Sanders County sports park plans in motion

Danielle Switalski

A committee has been formed since February of 2007 for the creation of a 33-acre sports park to be built in the Silcox neighborhood of Thompson Falls. Things have been in the works for a while and the Sanders County Sports Park committee (SCSP) is now applying to become a nonprofit organization in order to get the ball rolling and developments in motion for the creation of the sports park.

“Right now, Sanders County doesn’t have a multipurpose park, this land is available for a multipurpose park so we’re looking to bring in baseball fields, soccer, softball and possibly a gym,” said president of the SCSP committee Cindy Bronner.

The project is only in its preliminary stages with the layout of how the sports park will be designed and funds from the Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce to file for 501C3 status, meaning they need to first become a nonprofit organization in order to move forward with plans to look for grant money and continue with development. The past few months the SCSP have been working on acquiring data and going through the necessary paperwork in order to apply for the 501C3. Bronner said they are hoping to have all the paperwork for the 501C3 completed within the next 60 to 90 days.

“Once we have our nonprofit organization set up, then we’ll be able to start looking for grants,” said Bronner.

The data currently being collected

involves a three-year financial plan detailing the cost of the sport’s park. The committee also had to outline plans for road designs surrounding the park in order to show commitment to the project.

Bronner said a committee of seven members has been formed after listening to the needs of the community. With no large parks in Sanders County for sports and recreation, the committee hopes to build a combination sports park to give residents and tourists the opportunity to play sports while offering a space for outdoor leisure activities such as barbecues and a playground for kids.

The preliminary outline for the park, which was drawn up by Jennifer Fielder of Silverline details four separate fields which can be converted into softball, baseball and soccer fields, with basketball courts and a playground in the middle of the park, surrounded by a walkway and a parking lot. Each field will also come with adjustable fencing in order to change the fields for individual sports.

Bronner fully recognizes the magnitude of this project, however, and the process for obtaining nonprofit status is in motion, she is confidant that the project will start moving ahead and the community will see the committee’s commitment to the project.

“It’s (the park) for the next generation to a healthy mind and a healthy heart. There might be setbacks, but it doesn’t get you down, you rise above it,” said Bronner who has hopes the project will be completed in the next five years.

The committee is not only hoping the sports park will offer a nice attraction for tourists and residents, but that it will bring revenue to the town by hosting sports tournaments and other events.

“As for the economy we must look to the future, don’t let it stop your hopes and dreams, you continue to move forward,” said Bronner.

Bronner said she is pleased with the response she has gotten from the community concerning initial plans for the sports park. She currently has a list of around 40 people ready to volunteer their time and ideas once strategic planning and the search for funds begins. In the meantime, the biggest hurdle is becoming a nonprofit organization, but Bronner has patience and believes with time this project, the same way the High Bridge project was at one time inconceivable, will be completed in the same manner; with dedication and community involvement.

Not only does Bronner have a list of people ready and willing to help with this project, but said the committee has been seeking advice from various groups around the county including getting advice from residents at the Senior Center and the Special Olympics organizers such as Deputy Dave Hedley and talking to the county commissioners and the Sanders County park board, all of whom support this project.

The Sanders County Sports Complex is what Bronner calls “ a work in progress,” and the committee is looking to anyone who is willing to volunteer their time or share their ideas.

“We’re looking for people that have the passion, that share the vision and that want to be committed to it,” said Bronner.

If anyone is interested in getting involved with the sports park, please contact Cindy Bronner at 827-7006.