SEELEY LAKE — Seeley Lake is known for its recreation opportunities.
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One group is pushing for a new outdoor exercising outlet: a skate park.
"Skating has been really beneficial to some kids. You know, changed their lives, saved their lives," founder and chairman of the Seeley Lake Skatepark Association Don Peavey said.
Almost a year ago, Peavey started the Seeley Lake Skatepark Association to get the wheels rolling on a skate park in town.
"Maybe a gazebo next to it for birthday parties and that sort of stuff. Clinton has a neat example of that. We want to do something really nice. Piece of artwork and something that Seeley can really be proud of and attracts out-of-town visitors as well," Peavey explained.
Peavey notes that the association is looking for a permanent location, but much of the area is either Forest Service or private land.
"There's no county property in Seeley. There's very little and nothing big enough for a skate park. We want to work with the county for sure. We're working with parks and trails and rec all the time and applying for grants through them as well," Peavey told MTN.
The mark to reach is $400,000, and Peavey says groups like Montana Pool Service and the Montana Skatepark Association are willing to help. However, the association needs to build momentum first.
"We're new. We need donations. We need the early donations. We hope to have our first $50,000 in the bank by the end of the year," Peavey said.
To spread the word and raise funds, boards, gear, and a portable skate track are available, thanks to donations from Kalispell-based Serious JuJu and Board of Missoula, at Seeley's first Mountain Family Freedom Festival on Saturday.
"Nine to five, along with a bunch of other events that are going on down at the elementary school. And then we have the ability to keep this track. And if we can find an indoor space that's available and affordable, we would set this track up all winter long," Peavey said.
Goals for the association include getting people excited about skateboarding, opening the skate park in 2028, and offering something new to the community.
"Go to some place local in town and get rid of the stresses of the day and learn new skills," Peavey said.
To learn more and donate, click here.
