Rotary boosts local Boulder Project

A Kalispell climbing initiative just picked up a big fundraising partner.

Daybreak Rotary of Kalispell recently announced that it would match the future fundraising efforts of the Kalispell Boulder Project.

“Anything they raise toward the Boulder Project, we will match up to $20,000 total,” said Sandy Carlson, president of Daybreak Rotary.

The matching money will come from a bequest left to the club by a former member. Carlson said that the late Rotary activist was very involved in the club and worked on projects to benefit youths.

When Boulder Project leader Jandy Cox presented the idea to the club, Carlson said that it seemed like the right place to donate.

“It just seemed fitting that we help,” she said.

The Kalispell Boulder Project sprouted up in the last year to build an artificial boulder park in Lawrence Park. The feature is meant to attract climbers and kids alike, according to the project’s website.

Bozeman has a boulder park and similar endeavors are under way in places such as Great Falls.

According to the Boulder Project, the project is estimated to cost at around $100,000.

Project leaders have been actively fundraising around Kalispell. In February, the Kalispell Brewing Co. held a “beer for boulders” event to benefit the project. Five Guys Burgers and Fries held a similar fundraiser and various private donations have poured in.

So far, $20,000 has been raised.

The project also has the support of Dave Downey, a founder and longtime president of Friends of Lawrence Park.

More information about the Kalispell Boulder Project can be found at www.kalispellboulderproject.com.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.