Park construction may be completed in phasesBlueprints for phased construction of Centennial Park were proposed this week, and community leaders are beginning to raise money to make the park a reality. The west-end park is expected to be one-of-a-kind, spanning 10 acres that will feature a playground area, sledding hill, miniature golf course, perimeter biking/walking path, skate park and other amenities.

“I think it could become the nicest park in the state,” Mayor Scott Mangold said.

Architects from Peaks to Plains Design of Billings met with the park's planning committee Tuesday and presented plans to split the park's design into six phases. The initial three phases, which establish the park's core elements, are estimated to cost around $2.3 million. As other amenities are added, the park's final cost could amount to about $3.9 million, based on estimates released in February.

Breaking the construction into phases, which will be completed as funding is available, makes the project more attainable, Mangold said.

The phasing plans will be presented to the Powell City Council in May, and a second public community meeting will follow next month.

Mangold said the city plans to pursue state funding, grants, private donations and in-kind contributions from civic groups. The mayor doesn't anticipate more taxes to fund the project.

“Of course, there are people who are worried about a tax plan,” he said. “We'd like to avoid something like that.”

Some of the construction costs can be offset by having city employees do the work, said Chuck Hewitt, city parks superintendent.

Right now, no major funding has been identified, but Mangold is optimistic.

“I think there are some hidden dollars we could muster up,” Mangold said. “I know it's tough times for a lot of people, but it's hard to argue against a park.”

He noted that the state has cut back on funding projects, but said it's still worth trying.

“You're not going to get it unless you ask,” Mangold said. “We'll still ask, we'll still tell them the advantages of Centennial Park.”

One of the main advantages is giving young people an incentive to stay in the area, he said.

“I'm trying to keep young people from leaving the state,” Mangold said.

He also sees the park becoming a destination point, drawing residents from surrounding communities to Powell.

As fundraising efforts begin, Centennial Park Committee Chair Shawn Warner asked for an operating and maintenance budget.

“We're going to get asked the question, how are you going to maintain this thing?” Warner told committee members. “We want to make sure we have a facility we can afford.”

The city will need to invest in some more equipment and parks employees to maintain the new park, Hewitt said.

The park's timeline is contingent on funding.

“If we had $3 million, we'd start right away,” Mangold said.

The park is named for Powell's Centennial celebration, which is going on this year, but whether the park's construction begins this year will depend on funding. For information about contributing to the park, contact Mangold at mayormangold@cityofpowell.com or call 754-5106.