Bigfork’s youth baseball season has been delayed due to mounds of slow-melting snow collected from around Bigfork and dumped onto the fields at Potoczny Park this winter.

Baseball parents and community members posted photos of the debris-ridden snow piles covering the fields, expressing outrage at the county’s choice to use the park as a dump site.

Jed Fisher, the head of Flathead County Parks and Recreation, took full responsibility for the decision.

He said that when the director of the Public Works Department, David Prunty, called him in January as the town faced another incoming winter storm, he was forced to come up with a place on county property to haul the snow that had already accumulated.

Fisher said he didn’t hesitate to make the call to use the baseball fields, but had no intention of delaying the season.

“I feel bad,” Fisher said. “It’s on my shoulders.”

Fisher said he made the decision as a safety measure for the town experiencing a “near emergency situation,” knowing it would relieve the immediate problems buses and other vehicles were facing as they struggled to maneuver the snow-covered streets.

Fisher said around 50-75 loads of snow were dumped on the fields, along with the dirt and debris they contained.

According to Fisher, he hoped the snow would melt sooner and provide some additional moisture to the field during the dry season while saving the taxpayers some money.

“An exceptionally bad winter requires some different decisions than normal,” Fisher said.

Fisher promised that as soon as the snow melts, he will get a crew to the field to clean up debris and to make sure it’s safe for play.

“I’m sorry. I’ll make it right,” Fisher said. “I assure you I will clean that field like there’s no tomorrow.

Fisher said he would begin looking for alternate dump sites for the future.

Those wanting further action, Fisher said, should contact the county Parks and Recreation Board. He welcomed the public to help find solutions or offer alternative places for snow removal in the future.

People can contact Fisher directly at jedfisher@flathead.mt.gov or (406) 758-5800.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.