Walking path developed by school volunteers, donations
Kristi Sopke photo
Pictured next to the walking path from left are: Lawrence Fry, MVCA Director Christian Bumgarner, Dave Abell, Penny Jarecki, Raina Stene, Shauna Rubel, Annette Schiele and Dorthy Ashcroft.
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News from Christian Bumgarner, Mission Valley Christian Academy director
POLSON – The Mission Valley Christian Academy dedicated their walking path on Friday, May 25. In a ceremony at the school, two miles east of Polson on Highway 35, a number of key individuals and organizations were acknowledged for their valuable contributions that made this community and school project possible.
The Greater Polson Community Foundation generously donated $1,250 towards the path and signage that encourages good stewardship of the path and the surrounding area. GPCF board members in attendance were Dorthy Ashcroft, Penny Jarecki, Dave Abell, Shauna Rubel and Mrs. Jeannette Phillips.
Annette Schiele, an MVCA parent, authored the grant for the school and was the main driver behind this cooperative project.
Raina Stene, the MVCA cross country coach and parent, was the architect in designing the half-mile layout of the track. Willi Stene, an MVCA Board member, used his tractor to dig out the path, prep for the gravel, spray for weeds on the path (valued at over $600) and spread the twenty truckloads of gravel that were generously donated (valued at over $1400) by Glacier Lake Sand and Gravel.
Pat Lake, another MVCA parent graciously donated the truck and fuel (valued at over $1200) to haul all the gravel to the school. About a half dozen more loads were purchased from Glacier Lake, and MVCA grandpa Lawrence Fry moved the final loads of gravel (another $600 donated) to level out the path. The gravel was then raked and packed down by MVCA students and staff.
MVCA purchased several trees and others were donated ($450) to add beauty and aesthetic value to the path.
The Delaneys donated and planted a beautiful deciduous tree that will help provide shade for walkers and runners for years to come. A generous gift from Flathead Signs and Graphics completed the project. The total donations amounted to well over $4,000, and the Mission Valley Christian Academy is grateful for the generosity of the community towards the creation of this walking path.
The vision of adding exercise equipment, more signs, resting benches and more memorial trees along the path was cast at the dedication. A cross-country meet is planned for the fall and the public is invited to come anytime and enjoy the beautiful views and family friendly area. This project is a great example of positive things that happen when individuals and organizations work together for the common good of our wonderful community. The Mission Valley Christian Academy would like to thank all the individuals and groups that made this new walking path possible.
