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Parking commission approves $10,000 contribution for Caras Park canopy replacement
Summary
The Missoula Parking Commission approved a $10,000 contribution to the Missoula Downtown Foundation to help replace the 1997 Caras Park canopy. The foundation said it has raised about $279,000 toward a $500,000 campaign and expects removal and replacement in October with completion spring 2026.
The Missoula Parking Commission approved a $10,000 contribution to the Missoula Downtown Foundation’s campaign to replace the Caras Park canopy.
Linda McCarthy, representing the Downtown Missoula Partnership, and Carrie Harper, director of giving for the Missoula Downtown Foundation, told the commission the existing canopy has exceeded its design life and that Fabricon’s 2024 inspection found wear and tearing at peak points and cable junctures. Carrie Harper said the foundation is raising $500,000 to replace the canopy, repaint the supporting structure with anti‑graffiti coating, and add two play features; the campaign has raised about $279,000 to date. “We are requesting from the Municipal Parking Commission today a $10,000 financial contribution, to help support this project,” Harper said.
Commission members asked about lifespan and procurement. Harper said the replacement product carries a 20‑year guarantee (the original had a 12–15 year expectation). The fabric replacement will be done by Fabricon, the company that installed the original pavilion in 1997; painting will be competitively bid. Jody told the board the commission’s grants and contributions budget for FY25 is $60,700 and that to date the commission already committed $10,000 to a mural project and $10,000 to match Missoula in Motion funding.
During discussion, one commissioner said the connection between the parking commission’s mission and a canopy replacement is indirect but moved to support the project because Caras Park drives downtown economic activity and parking demand. The board discussed payment timing and whether commission funds should be conveyed after the foundation reaches its fundraising goal; the foundation said it has a $100,000 payment to make in the next 30 days and asked whether the commission could split the contribution across fiscal years if needed. Jody indicated staff preference is to pay once the campaign goal is reached but noted the foundation had asked about earlier disbursement options.
A motion to approve a $10,000 contribution passed on roll call: JR Casillas — approve; Mike Steinberg — approve; Peter Walker — approve; Joe Easton — approve. (Tiffany Brander had left the meeting before the vote.)
Ending: The foundation will proceed with fundraising and procurement; staff and the foundation will coordinate timing and terms for disbursement and public recognition.
