Continuous News

Historic park project in beginning stages

Posted: Jan 29, 2013 6:16 PM by Katy Harris KXLF News

ANACONDA-A steering committee is beginning to chip away at plans to improve a historic park.

Washoe Park Foundation Co-Chairwoman Tracey Thun says, "Anaconda has been a town that has suffered from the smelter closing down, and I think it's good that they're putting money back into the town to help the natural resources there."

The Washoe Park Foundation wants to preserve the historical park but also make some renovations for the future.

To keep the park alive, the park foundation will use 1.5 million dollars of Natural Resource Damage funds.
That money will be used to improve aquatic and terrestrial life in Warm Springs Creek.
River banks will also be reconstructed for stabilization and to fix natural erosion.

The Anaconda Copper Mining Company and city established the park in 1906.

"When the company was running they always maintained it. It's just a wonderful park and I think the community needs to be proud of it," says Thun.

Construction bids should be opening this fall and groundbreaking could take place by Spring 2014.
The park foundation is hoping to have the project complete by Fall 2014 but that could change depending on construction.