Butte-Silver Bow is excited to announce that The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, in conjunction with Montana Resources, has awarded the City and County of Butte-Silver Bow, a $2.5 million grant for upgrades consistent with the Stodden Park Central Improvement Plan. Since the Foundation awarded a $1 million grant to help fund the construction of Miner’s Field (the new American Legion/Minor League baseball complex at Copper Mountain Park), Montana Resources and The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation have remained committed to investing in public-private partnerships with the local government to improve Butte’s quality of life for current and future generations. “Stodden Park has long been an important asset to the Butte community and we’re proud to be able to partner with local businesses, the community and Butte-Silver Bow to create a safe and welcoming space that will be available for many years to come,” said Rolin Erickson, President, Montana Resources.
Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive Matt Vincent will seek Council of Commissioner approval for the gift at the Council of Commissioners’ September 21st Regular Meeting. Upon approval, the $2.5 million will be used to design, survey and construct a new Central Park Commons Corridor concept within Stodden Park. The Central Park Commons Corridor will complement the recent investments made at The Spirit of Columbia Gardens carousel and the soon-to-be constructed Butte Community Aquatic Facility, which includes the $7.2 million public bond and another $1.5 million in public and private funds. Specific improvements planned under the grant include but are not limited to:
• Survey, designs and engineering, to be solicited via proposals;
• Roads and utilities upgrades
• Destination playground and picnic shelters;
• Improved tennis facilities
• Central Park commons corridor (to be designed and located between the carousel, aquatics facility and tennis courts); and
• Columbia Gardens Arch relocation and restoration
“The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Montana Resources and the City and County of Butte-Silver Bow have redefined what a ‘public-private partnership’ is here in Butte,” said Chief Executive Matt Vincent. “The improvements provided through this grant will greatly add to the outstanding new amenities already slated for Stodden Park through the carousel and community pool, making it a truly special place for the entire community to enjoy. This gift will also help transform and revitalize Stodden Park as Montana’s premier park facility, turning it into a destination for families across Southwest Montana to come and recreate.”
Butte-Silver Bow, The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and Montana Resources would like to invite the public and its many partners for the formal announcement ceremony. The ceremony will take place at the Stodden Park Amphitheater on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
About the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation
The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation is the major philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies and the Washington family. The Foundation strives to better the human condition by supporting programs and services that give people the tools to enhance the quality of their lives and to benefit society as a whole. Funding for the Foundation comes from personal contributions from the Washington Family and annual contributions from The Washington Companies. Since its inception in 1988, Foundation giving and the Washington Family’s personal contributions and pledges to charitable causes total more than $204 million.