Hot Springs finds grant difficulties

by Danielle Switalski
| August 4, 2010 11:42 AM

The Hot Springs Parks and Recreation Board has been working tirelessly to find funding for five projects to give recreational opportunities to the people of Hot Springs.

The Parks Board is working, with difficulty, to find funding in order to implement a skate park, nature trails, accessory structures for the city park, splash deck and a playground. The top priorities are accessory structures, meaning barbeques, restrooms and picnic tables in addition to the playground.

"These two projects are more shovel ready. The overall goal is to have a park that offers function and pride. As the Parks and Rec. Board we want to leave no stone unturned, but also want the kids of today to not be grandparents by the time we're done," said Mendy Estill, member of the Parks and Recreation Board and city council.

So far, the Parks Board has obtained two grants, one from Plum Creek, which was used for fencing of the park, and a few small grants, for example a grant for $75 from Home Depot. Although the Parks Board is confident that these projects are feasible, they have met tremendous difficulty when it comes to obtaining grants and external funding, which Estill said is delaying the process of completing these projects.

Estill said grant opportunities have decreased over time and the complications to obtain grants have increased.

One example of grant difficulties are the short openings for grant application due dates and the frequently changing due dates. In addition, Estill said that restrictions on grant usages have been constantly increasing, creating roadblocks for projects such as that in Hot Springs.

Despite these complications, the Parks Board is still hopeful. Mayor Randy Woods has offered cost saving options by hiring local volunteers and construction workers that meet the permits needed for state compliances.

The Parks Board is now turning to the community for help, asking for any and all funding ideas and grant opportunities members of the community find available.

"Hot Springs has a diverse population and we are calling on that diversity to generate any lead," said Estill. If you have any ideas, please drop them off at City Hall, mail the information to Town of Hot Springs, P.O. Box 669, Hot Springs, MT 59845 or email to mendy.estill@gmail.com.

The Parks Board is also hosting their first fundraiser to generate general funding for the project on October 2 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the city park. There will be a live auction and "feast" for members of the community interested in getting involved with the project, be it through donations or ideas on how to make this project a success. The Parks Board will also be able to share the overall vision for the park in each of the five aspects of improvement.

"Not only will the venue provide an update of the project, but the fundraiser is an ideal forum for energy and input. The public initiated this process and will continue to guide its evolution," said Estill. "The springboard for the park remodeling was to have a place for children to play that is visible and safe. The community and their guests need a family friendly area that highlights our identity: the community, the water and the history."

Estill said when it comes to conquering this project, perseverance is the key to completion.

In addition to obtaining a few small grants and putting on a fundraiser, the Parks Board also partook in the scrap metal drive, where people donate their old scrap metal from old cars or metal roofing, which they in turn sell for a profit that goes towards the project.