Fundraising Underway for Kent Pelton Park In Watford City

Kent Pelton Nature Park will be getting a facelift this summer in Watford City, ND. Originally belonging to the city, the land went up for sale and Parks and Recreation of Watford City snatched it up. "The land currently just is not suitable for large, community events and we would like to change that," said Robin Arndt, head of the project.

"Currently we just have the pond, baseball diamond and gravel parking lot," said Arndt. "We are getting bids for another gravel lot, which will soon be asphalt, and the city is going to help us get water to the restrooms and concession stand."

Future plans for Kent Pelton Nature Park include finishing the walking path that follows the creek by the land, which was made possible through grant money, and should be finished by the end of June. "As you walk along the nature path, you can see there are a few rustic style benches for people to sit and enjoy the scenery. Each bench, for the legs, will be made out of different species of trees, "said Ardnt.

In the beginning of June, work will begin on the restrooms and concession stand. Three shelters will be added to the park made with sandstone columns. Bird houses will be added to the park as well as light poles to make it sociable for large, community events for any time of day.

"This park will be a memorial park for Kent Pelton, who was a local Watford man who served on city council and as city mayor for many years. He has helped so many parks and trees in his lifetime, and even had the nickname of Tree Man because he knew all there was to know about trees. Kent actually started the project on this park a year ago before he passed, so to all of us here we thought it was a no-brainer to dedicate the park to his name," said Robin. "One of the coolest things that will be an addition to the park, is to plant many different species of trees around the park. Each tree will have a plaque, which businesses can sponsor, and will include the tree's scientific name and the business sponsor for that tree. We plan to have many different trees."

There is also an island in the middle of the pond by the park, in which Watford City Parks and Rec. hope to add a beautiful fountain and a bat house.

If you would like to donate to the Kent Pelton Memorial Nature Park, you can get a hold of Watford City Parks and Recreation at 701-842-3665. Also, this Saturday, April 23rd, 2016, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Outlaws Ballroom, Young Professionals of Watford City will be holding a Prairie Rose Gala for the park. The theme is "Old Hollywood Style" and Diamond tickets will cost $100, Gold $75 and Ruby $50.