Benton County has completed a conceptual master plan for North Albany County Park, where more than a hundred “hazard trees” weakened by drought and bugs were removed last year. Friday’s windstorm felled a few more, laying them across a house near the entrance to the park.
The good news is that the boat remains. The bad news in the planning for upgrading North Albany County Park? Well, as near as I can see, there isn’t any bad news in the concepts unveiled during a community meeting Thursday night.
I can’t imagine anybody is happy about what’s been going on at North Albany County Park. But Benton County said those trees had to come down because they had fallen victim to a combination of poor soil, drought and bugs.
In the wilds of northwest Benton County, there is Fort Hoskins. What’s fun about visiting this county park is to put yourself in the boots of the few dozen U.S. Army men serving there a century and a half ago and think about what their life must have been like.
North Albany County Park is going to look a little different after this fall. There will be fewer big old Douglas firs.
North Albany County Park is not usually a busy place. No crowds jostle for space. Which makes it a welcome oasis among the subdivisions spreading out on all sides. Now Benton County is seeking public “input” on what the park could or should be in years to come.
N.A. Park poised for upgrades
Visitors at North Albany County Park may start seeing changes in the next few years based on a new master plan. Developed over the last couple of years with lots of outreach to and input from the people in surrounding neighborhoods, the plan goes to the Benton County Board of Commissioners for approval in December.
Tags: Benton County parks, North Albany County Park