Ravalli County, Montana – The gravel parking lot at the Three Mile Community Center has become a safety concern for local families and volunteers. Board member April Wakeman explained that the lot fills with water, creating drainage problems that could lead to accidents.
Fundraising progress and remaining needs
Community volunteers have already contributed more than $30,000 toward a paving project, but the total cost is expected to exceed $100,000 once engineering and construction are complete. “When we built the community center, we paid for materials and groups volunteered their time and expertise,” Wakeman said. “We’ve been trying to do it by hand, and we just don’t do it as fast as someone who knows what they’re doing.”
Technical challenges
General contractor and board member Russ Geise noted that the lot’s current slope of only 0.03 percent is far too flat to move water efficiently. “It takes at least a 2 percent slope to really drain water,” he said. “Without that, the surface remains soggy and unsafe.” Geise added that correcting the slope would likely require advanced mapping software that the community does not currently have.
County funding limitations
Wakeman clarified that the park’s operating budget, which comes from Ravalli County, is earmarked for routine maintenance and cannot cover the large capital expense of a new paved surface. “The county does not have extra funding available to pave the lot,” she said.
Upcoming fundraiser
To bridge the funding gap, the Three Mile Community Center is hosting a rummage sale on November 2. Organizers hope the event will draw additional donations from residents who use the park and want to see a safer, more functional parking area.
Why the project matters
The parking lot serves families, seniors, and visitors who come to the center for recreational activities, community meetings, and events. A paved surface would improve accessibility, reduce the risk of vehicle damage, and enhance the overall experience for everyone who gathers at the park.
Local leaders are urging county officials and private donors to consider the long‑term benefits of investing in this infrastructure. As the community continues its fundraising efforts, the hope is that a combined public‑private partnership will finally provide the resources needed to complete the project.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
