Park & Rec Department Awarded $200,000 in CDBG Grant Funds to Restore Morony Park

GREAT FALLS, MT – The Great Falls Park and Recreation Department was awarded $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to restore Morony Park. The restoration plans include removing the Natatorium building and installing a new play structure, pavilion, ADA sidewalks, and an updated basketball court.

The CDBG Program is administered by the Planning and Community Development Department, and fund allocations are approved by the City Commission. The program is designed to meet low-income housing and community development needs. Funds for this program are provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Removing the Natatorium will eliminate a safety hazard and blight while restoring the open park space and providing much-needed amenities to the neighborhood. The nearest park with amenities such as a basketball court and a play structure is 1 ½ miles away. The new sidewalks will provide handicapped accessibility to the amenities and offer easy access for families with strollers.

“The grant request for the Park and Recreation Department is consistent with the City’s adopted Annual Action Plan, which contains the goal of slum and blight removal. Upgrading the park also provides an important outdoor recreation facility for nearby low to moderate-income residents,” stated Tonya Shumaker, CDBG Administrator.

Additionally, the Morony Park improvements will meet the goals outlined in the Park and Recreation Master Plan. The City Commission adopted the master plan in November 2016 after an extensive public process, including surveys, town meetings, focus groups, and meetings with City officials. Walking trails and neighborhood parks ranked as the two highest priorities for citizens.

“While we know the removal of the Natatorium is the end of an era in Great Falls, we are looking forward to creating a new space where families can recreate and build new memories,” stated Steve Herrig, Park & Recreation Director. “In addition to Morony Park improvements, residents can also look forward to the opening of the new indoor aquatic and recreation center in the spring of 2024.”