NWE details plan for TF park upgrades

An extreme makeover is planned for Wild Goose Landing Park in Thompson Falls.

As part of its ongoing relicensing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), last week NorthWestern Energy presented plans for renovating the park on the east end of Thompson Falls.

The current license for the Thompson Falls dam expires December 31, 2025, Andy Welch, manager of NorthWestern Energy's Hydro License Compliance, told the crowd of about 30 people at the Rex Theater last Thursday. The proposed license will manage the project for 50 years. Part of that process is planning for recreation sites. "We are committing to make sure this recreation facility is here for the next 50 years," Welch stated as he and representatives from MacKay Sposito presented improvements and sought feedback from community members.

Bryan Cole with MacKay Sposito said their company specializes in FERC_related improvements and marine facilities. They assessed the existing condition of the facilities, presented the opportunities and constraints, then showed mockups and drawings of potential improvements.

"We'd like to make it more of a community asset," Cole said as he outlined improvements such as a newer, safer restroom facility, a redesigned boat ramp, a separate well-marked swimming area away from the boat launch and parking areas designated for vehicles with boat trailers. The proposed action would also include adding fill to extend the parking area further into the reservoir. Other improvements included picnic tables and shelters, as well as a nature play area that incorporates existing boulders at the site. Cole said that the goal was to try to match the feel of other parks in Thompson Falls, including Ainsworth and Power parks. Many of the improvements are aimed at improving accessibility at the park and complying with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The public reaction was overwhelmingly positive regarding the changes, though community members had some suggestions. Prevalent among those was making the swimming area larger and moving it even farther from the boat launch area. Resident Jeff Sauter suggested moving the swim area closer to the park and parking areas, and making the beach area bigger. Zack Whipple-Kilmer asked if treating aquatic invasive species or dredging the reservoir was planned, and Welch responded that none of that activity was planned.

Welch said they do not have a projected cost for the project and stated that NorthWestern Energy has an easement with the city to maintain and upgrade the park. The city maintained and operated the park until earlier this year when the council voted to not renew the agreement with NorthWestern. Welch stated that it is NorthWestern's obligation to have a maintenance plan for the recreation site as part of their license.

Jared Shear of Thompson Falls said the proposed changes were much safer for kids and also suggested making the beach bigger, as well as adding a boat wash station. Welch added that no eurasian watermilfoil has been detected in the Thompson Falls reservoir, only downstream of the dam.

One resident asked about extending Wild Goose Landing Park and the improvements to the east. Welch replied that NorthWestern approached representatives at RCJD, LLC, the current owner of the former mill site, but the company wanted to retain ownership of that property.

Cole stated that the planning and permitting process alone takes 2-3 years. Welch said that additional engineering and cost analysis would be required before discussing a timeline for the improvements. "It takes a lot of planning and we want to do it right," he stated.

Resident Linda Elliott, who was part of the effort in the 1980s as a member of the Chamber of Commerce to develop Wild Goose Landing Park, was very excited about the proposed improvements. "This is absolutely incredible. I never thought this would happen," she said.