SOURCE MATERIAL: Planning an Observatory in Van Dyke Park
By Denise Rivette, originally authored March 2023
On February 2, 2022, Red Lodge Council member Theresa Whistler went before the Red Lodge City Parks, Trees and Recreation Board (Parks Board) to present a potential observatory project for Van Dyke Park on behalf of Hero’s STEAM Center. The minutes reference a possible 12’x12’ square building. “An MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between Dark Skies and the Parks Board would be required. They do not need electricity and she believes the parking on the South end of the rodeo grounds would be sufficient.” A supporting document included a grant request for $1,000 and estimated a total project cost of “approximately $8,800-$11,500.” It further states “No money raised yet, but donor pledging campaign planned for near future”. The Board unanimously approved the “location and initial proposal/concept of the observatory pending further specific information.”
On March 2, 2022, Whistler reported at the Parks Board meeting “Subcommittee is still looking at designs and heavily leaning toward a design that will require a concrete structure for the integrity of the building.” They will open communication with Public Works when they have the designs.
On Apr. 6, 2022, Whistler reported at the Parks Board meeting that “Public Works is comfortable with an observatory in Van Dyke Park.” She also discussed trails to the site. “The timeline has changed and as of now in 2022 the concrete slab will be constructed and a roll-top roof observatory will be installed in 2023. Theresa is asking Parks Board to recommend the location and name to the City Council for review before they can move on.” The Parks Board unanimously recommended the location and name of the observatory to City Council for review.
On Apr. 26, 2022, at the Red Lodge City Council business meeting Resolution #3599 supporting the observatory passed 5-0, with Whistler (in her role as alderman) abstaining from the vote after voicing her support to her fellow aldermen. In describing the size of the project in her presentation she stated “What we’re asking is that we are allowed to put down a 20 by 20 concrete structure.” As far as the building size, “We don’t have dimensions yet, but roughly 15 by 15 would be the ideal max.” One of the bases of the Resolution was “Hero’s STEAM Center Board has proposed building an Observatory at a northcentral location in Van Dyke Park upon a cement slab that shall not exceed 20’ by 20’”. In the Resolution the City supports the concept of an observatory to be developed at Van Dyke Park; agrees to review the design of the structure for acceptability; and “At the time a design for the Observatory is approved by the City (emphasis mine) the City agrees to meet with Hero’s STEAM Center Board to discuss construction, ownership, operation and liability of the observatory.”
On Oct. 18, 2022 a 10’x12’ concrete pad was poured in Van Dyke Park.
On Nov. 2, 2022, at the Parks Board meeting Whistler submitted the first draft of an MOU dated Oct. 31, 2022. Regarding construction progress the minutes state: “Cement pad for the observatory has been poured.”
On Nov. 6, 2022, there was a post on social media inviting everyone to watch the lunar eclipse on the observatory pad where a camper would be parked with the heater running. City rules prohibit parking in Van Dyke Park.
On Feb. 1, 2023 at the Parks Board meeting Whistler reported that a 10’x12’ “viewing pad” is in place and that a 16’x24’ observatory is being manufactured. (Looking at the manufacturer’s website, if the roof slides all the way back, the footprint of the structure could be nearly 24’x36’.) She will be meeting with contractors soon to determine funding needs and timeline. It was discussed that with an MOU in place, the observatory wouldn’t need to go through the event process with the City. The Board voted to recommend that the city council executes the MOU with Hero’s STEAM Center for the observatory.
A Stargazing and Comet Spotting event was scheduled at the observatory pad for Feb. 11, 2023.
On the morning of March 16, 2023, Whistler met with the commissioners regarding their concerns about the observatory. The commissioners reiterated their displeasure at being named as a stakeholder when they had not been informed of or consulted on the project. Whistler apologized. When asked, she admitted to having no permits but stated she is working through the City’s procedures. Commissioner Bill Bullock pointed out that the County has already planned to build a new sand shed and to move the Red Lodge Shop to the south Fairgrounds property. The sand shed is already designed as a 24-hour operation with south-facing lighting. Whistler suggested that motion sensors on the lighting could mitigate the impact on the observatory. Parking is another issue for the County. Parking on the street is limited and parking south of the Rodeo grounds may be considered trespassing as it is County property. As a City resident and taxpayer, Bullock expressed his concern regarding the longterm future of the observatory. He referenced a number of other park projects that were to be maintained by volunteers but then had to be picked up by the City when the originators moved on. Whistler thought several people and groups might carry on, but she hadn’t discussed it with them. She said there would be next to no maintenance as it will just be a metal shed. Whistler noted she plans to start fundraising and grant writing after she figures out the cost. Whistler stated she has increased her personal pledge from $15,000 to $20,000. (No confirmation the pledge became a donation)