The Caroline School site is getting a $75,000 boost from Clearwater County to improve the grounds south of the building.

The Caroline School Enhancement Group had been fundraising to level the gopher-infested grounds, improve the football field and track, and add wheelchair access from the parking lot.

Back on Aug. 26, the group sought council’s support for the project.

Coun. Genny Mehlhaff made the original motion to forward funds of up to $100,000.

“This is just a great example of the community getting together to build something fabulous,” says Mehlhaff. “I think that it will be a benefit to that region and the school, and to the kids and community that will frequent it.”

Mehlhaff adds, she hopes efficiencies can be found during the project to maximize benefit to the south end of the county.

Coun. Genny Mehlhaff speaking to potential efficiencies that can be found in the Caroline School project

 

To that end, Ag Services Director Bettina van Nieuwkerk says the county hopes improvements can eventually be a part of a proposed walking trail around the community of Caroline.

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Ultimately, The Caroline School Enhancement Group says it needs to raise a little over $204,000 to complete the project.

It had already raised around $40,000 through fundraising efforts.

Now, with the $75,000 contribution from the county, the group can apply for a matching Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) to reach its goal.

Council modified the agreement to include that excess funds can be used on an approved change of scope, or returned to the county, and that funds not used for an incomplete project are to be returned to the county.

The $75,000 is to be moved from contingency.

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Kirsten Collison, principal of Caroline School says the existing track on the south side of the school is in woefully rough condition.

“Our football team is trying to play on the field, but it’s full of gopher holes,” she says. “We’re bussing students into Rocky Mountain House, because we don’t have a serviceable track.”

She added, there’s “nowhere” for seniors or young parents to take their kids for a walk in the community, and an upgraded walking track near the school could fill a need.