Council approves Eagle Scout’s Wildcat Children’s Memorial Garden at Wildcat Park

Columbia Falls City Council approved Resolution 19‑47 authorizing Life Scout Merrick Fairchild to construct the Wildcat Children’s Memorial Garden at Wildcat Park. City staff will supervise the project and take responsibility for long‑term maintenance of vegetation and installed structures after construction is complete.

“My name is Merrick Fairchild. I’m a life scout,” Fairchild told the council while outlining his design, which preserves existing trees, adds two benches and one picnic table, and builds lowered, gravel pathways to limit spreading into grass areas. “The plan is to incorporate the existing trees of this park and use those as guidelines for our fencing,” he said.

Fairchild described a black or green chain‑link fence raised six inches to allow mowing clearance, a public access gate at the entrance and a separate maintenance gate for city equipment. The plan calls for mostly perennial, pollinator‑friendly plantings chosen for low maintenance and deer resistance. Fairchild said he will supply materials to extend the park’s existing sprinkler system; parks staff will install the connection.

A parks staff member confirmed that the parks department reviewed the plantings and has agreed to take responsibility for maintenance. “The maintenance will fall to the city, parks department, and they’ll essentially take care of maintenance from there,” the staff member said, adding that most plants in the plan are low‑maintenance perennials.

The resolution was approved by recorded vote. Council recorded votes included: Councilor Sheppard, aye; Councilor Pfeiffer, aye; Councilor Price, aye; Mayor Barnhart, aye. The motion passed.

The council noted the project has already received Scouting America district approval and parks committee support; staff will supervise construction to ensure compliance with project guidelines and will manage long‑term upkeep of the garden.