The Dream Endures
In the year 2000, the Stevensville Community Foundation (SCF) embarked upon an ambitious vision: to establish a community center complex within the heart of our town. This vision, which became known as the “Dream,” was set in motion with the strategic acquisition of a 3.5-acre plot located at the intersection of Park Street and Middle Burnt Fork Road.
Recognizing the potential for greater community impact, SCF forged a collaboration with the local school district, which expressed a significant interest in a sizable, multipurpose performing arts center. It was clear that merging SCF’s property with the school district’s adjacent 4-acre land would yield greater benefits for the community as a unified project than if pursued as two separate initiatives.
To this end, a distinct entity, the Stevensville Community Center Complex Inc (SCCC), was established, and an extensive capital campaign commenced in 2005. Regrettably, this joint venture encountered an obstacle when the school district’s board revised their plans, resulting in the dissolution of the partnership. Despite this setback, and amidst the economic challenges of the great recession, SCCC remained steadfast in its commitment, progressing with the planning of a standalone community center.
During this period, essential infrastructure developments were undertaken, including the construction of access from Middle Burnt Fork Road and the strategic relocation of an irrigation feeder ditch to the property’s perimeter. Furthermore, a residential dwelling on the site was retained, providing a source of rental income that assisted in covering ongoing expenses such as taxes, insurance, and utilities.
The project’s progression is a testament to the thousands of hours of dedicated service by numerous individuals, complemented by the generosity of both major and minor financial supporters. To acknowledge just a few of the initial visionaries: John and Pat Powell, Bill and Jan Perrin, Carl and Cheryl Baldwin, Clark and Julie Mathison, and Steve Peckinpaugh played instrumental roles. Their tireless fundraising efforts in the early 2000s culminated in the successful repayment of the original $175,000 purchase loan.
Following the partnership’s conclusion, the SCCC board persevered with leadership comprising both founding and local community members alike, including Cheryl Baldwin, Jan Perrin, Pat Powell, Fred Thomas, Bill Burke, Tom Coston, Bob Thomas, Laurie Pelham, and Greg Hebner, alongside non-SCF board members Loey Knapp, Bill McNulty, and Greg Trangmoe. Their diverse tenure paved the way for potential collaborations, such as the one explored with the North Valley Library.
In the years 2017 through 2019, the SCCC board, after considerable deliberation and extensive meetings, decided to reignite the initiative upon learning of the City of Stevensville’s intent to extend the necessary sewer infrastructure to the proposed site, alongside a $500,000 grant from a local foundation. With renewed vigor, a new committee was established under the SCF, led by Chad Smith (President of SCF), and joined by Cody Velin, Tim Unger, Sandy Bollom, Bob Thomas (Chair), and community members Steve Peckinpaugh, Bill McNulty, Fred Thomas, and Rob Carnes. The services of Lorraine Roach of Hingston Roach Group were secured to conduct a feasibility study and to offer guidance on moving the project forward.
However, the initial optimism was challenged by unforeseen issues. The promised sewer trunk line was not realized due to changes in city administration, and the provision of city services to the site proved impractical. Residents west of Park Street were deterred by the cost of connecting to the trunk line, and the alternative of installing a private engineered septic system was deemed spatially prohibitive. The project faced further headwinds as construction costs escalated dramatically, tripling initial estimates, while community support for the site waned over the two-decade span since the property’s acquisition.
Given these considerations, coupled with an increasing demand for residential space, the SCF Board voted to authorize the sale of the property. While the original “Dream” may evolve into a different form in the future, the aspiration remains alive. Proceeds from the property’s sale will be earmarked, ensuring that if a more suitable location surfaces or financial patrons emerge, the vision may be renewed.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have contributed their time, energy, and financial resources to this endeavor. The history of this project is lengthy and cannot fully capture the breadth of support received. Therefore, we recognize every individual who has supported this project in any capacity. Although the Dream has not materialized at 710 Park Street, it continues, bolstered by a financial foundation that has doubled its initial outlay.
The Dream endures.
For many years our dream has been to create such a place. Will our dream become a reality?
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