Crews with LHC, Inc., are planning to begin infrastructure work at Kidsports Complex on May 11 and visitors are advised to stay clear of the construction site, including the remaining sections of trails, which are now closed.
Don Brummel, project manager with the Kalispell-based contractor, said crews are preparing to construct new infrastructure at the 126-acre public complex, including restrooms, additional roads and parking, as well as utilities such as water and sewer. The new infrastructure will allow the popular outdoor facility to add seven new multi-purpose fields on an undeveloped section of roughly 40 acres on the northwest section of the property.
Brummel advised visitors to stay clear of construction, which is expected to continue through summer. The remaining section of trail on the northwest piece of the property is now closed.
Brummel said the goal is to complete the infrastructure project by the end of August.
At its April 17 meeting, the Kalispell City Council approved awarding state grant funding to LHC to tackle the infrastructure construction. The state Department of Commerce in late 2015 awarded the city a $1.41 million youth recreation grant for Kidsports’ infrastructure, and LHC emerged with the lowest bid, roughly $1.1 million. LHC previously built the entire complex except for Miracle Field.
The addition of new fields is relying on community fundraising. The nonprofit organization needs to raise roughly $1 million to establish the seven new fields and about half has already been collected.