Plans move forward for Libby’s smallest park

With $5,000 already invested this year, Libby City Council moved ahead with its plans to finish development of what is commonly known as “Pocket Park.”

The tiny green space located between the city police department and Timberline Auto Center on Mineral Avenue isn’t a large park, but councilors have made it a priority.

Earlier this year, they approved spending $5,000 from the Community Development Fund to remove a power pole from the location.

At Monday’s meeting, council approved a $7,320 grant from the LOR Foundation to construct a concrete pad and move a heat pump to the building’s roof that also houses the Libby Volunteer Fire Department.

LOR Libby Community Officer Tabitha Viergutz said the grant will cover the cost of the pad, moving the heat pump and the paint that will be used to do the mural.

Students from the Libby Central School taught by Heather Robertson will paint the mural.

“I’m hoping we can start next week before it gets too cold,” Roberston said. “When it gets below freezing, the paint can peel and you can end up with bubbles or bumps.”

Robertson said if the weather doesn’t cooperate the work will wait until next spring.

The project is also getting a hand from Robertson’s husband, Dennis, known to most as “Buzz.” His company, Busy Bee Construction, is donating a scissor lift, power washer and paint sprayer.

The 10-foot diameter mural will sit behind the metal wings that the late Todd Berget made, and commissioned by the Kootenai Valley Rotary Club, before his passing in 2019.

Naming of the park was also discussed at length.

One suggestion would be in honor of the former Chief of Police John Ferdinand Bockman who died in the line of duty after being shot on April 28, 1924. Bockman, a veteran of World War I, was Libby’s only police officer at the time. Bockman was able to return fire and the man who shot him died a few days later.

Councilor Hugh Taylor suggested it being named in honor of former Libby VFD Chief Tom Wood, who has served for 52 years.

Fellow councilor Zach McNew suggested it be named in memory of Berget while Kristin Smith suggested “Police Officer Park” and Rotary Club of the Kootenai Valley President Bruce Weatherby thought Rotary Peace Park was a good idea.

Councilor Brian Zimmerman thought staying with the law enforcement side of things was best for “Pocket Park.”

Councilor Gary Beach added that it would be a good idea to put something up in Fireman Park in honor of Tom Wood.

Mayor Peggy Williams said she’d like to see the community make suggestions for the name of the park. She said they should be sent to City Administrator Sam Sikes at city.admin@cityoflibby.com. The deadline is Oct. 31.