Residents to express thanks for new park

West Shore News

Lakeside residents are busy preparing to dedicate the newest addition to the community — Volunteer Park.

A special ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. next Thursday, Sept. 9, at the park, which is located on the corner of Montana Highway 93 and Adams Street.

The Lakeside Parks Advisory Committee is working on planning the event. Though some of the plans are "hush, hush," committee chair Tamara Tanberg said it will be a short and sweet recognition of the work that was done.

"Everyone has been looking forward to expressing their thanks," Tanberg said.

Ceremony plans include short remarks, presentations, entertainment and refreshments.

The day-use park was developed by residents Margaret Davis and Bruce Ennis. The couple acquired property along the waterfront over the course of the past two years with a goal to provide a safe swimming area for local youth. Last fall, buildings were moved from the site or demolished. Construction began this spring and continued through the summer. Work was completed on the 1.5-acre park in mid-August and the property was transferred to Flathead County on Aug. 13 and opened to the public. The park includes one large and two smaller pavilions, a bathroom, public parking, docks and a swim area.