Converse County moves forward on Natural Bridge Park shelter replacement, bars food trucks until expansion

Christie Smith, Natural Bridge Park caretaker, told the Board of Commissioners that Occidental Energy (OXY), via The Great Outdoors Fund, offered additional donations to replace all five picnic shelters in Natural Bridge Park. The project’s estimated total cost is $479,497, and Converse County would be responsible for approximately half the cost; the board agreed to move forward with metal shelters and include the project in the FY2028 budget.

The board discussed repeated requests to allow food trucks in the park but determined no food trucks will be permitted until the park is expanded. Commissioners cited lack of parking, noise concerns, nearby construction activity at LaPrele Dam and the county’s need to ensure equal opportunity for vendors as reasons for the temporary prohibition. The board reappointed Randy Pexton to the Converse County Parks & Recreation Board during the same discussion and considered operational issues such as septic hauling schedules, park signage, and potential security/entry controls; staff will coordinate with Road & Bridge and HDR Engineering on access and traffic solutions.

Separately, the board accepted Augustine Construction LLC’s $21,030 quote to finish the lower level of the Natural Bridge Park residence and discussed scheduling and vendor solicitation practices for related park projects.