Efforts continue to raise funds for Sliter Park memorial project

Fundraising efforts are ongoing for the

new veterans and pioneers memorials at Sliter Park.

About 400 inscribed bricks for the

pathway of the memorial project are currently for sale.

Orders are being taken for the

inscribed 4-by-8 inch bricks that will make up a path to circle a

U.S. flag facing monuments for the Bigfork pioneers and service

members.

“It would be for someone you care

about, particularly for the military,” organizer Jerry Murphy said

of the bricks. “It’s a good social thing to be doing for the

community to remember those who started it.”

Bricks purchased before Jan. 1, 2011,

will cost $50 each, before March 1 will be $75 and after March 1

will be $100.

Prices include inscriptions.

Money raised through the brick sales

will help pay for the memorial project.

Plans for the memorials call for two

stone or brick structures about 5-foot tall, one for veterans and

another for pioneers.

The memorial plans also call for

replacing the current rotting wooden posts around the entrance area

with a rock wall and installing a new Sliter Park sign, a lighted

flag pole, native plants and interpretive signs about the history

of the area.

The group leading the effort, the

Sliter Park Improvement Committee, is also continuing its quest for

information on any Bigfork pioneer or pioneer family who should be

included on the memorial.

“We’re being very cautious to make sure

to cover everyone who should be covered,” Murphy said. “The

challenging thing is going to be setting up the procedures for who

is qualified.”

Anyone who knows of a person or family

the group should check out is encouraged to call Murphy at

837-2459.