Kalispell Boulder Project completed
<p>City of Kalispell's Josh Brinton removes the lift straps from the second boulder that was put in place at Lawrence Park on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)</p>
<p>Crane operator Chuck Harmon moves the second boulder as City of Kalispell's Josh Britton guides it at Lawrence Park on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)</p>
<p>Kalispell Boulder Project chairman Jandy Cox releases the lift straps from a boulder that was moved into place by a crane at Lawrence Park on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)</p>
Kalispell residents can now climb high without heading into the hills for a full-day commitment.
The Kalispell Boulder Project concluded its two-year mission on Friday as crews unloaded two boulders off a truck from Gunnison, Colorado, and bolted down the newest additions to Lawrence Park. The artificial boulders feature small, artificial fossils added by the manufacturer and were painted to match the seating rocks surrounding the site.
Kalispell Boulder Project Director Jandy Cox said the project pace was set by the community effort put forth in the past two years.
“It feels phenomenally rewarding that you can come up with an idea and the community just rallies behind it,” Cox said. “This is something Kalispell climbers have bemoaned for a long time.”
The entire project price tag came in around $100,000. While each contribution was instrumental in reaching completion, Cox said the $20,000 donation from the Kalispell Daybreak Rotary was the springboard.
“All of a sudden, when civic leaders give you a thumbs up, it becomes a fast-track project,” he said.
A few months ago, Cox found out the false surfacing on the boulders didn’t meet the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. In order to comply with ADA, Cox and the project leaders had to find a new material and another $1,500.
“To have it ADA accessible was an important part of the project,” Cox said.
Ironically, the Montana Outdoor Legacy called Cox at Rocky Mountain Outfitter that day on an unrelated note and Cox discovered just what he needed. Within weeks, the Kalispell Boulder Project completed a grant application with Montana Outdoor Legacy and received the funds to finish the project.
“It’s the perfect example how at every turn … it was the right people at the right time,” Cox said.
The city will now take over maintenance and upkeep.
Kalispell Parks Superintendent Fred Bicha said the boulders are a great addition to the park and a prime example of community support. Much of the project was carried by donations of time and effort, he said: Highline Design donated marketing material, Harmon Crane installed the boulders, Sandy Construction constructed the site at Lawrence Park and Knife River donated building materials.
“The main thing is that this was a community effort,” Bicha said. “This is how new things get done in parks.”
Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.