MISSOULA DOWNTOWN FOUNDATION SPRING

CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE CARAS PARK CANOPY

The Missoula Downtown Foundation (MDF) is raising $500,000 to replace the Caras Park Canopy, repaint the pavilion structure, and install additional features to the Beartracks Underbridge Playspace. Caras Park has been central to Missoula’s outdoor gatherings for over 25 years, hosting over 500,000 visitors annually and 100+ events each year since 1997.  After nearly three decades of use, the Caras Park Canopy and Pavilion need renewal to continue to serve our community.  The Downtown Missoula Partnership and Missoula Parks and Recreation collaborate to manage and care for Caras Park as a premier, city-center park in Missoula.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exceeding its 15-year lifespan at 28 years old, the Caras Park Canopy shows wear.  The 2024 inspection revealed canvas deterioration, reduced weather protection, and potential safety issues.  The steel pavilion framework exhibits weathering and corrosion, requiring repainting. This project includes replacing the canopy with durable materials to withstand Montana’s climate for many years to come, a full structural repaint with anti-graffiti coatings, and decorative lighting and a skating feature to the adjacent Beartracks Underbridge Playspace.

“The Caras Park Canopy Project is an investment in Missoula’s future,” said Rob Fleming, President of the Missoula Downtown Foundation Board of Directors. “Revitalizing this iconic space ensures our downtown remains a vibrant gathering place for generations to come.”

The renewed Caras Park Canopy and Pavilion will enhance Missoula’s Downtown experience with improved weather protection, modern aesthetics, and sustainability, preserving this beloved city-center park for many more years of community festivals, events, and gatherings.  Local company Fabricon, who performed the installation of the original canopy, will lead the canopy replacement project.  Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025 with target completion in the spring of 2026. The MDF has raised $279,000 – over half of the project’s total costs.

The MDF is committed to enhancing and supporting local cultural, historical, and economic vibrancy by funding Downtown Missoula projects and programs. Recently completed projects include informational kiosks, hanging flower baskets, and several murals. Currently, the MDF is working on funding several key projects throughout Downtown Missoula, including Wayfinding signage, Caras Park Improvements, and Culture and Impact Grants.

Gifts and pledges to the Caras Park Canopy Project can be submitted at https://donations.missouladowntown.com.  For more information on the Missoula Downtown Foundation and the Caras Park Canopy Project, visit https://www.missouladowntown.com or contact Director of Giving Carrie Harper via phone at 406-542-4238 or email ([email protected]).