Boulder Project ascends to fundraising goal

The Kalispell Boulder Project reached its fundraising goal this week thanks to a recognizable local donor, project organizers said Wednesday.

Flathead Valley philanthropist Michael Goguen donated $25,000 to put the fundraiser at $100,000 needed to complete the project. The money will be used to purchase, install and landscape the area for two artificial climbing boulders in Lawrence Park.

“We are ecstatic,” said Jandy Cox, lead organizer for the Kalispell Boulder Project. “Fundraising for the boulder project was a grassroots effort. We appreciate how the community rallied around our project and helped make our ideas a reality.”

The project has been buoyed by a wave of support from individuals as well as community groups. In November, The Kalispell Daybreak Rotary awarded the Kalispell Boulder Project a $20,000 grant.

The artificial boulders will be rated for beginners but will feature routes for all difficulties. The larger boulder will be 16 feet long, 10 feet wide and 10 1/2 feet high. The second boulder will be a few feet smaller.

The boulders will be constructed of a steel framework filled with a rugged Styrofoam material and encased in a concrete fiberglass mixture. The final product will look just like a natural boulder.

“We could not have reached our goal without the Flathead Community Foundation’s fiscal management and administrative support; and the generosity of Mr. Goguen, Kalispell Daybreak Rotary Club, local businesses, private foundations and every individual donated from $1 to $1,000,” Cox said.

According to a press release from the Kalispell Boulder Project, volunteers are working with Kalispell Parks and Recreation and the Montana Conservation Corps to break ground in April.

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.