TF park one step closer

The vision for Thompson Falls is about to become reality. Step by step the end will result in a beautified gathering space connecting community together.

Ainsworth Field is about to embark on its journey which began in 2012 when a volunteer City Park Board began brainstorming and fundraising for a new facility they knew had potential.

Monday evening, the City of Thompson Falls and the public met to discuss the status of the park. At this meeting, it was disclosed that final designs and cost estimates of the pre-design phase should wrap up mid-December, followed by bidding to be complete February and construction running from late March through July.

Open forum discussion placed emphasis on ranking important features the new facility should exhibit based on budgetary features and the possibility of constraints. At the top of the list was being Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and having a paved trail system with access for wheelchairs and providing direction for foot traffic, power and lighting availability, potable water, restrooms, a pavilion, landscaping, an amphitheater and parking lot capable of RV accessibility.

Some discussion on the RV accessibility took place as to how vehicles this size would maneuver around the current designated parking lot area. Mayor Mark Sheets suggested "parking RVs along Lincoln Street rather than the parking lot, in parallel parking fashion."

Much discussion took place on how to prioritize non-essential items, such as providing showers for bicycling club tours. Sheets stated, "A community gathering spot is the most important, things like showers fall off first as budget needs arise." Everyone agreed, although didn't lose sight on more advanced features being established in the future, as finances allow.

All in all, the message was loud and clear. Let's construct a facility that brings the community together and provide an area the community can be proud of while enhancing economic growth.

The committee sees the future as providing meeting grounds for a multitude of events, concerts, theatrics, fairs/markets, fundraisers, running races, recreation and outdoor movies - the list is endless. Utilizing this space would be tourists, students, children, seniors, veterans, community businesses, and recreationists.

Discussions on the management of the park continued to infiltrate throughout the evening. Many questions arose that will require further discovery. These include permitting by the city for large group use (such as auto show venues, dog agility shows, large fundraisers, bicycling tours, etc.), winter maintenance, accessibility and liability, fees for usage, dog owner use and clean-up, donation boxes and other logistical and managerial topics which are sure to arise throughout the experience.

The community and city council has engaged a lot into making this happen, commented Jen Kreiner, Sanders County Community Development Corporation. She added that it appears funds are secured for future maintenance and upkeep of the facility, as maintaining the park is key to its execution.

The excitement and possibilities of the facility are becoming reality. Locals should expect to adorn a spectacular, beautifully decorated Christmas tree at Ainsworth Park one of these upcoming wintry seasons – just one of the many delights the City of Thompson Falls has in store for the community through utilizing the new venue.