$3 Million Grant to Fund Further Improvements to Stodden Park
BUTTE - Butte-Silver Bow is excited to announce that the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation (Foundation), in conjunction with Montana Resources, intends to award the City and County of Butte-Silver Bow a further $3 million for upgrades consistent with the Stodden Park Central Improvement Plan. The Foundation has provided $1 million to help fund the construction of Miner’s Field and $2.5 million for initial improvements to Stodden Park.
Stodden Park is an asset to the Butte community that Montana Resources and the Foundation are committed to investing in, according to Rolin Erickson, President of Montana Resources.
“We’re proud to be able to partner with local businesses, the community and Butte-Silver Bow on this project,” said Erickson. “We look forward to Stodden Park being a premier park facility for families across Southwest Montana.”
Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive Dave Palmer will seek Council of Commissioner approval for the additional gift at the Council of Commissioners’ October 4th Regular Meeting. Upon approval, the additional $3 million will be used to allow for the construction of much needed storm water infrastructure, road and parking lot upgrades, an additional access road and holistic landscaping throughout Stodden Park. The Central Park Commons Corridor will complement the recent investments made at The Spirit of Columbia Gardens carousel and the Butte Community Aquatic Facility that is currently under construction, 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:
• Roads and utilities upgrades;
• New storm water infrastructure;
• New access road;
• Parking lot lighting upgrades;
• Tennis courts;
• Destination playground;
• Water main extension; and
• Columbia Garden’s themed picnic pavilion.
“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 Dave Palmer. “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.” “The Stodden Park improvement project is an excellent example of how a community comes together through its elected officials to work jointly with business and philanthropy to create a welcoming space for all to enjoy for generations to come,” said Mike Halligan, Executive Director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. “We are pleased to support the revitalization of Butte’s signature public park.”
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 a quarter of a billion dollars.