EDB approves $50,000 toward Lincoln Primary School playground; project cites stormwater fixes and accessibility

The Anaconda Deer Lodge County Economic Development Board approved a $50,000 allocation to the Lincoln Primary School playground project to help close the group's fundraising gap and keep an expedited construction timeline. The motion passed unanimously; the minutes record the motion language with a fiscal-year typographical error ('2025-20276'), which the board did not treat as substantive to the allocation.

Shane Ellingsson of WET presented a two-part design that addresses chronic stormwater flooding at the school and adds green play space, a 1/5‑mile walking track, a 14-foot-by-20-foot shaded structure and permeable pavers. Principal Holly Bjerke said the design will create a functional outdoor classroom and play area that students and neighbors can use; "It is pretty cool that they can be a showcase," Bjerke said. The project team reported $150,000 awarded through a WMCC grant and $75,000 from the Washington Foundation; total project estimates ranged from approximately $390,000 to as much as $450,000 depending on permeable paver pricing and final selections.

Project proponents said they hope to commission final design in February, bid in March and begin construction in June, though the group acknowledged contractor availability could push some work into the school year. Board members praised the proposal's stormwater and accessibility features and approved the $50,000 request to help meet the fundraising target and keep the project on the proposed schedule.