In December 2018, safety concerns required the closing of the Morony Natatorium, the only public option for indoor swimming. Given the City’s tight budget and the Natatorium’s record of operating at a loss, there seemed to be little hope of replacing the facility. But adversity inspires creativity.The City approached Malmstrom Air Force Base (MAFB) with the possibility of partnering on a federal grant proposal for an aquatics/fitness center.
Last week, City Manager Greg Doyon and Parks & Recreation Direct Steve Herrig joined Rotarians to update us on the project.
The Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program (DCIP) is designed to address deficiencies in community infrastructure supportive of a military installation, in order to enhance the military family quality of life, resilience, or military value. After a highly competitive process, the Department of Defense awarded $10 million in matching DCIP funds for the Great Falls proposal last fall. The proposal met the key criteria of improving the quality of life for airmen and their families, providing convenient access to MAFB, and addressing an identified military need – in this case, providing a training location for aircrews at MAFB and MANG.
The grant requires that the partners break ground on the project by September 2021, so an ambitious timeframe has been established. Originally a site near the Siebel soccer fields seemed ideal for the center, but the poor soil quality there added too significantly to the expense of the project. After investigating other sites, the site preferred by Malmstrom was Lions Park. Because of its convenient access to the Base and the public, as well as the higher quality of soil (which will allow a facility large enough to generate revenue), the City also found it preferable.
The project team is now in the process of getting community feedback on the location and design of the aquatics/fitness center. Steve Herrig provided a draft layout of the site, which includes two pools, basketball courts, locker rooms, a child-watch area, and other amenities.
“It’s incredible that the City was awarded $10 million dollars through a grant process to construct a project that would benefit both the community and its military partners,” City Manager Doyon commented. “This is a project unlike anything Great Falls has seen in a very long time.”
It’s heartening to see that the City undertake a project that not only responds to a long-standing public need, but also helps solidify our relationship with the military, which is such an important factor of the local economy.
If you have ideas or suggestions, be sure to contact Steve Herrig at 406-771-1265. You can also review the Frequently Asked Questions at https://greatfallsmt.net/recreation/new-recreation-center-faq-0
