Montague City Council approved a plan to create a park along Buttermilk Creek. The plan will include a skating rink, gazebos and a pavilion. The creek, pictured here, will be re-routed to accommodate the park.

Jeff Auch, Montague City Council member, presented a conceptual plan to the council for a new park behind the Montague Post Office, on Buttermilk Creek.

“I’ve been looking at the site for about 10 years and trying to find a way to better use the property,” Auch said.

After learning that there were additional funds that were available, Auch came up with a plan that will integrate many different ideas.

The new park will feature a skating rink in the winter, which according to Auch, the late Mayor Henry Roesler, Jr. had wanted and even tried to create at one point, but it didn’t work.

“We will integrate a skating rink that would be low maintenance,” Auch said.

Buttermilk Creek will be re-directed into the park, creating a pond area. The water from that pond will then be used to temporarily flood a nearby area which will be the skating rink.

In the summer, Auch suggested that the skating area could be used for outdoor movies, or things of that nature.

Trail systems, a gazebo, an observation deck, picnic area, play equipment and a pavilion will all be in the new park. The plants and grasses in the area will be re-used.

Auch told the council that this is just the conceptual stage, and with their approval he will continue to work with the engineers and seek additional funding through recreation funds from the state. There will be no money from the city needed, but the city will be in charge of the park once it’s finished.

Mayor Kevin Erb stated that he liked the idea, and that it would be a lot better than it is now. All council members agreed (with the exception of Councilman Dennis (Randy) Lydens, who was absent from the meeting).