Father Ravalli Park Renovations

Renovations to Father Ravalli Park on Stevensville's south side bring new play structure and expanded amenities. 

The Town of Stevensville's Parks & Recreation Department is working to update Father Ravalli Park with safer equipment, and more opportunities for recreation.

Parks & Recreation Director Bobby Sonsteng says that he is excited to finally see the renovations coming to life. "We're looking to provide the residents in this neighborhood with proper park facilities," Sonsteng said. "This area of our town is currently underserved, as the existing amenities in Father Ravalli Park are inadequate and create some concerns for safety."

At a special Town Council meeting, Sonsteng made a preliminary proposal to the Town Council seeking an appropriation of $25,000 from the Jean Thomas Parks Fund for the renovations. The proposal addressed an array of issues that had been discussed by the Town's Park Board since 2017. The proposal was approved by the Town Council and incorporated into Mayor Brandon Dewey's proposed budget for FY2021-2022. 

The Jean Thomas Parks Beautification Fund was established by the Town Council in 2017 by Resolution 400 for the benefit and beautification of the Town of Stevensville Parks. The fund was established after the late Jean Thomas named the Town of Stevensville as the beneficiary of her estate. The fund was established with $75,000 dollars.

Upon the establishment of the fund, the Park Board began the process of identifying needs in Stevensville’s parks. Parks & Recreation Director Bobby Sonsteng has reviewed the work of the Park Board as well as public comment from meetings of the Park Board and is bringing forth a proposal to appropriate $25,000 towards renovations in Father Ravalli Park.

The Jean Thomas Fund would provide funding for the following renovations:

• The existing swing set will be repainted, and new swings will be installed on the structure
• The western fence adjacent to the basketball court will be replaced with a solid wooden fence that will be utilized as a climbing wall for small children as pictured below.
• The wooden fence on the north boundary of the park would be updated or replaced through a partnership with the adjacent landowner
• The existing play structure at Father Ravalli Park is beyond the limits of it’s useful life. Parts of the structure have failed, and it no longer meets many playground safety standards. The structure was moved to Father Ravalli Park from Lewis & Clark Park when Bear Mountain Playground was built. New playground structures are economically priced right now. Below are examples of potential structures with associated pricing. Structures will serve ages 2-12.

The above structures are examples from a specific vendor and vary from the actual structure that is being installed

Finally, new maintenance free picnic tables and new garbage receptacles would be purchased and installed at Father Ravalli Park. Surfaces under play equipment would be addressed as part of the renovation, too.

In addition to the mentioned renovations, grant funding opportunities are being sought for a future dog park in Father Ravalli Park. This project would add a parking area to the south side of the park, and a walking path between Main Street and College Street would be added.

A future restroom facility is also planned, as well as a sidewalk along college street with new trees and lighting appropriate for the neighborhood.