Letter from Randall Butt

Summer 2015 park update.  By Randall Butt, Park Manager

 

At 10 a.m. on July 25^th Farragut State Park will host a ribbon cutting as we open the Discover History wing at the Museum at the Brig.  The new wing will occupy what was once the mess hall of the Brig building, and be focused on history associated with the local area.  Displays are in progress and will be updated over the next few years on a variety of topics.  These will include; Glacial Lake Missoula, Pend Oreille City and local communities, The Albeni Falls Dam project, The Farragut Technical College, large group events hosted at the park, and Farragut State Park history.

 

While preparation for the new wing has been ongoing for a few years, the opening is tied to celebrating Farragut State Park’s 50^th anniversary.  As with any anniversary it is a time to look back at those years now behind us and look forward to those approaching.  On July 20^th, at 6p.m. at the Bayview Community Center, Farragut staff will be available to discuss all that is happening with regard to the park.  In addition to the meeting on July 20^th, the park will have a suggestion form available later this summer to get feedback on the activities offered in the park.

 

The questionnaire is similar to the one put out in 2003 and is the first step in a multi-year process.  The suggestions will be evaluated this fall by staff to insure the ability of resources to provide for any changes, and for compatibility with Department mission and goals.  Next year those enhancements that can be accommodated would be put out to park users for additional comment before the Department prioritizes any projects/plans that come from the process. 

 

The results of the 2003 questionnaire resulted in the expansion of the disc golf courses, adding more exhibits to the Museum at the Brig, construction of the Shoreline picnic area, and development of the Lynx and Buggy trial systems which connect park facilities.  It also contributed to the construction of Gilmore campground, and the recent re-construction of a second RV sanitation station.

 

In the meantime park visitors will see some projects already in motion:

-A trail surfacing project going from Sunrise to the Whitetail Campground. 

-Upgrades to the Sunrise group use shelter area, and at the Scott Field Group Area. 

-Trail improvement and information signing at the Scout Pole area.

-The Little Black Bear disc golf course expanded with an additional 10 holes added. 

-The addition of features at the Viewpoint. 

-Protection of the Beaver Bay Beach peninsula.

-Planning for a central entrance at Brig Road. 

-and in addition to the dedication of the Discovery wing at the Museum at the Brig on July 25^th, the park will be hosting part of the 1965 Farragut Girl Scout Roundup reunion in September, and is negotiating the hosting of three major cross country track meets for this fall.