Committee to plan work on new park

Development of the land purchased by the City of Columbia Falls for a new park is moving ahead. The City is organizing a committee to begin planning the plot along the Flathead River for what is currently known as Riverfront Park. That's the word from Barry Conger, a member of the First Best Place Task Force.

Conger says that the group will determine the "what, when and how" regarding the park. Volunteers for the committee are being sought, and according to Conger, the input is needed to help the City determine the best way to utilize the new resource.

The City is asking individuals to submit a written request to serve on the committee very soon, by Friday, Oct. 19. The letter can be mailed to City of Columbia Falls, 130 Sixth St. West, Room A, Columbia Falls, MT 59912. Another option is to e-mail your request to cfgis@centurytel.net.

Even if you cannot serve on the committee, Conger urges interested persons to attend upcoming planning meetings. Public input will be taken at each meeting.

The first planning meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Conger said, "This is an exciting time for Columbia Falls and the legacy of this park will shape our community for generations. Please find time to be a part of this project and help shape the future of that beautiful space."

The park will be located on Fourth Avenue East. The plot has 28-plus acres and about 900 feet of river frontage.

Representing the Columbia Falls City Council on the committee are Julie Plevel, Harvey Reikosski and Doug Karper. Mayor Jolie Fish was originally on the park development committee, but relinquished that spot to Karper at Monday's council meeting. City Manager Bill Shaw, who spearheaded the purchase of the park land, will serve as an adviser to the committee.

It will take some time to develop the park, but the council wants to get the wheels turning.

According to Conger, the committee will make recommendations to the overall City Council pertaining to development of the park.

DURING THE CHAMBER'S economic development meeting on Tuesday, Freedom Bank President Don Bennett spoke about the trials and tribulations that Mountain West Economic Development is having in its efforts to purchase the Columbia Falls industrial park. About two-and-a-half years ago, MWED signed a purchase agreement on the property, when Bennett was chairman. He said that MWED has had some "resistance" to the purchase and an extension on its option expires on Oct. 31.

A stumbling block, according to Bennett, is that some industrial park tenants believe they have an option to buy the park, or part of it. Bennett said, "We're trying to work through this."

Bennett said the purchase price is $3 million and the appraisal on the property is well above that figure.

The idea of MWED is to facilitate a location for businesses. One such business is a flooring company, which could build a research and development center in the park. Columbia Falls is one of two choices for the plant. Representing the stance of MWED, Bennett said, "Let's get a place so we can put a plan together."

A primary reason for selecting Columbia Falls is that there would be rail access to the plant, although a spur could have to be run to the industrial park. That could eventually serve other businesses as well.

In other economic development discussion at Tuesday's meeting, Columbia Falls Uptown Merchants Association President Barbara Jenkins said that a number of people have interest in vacant store locations in uptown Columbia Falls for business operation. She said the CFUMA and First Best Place Task Force are looking at design guidelines. There has been discussion of restoring the uptown area to an "antique look."

The Columbia Falls Lions Club is spearheading an effort to raise money for new Christmas lights. According to Barb Proctor, there are currently only enough usable lights for Nucleus Avenue, and $35,000 is needed for new lights. Any donation would be appreciated. Mail your donation to the Columbia Falls Lions Club, P.O. Box 1191, or drop a few dollars in the donation box at Glacier Bank.

Chamber Executive Director Carol Pike said the first Business After Hours social and networking event is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 8. It will be hosted by Freedom Bank and Citizen's Title and Escrow from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Also briefly discussed was plans for a Farmers' Market in the uptown area starting next spring.

With the support of existing merchants, you can expect uptown Columbia Falls to have some new looks come next spring and summer.

Joe Sova is editor of the Hungry Horse News.