First Best Place receives $30,000

North Valley Hospital and First Best Place Task Force have finalized an agreement together that means an infusion of cash to the community group.

The hospital plans to develop a health education center at Glacier Discovery Square. As part of that plan, North Valley has given $30,000 to First Best Place.

""We are excited to be helping develop this incredible project," said North Valley CEO Jason Spring. "Columbia Falls is an important part of our community, and we are looking forward to offering a host of health education programs at Discovery Square."

The money is the first installment of a total commitment of $150,000, which will fund a major portion of upgrades to the North Valley Hospital Health Education Center.

The center is one component of the Glacier Discovery Square project. Programs planned for the center include healthy living, nutrition education, youth health programs and immunization clinic.

Barry Conger, executive director with First Best Place, said the money will also help with necessary improvements to the building.

"This creates an official North Valley Hospital spot for education programs and this cements our relationship with North Valley Hospital," he said.

Anticipated upgrades include installation of a full-service elevator, mechanical improvements, and the creation of a major skylight channel to bring natural light into the entire facility.

"Most of the upgrades will allow us to expand the use of the lower level (of the building)," Conger said.

Conger said work plans should be ready in the next 30 days and then a construction schedule will be set.

Glacier Discovery Square will continue to host activities, classes and events. Construction is not expected to interrupt use of the building.

First Best Place is a non-profit group of community members working to promote Columbia Falls and develop several projects in the community.

In 2008, the group purchased the former First Citizens Bank on Nucleus Avenue and turned it into Glacier Discovery Square. Since it has hosted a number of community events with the eventual goal of turning it into a visitor and community center.