just want a plan or drawing to know where the taxpayers’ money is going.

Also on the south fence they want to put up, I still haven’t heard a good reason for the fence for the park’s best interest. They say to keep cows from gathering more north and easier for the ranchers to gather their cows. I have said several times I have nothing against cows in the park or the ranchers that have them. I don’t think another fence is needed at all. We have hikers in that area, not just on trails. They said they could put passages in different areas but horse riders also ride all over the hills and trails that wouldn’t be able to cross. That open area in that part of park is so special and beautiful. In the winter snowfall, three-five months, snowmobilers ride the hills out there. What happens when they are riding and don’t see the fence — as it does drift there — that was never there or is partially covered ... I sure hope that never happens, unlike McLean saying they would only do it once and laughed. Sad, huh.

We do need a new lodge and let’s keep the park as a park, first. No more fences.

Rose Cloninger

Havre