by John E. Meacham, Jerry Esmay, Warren Price, Lynn Moshier, Adam Merlino, Charles Coutts, Chuck Burgmeier, Roger Linhart, Garrick Doll, Dennis Lenahan, Duane Bell, Brian K. Potton, Harry Potton
As most Stevensville readers are aware, a plot of land on the north side of Stevensville at the intersection of Main Street and Eastside Highway (southeast corner) is publicly known as the “Veterans Park.” Although the undersigned are not sure of the exact circumstances, this plot of land was donated to the city by a local family as a memorial for the death of their son during World War II. Over the years since, a number of different veteran memorials/monuments have been placed there. Recently, memorial boards were erected to honor those local citizens who were serving during the “War on Terrorism” following 9/11. Then approximately two years ago, a major modification was made to provide a monument that honors
those local citizens who have given their lives while on active duty in the military.
During the approximately 20 years involved above, the Town provided financial assistance and maintenance assistance in building and maintaining these veteran projects. However, we also note that non-veteran encroachment has also been slowly occurring. Major perimeter changes were made to include the removal of a hedge, removal of large cottonwood trees (which had definitely become a safety hazard) and the establishment of parking spaces on the east side of the property. We also point to the creation of an information kiosk near Main street.
Most recently, we note that the Town Police Office has been moved into the rear of the building which already holds the Montana Vehicle Division Drivers License office and a real estate office.
We are now concerned with the parking availability for those wanting to visit the Veterans Monument; particularly when we see that two of these slots seem to be permanently taken up with extra and/or dead (?) patrol cars. We wonder if the Town plans on eventually taking over this entire area?