65 attend Riverfront ceremony

The transformation of Riverfront Park is nearly complete, Mayor Doug Roll told the estimated gathering of about 65 people who attended the dedication Saturday.

“This small ceremony today marks a new chapter for Libby,” Roll said. “This park is just one example of this community’s strength, perseverance and character.”

The 10 a.m. ceremony, which included a ribbon-cutting, had a carnival-like feeling as there was a bouncy house for children, Willie-Bee the Balloon Man offered the young and young at-heart free souvenirs from the day, and Libby Volunteer Fire Department had an antiqure fire engine on the premises.

Preceding the ribbon-cutting, Roll introduced Commissioner Tony Berget, Ethan Heverly of Sen. Steve Daines office, who read a statement, the EPA’s Rebecca Thomas, who thanked Libby and Lincoln County residents for the opportunity to serve them.

“We’re excited to bring this site to a beneficial reuse,” Thomas said, referencing the former vermiculite industrial site.

Recently appointed District 8 EPA Director Shaun McGrath from Denver called the park’s current state was achieved through “a great collaborative manner. I am so proud to be here. I can’t even imagine the patience of this county and the mayor,” McGrath said.

Roll commended the work of Bruce Lutz of WGM Group who designed the park. Melissa Matassa-Stone of WGM Group was on hand to take part in the ceremony.

Also recognized was Park District Member Robert DeBorde and former City Councilman Howard Paullin, who served on the City Council in 2007.

Also in attendance was Marilee Brown, the wife of former Mayor Fred Brown, for whom the Fred Brown Pavilion was named, and she was struck be the grandeur of the park.

“Every day I come across that bridge, and I look down and see that pavilion, and I think of Fred, our home and our family.”

The park is known as Operable Unit No. 1, or OU-1, by the EPA and the Libby residents affiliated with the cleanup. The project, over many years, cost $3.2 million of which $2.6 million was paid for by the EPA. The rest was paid for by the city and the many who contributed to the most celebrated operable units to be cleaned.

The park dedication was preceded by a breakfast given by members Libby Assembly of God church to many of the principals who were involved with the cleanup.

“Our commitment, community pride and the cooperation of all those involved made this park a reality,” Roll said.