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City of Missoula, Montana Item to be Referred to City Council Committee Committee: Conservation Committee Item: Caras Park Improvements and Fundraising Campaign Date: July 22, 2010 Prepared by: Kathy Mehring Initiated by: Linda McCarthy, MDA Director Action Required: No action required at this time. The Missoula Downtown Association, contracted by the City of Missoula to manage Caras Park events, has launched a capital campaign for Caras Park Improvements and would like to update the Conservation Committee on proposed improvements and its fundraising strategy. Recommended Motion: Timeline: Referral to committee: July 30, 2010 Committee discussion: August 4, 2010 Deadline: Background and Alternatives Explored: The MDA built the pavilion in 1997 and has managed it on behalf of the city for 13+ years. The MDA has paid off the capital debt on the permanent structure and is embarking on a 3-year campaign to raise $500,000 for improvements, in conjunction with implementation of the Downtown Master Plan. The first phase of the project will be to build a new stage, band shell, electrical system and irrigation system in the events ring. MDA hopes to have Phase One completed by April 2011. Other improvements include a vehicle ramp, sound system, replacement of pavilion walls, painting the structure, brick repair and replacement of the fabric awning. MDA is working with downtown leaders and parks and recreation staff members to make the improvements happen. Caras Park continues to attract nearly half a million visitors to more than 75 events each year, as it remains Missoula’s Town Square. At some point in the future, a formal request may be made requesting the City of Missoula to contribute financially to the proposed improvements. The MDA would like to see Caras Park Improvements as part of the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Financial Implications: List any financial implications here. Attachments: Caras Park Management Agreement Caras Park Campaign Flyer