Lakeside gains 'Volunteer Park' 

West Shore News

The name of the new waterfront park in Lakeside, which is on target to be completed by mid-August, has been announced — Volunteer Park.

"The park is to be named Volunteer Park in honor of all who have given their time, funds and energy to making the Lakeside community and the West Shore a better place to live," said Margaret Davis, park developer and Lakeside resident.

Property owners Bruce Ennis and Davis have been working to develop the day-use park, located on U.S. Highway 93 and Adams Street, after purchasing land along Flathead Lake. The park will be donated to and then managed by Flathead County upon completion.

Approximately 130 name suggestions were considered, and Davis said that some of the best ones came from the students of Lakeside Elementary School.

"Winnowing down the list wasn't easy," Davis said. "Our one criteria was that the park would not be named for a living person, so the suggestions ranged broadly. Thanks to everyone who submitted ideas."

In addition to the name for the park, several structures have also been given names. The large pavilion will be named for the Mattson family. Becky Mattson, who died earlier this month, and her husband Richard were dedicated volunteers with a special interest in Flathead County parks and park improvements, Davis said. Their son Richard has carried on that legacy and they all were supporters of furthering public access to Flathead Lake, she said. The Mattson family property along Highway 93 was one of the pieces of land Ennis and Davis acquired to build the park.

The two smaller pavilions will be given early historic names for Lakeside, Chautauqua and Lacon, which are more than 100 years old.

COMPLETION

With the sod and the structures in place, many may think the park is complete, but there's still work to be done.

The sod went in last week and needs three weeks of regular watering without traffic for it to establish roots.

The parking lot is scheduled to be paved this week, which also requires time to achieve its full strength. Also remaining is the painting of the two new crosswalks, one across U.S. Highway 93 and another at Adams Street. Other smaller finishing projects for the restroom and structures remain as well.

Davis reminds residents that until the park ownership is transferred to the county, it is still private property.

However, the public dock at the east end of Adams Street is available to the public, with the nearest parking located at Lakeside Elementary School.

Before the keys are turned over to Flathead County, Davis said a private event will be held for those who have been involved in its construction. A public dedication is in progress for the first part of September.