A concrete dam and spillway on the Big Wood River in Bellevue has been a popular place to swim and play for generations. But Wood River Valley Irrigation District 45 canal officials say the place is dangerous and are hoping the city of Bellevue will join them in discouraging using it for recreation.
The Bellevue headgate, as the dam is called, is adjacent to the Howard Preserve, the town's largest public park. On summer afternoons, kids can be seen swimming on both sides of the headgate, which is used to divert water from the river into the irrigation district canal system.
The canal district was formed at the turn of the 20th century to deliver water to about 8,000 acres of land to the south via about 20 miles of canals. The headgate and canal are on city property as it flows through town, but both are managed and maintained by the canal district.
"Not everyone is aware of the hazards there," said Mike Harris, a canal district spokesman at an Aug. 26 City Council meeting.
Mike Harris and Pepin Harris asked the council to post "no trespassing" signs around the headgate, warning that the city could be held liable if someone was hurt there.
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"We could lessen all of our chances of being in a lawsuit," Harris said.
Currently, there are no "no trespassing" signs at the headgate, but there are Howard Preserve signs indicating that the park should be entered south of the headgate, rather than using the headgate as a bridge.
"I am not going to advocate police patrols there and I will not make it look like a prison camp," said Councilman Brett Gelskey. "I swam there when I was 6 years old and my son has also."
The council agreed to collaborate with the canal district to install a pole and cable gate system to restrict parking close to the river beside the headgate in the Howard Preserve.
City Administrator Tom Blanchard said people are parking and drinking alcohol down there in violation of the law.
"This creates an intimidating environment for a city park," he said.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
The Bellevue headgate for the Irrigation District 45 canal has been popular with kids looking for a place to cool off in summer. Canal district officials say it’s a dangerous place where people could fall off the dam or get caught in swirling currents. Photo by Mountain Express
