Morgan Valliant gave the brief background of Bancroft ponds and the ability it has to provide an educational environment.
Dave Westfall representing Bancroft Ponds committee and the Lewis and Clark Neighborhood council gave an overview of the proposal for the Bancroft Ponds Park Outdoor Classroom. Dave Westfall provided information to the committee on the enhancements that the committees would like to see to the park and the development of an outdoor classroom. The overall cost of the project would be $14,000 and the committee would like request $6000 from the City of Missoula to help with the overall cost. The committee is asking for the support from Conservation Lands Advisory Committee (CLAC)
CLAC conversed about the placement of the outdoor school and the benefits that it would have for the community and students. There was concern on the placement of boulders for seating and if there would create an area in which individuals might be able to hide. There was also discussion on current boulders in the area and if the Bancroft Ponds committee or the Lewis and Clark Neighborhood council had observed any vandalism. Dave Westfall and Colleen Biehl informed the committee that they had not seen any vandalism.
CLAC members asked if the Bancroft Pond Committee foresees a possible shelter around the outdoor classroom. Dave Westfall and John Conner communicated that they don’t see a shelter ever being recommended.
Morgan Valliant reminded the committee that this action would be an addition to the current management plan for Bancroft Ponds. The outdoor classroom would comply with the current management plan. It would ensure that what is done in the park is usable and ecstatically fit with the landscape. The Bancroft Pond committee is asking for CLAC to make a recommendation to Park Board and bring it forward so the committee will be able to move forward on the design.
Naomi Alhadeff from National Wildlife Federation stated that community members have stressed this as a high need.