Troy seeks grant for Roosevelt Park improvements

State officials have passed along a grant to the National Park Service that could free up over $300,000 in federal funds and matching contributions to help Troy revamp Roosevelt Park.

Troy officials submitted the financial plan and supporting documents for their Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) application on Dec. 10, according to City Councilor TJ Boswell. The city’s ask includes $151,945 in donations and volunteer contributions. Since LWCF offers a one-to-one matching grant, Boswell said the city stands to receive $303,890.

“This would be quite the facelift for Roosevelt Park,” said Boswell during a Dec. 10 interview.

LWCF grants are part of a federal grant program overseen by the National Parks Service. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) administers state and local projects through the program. By Dec. 15, Boswell said state FWP had passed the grant application along to federal officials.

Funds from the grant would go towards adding a shade cover to the park’s playground, a coin-operated shower bathroom by the city’s yurt, a new splash pad and an additional restroom by the city’s skate park. The dollars would also assist the city in upgrading the city’s skate park and resurfacing a pathway near the park’s concession area and existing splash pad. Minor work, including putting signs and moving a powerline, is listed in the budget.

Boswell noted that even if the city missed out on the grant, the municipality could still apply the donations it has collected for certain projects. Troy has already seen $74,400 in direct contributions for the skate park at Roosevelt Park. City officials have prepared a second budget for the skate park if the LWCF grant doesn’t come through.

City officials will hear back on the LWCF grant in April, according to Boswell.