What projects should be carried out at the Jefferson County fairgrounds and in what order?
That is one question facing the fair board as they work on a Fairgrounds Master Plan to guide future site development.
Great West Engineering has been contracted to help with the master plan, and an open house set for February 27 at 6:30 p.m. in Volunteer Hall will solicit public input.
“The fairgrounds have been identified as really key to the economic welfare of the community,” said fair board chair Terry Minow. As it develops, “we want it to fit the needs and wants of the community,” she said.
“The history of the fairgrounds is one of volunteerism,” she noted, citing the many groups and efforts that have helped it become what it is today.
After the State of Montana ceased using the area as part of the then-Boulder River School and Hospital (now known as the MDC), the red barn was the first facility spruced up by area volunteers. Known as the “square dance barn,” the building welcomed local dance enthusiasts.
The rodeo club has continually improved the arena, the grandstand and the concession stand. The carousel group brought that attraction to the fairgrounds and constructed an enclosure for it. Local quilters contributed to sound mitigation at the Volunteer Hall. The American Legion is working to rebuild a train that may serve the fairgrounds.
With all of that history of volunteerism, the fairgrounds truly belong to the people, and the public ought to be involved in fashioning its future, said Minow.
Ideas already discussed include finding a way to heat the white loafing barn to allow for year round use, building a children’s playground, adding a walking trail, landscaping, improving parking, adding more lighting, upgrading the arena sound system, improving a dedicated space for 4-H, and painting.
“Some of these we’ll go ahead with anyway,” said Minow. “We don’t want to stop just because we are doing planning.”
Getting public input at the open house will be a way to move that historic volunteerism to the next level, she said. It will also allow the fair board to reach out to people wanting to be involved in crafting the future of the fairgrounds, she added.
“It’s very exciting,” said Minow.
