Years ago, County Commissioner Leon Lenon thought we should have a Forest Service ranger station in Columbia Falls.

He was instrumental in having land purchased for this on the east end of Columbia Falls adjacent to Highway 40.

Closest ranger stations were located at Big Creek and Coram.

Years passed and the ranger station did not materialize. Eventually General Services Administration declared the land as surplus property. Next the City of Columbia Falls purchased the land for $1 and area was designated at GSA Park.

Marantette Park was created on the site and has become an important part of Columbia Falls. It was named after Bob Marantette, active business owner and resident. Marantette is a familiar name to longtime residents as his parents, Ed and Josephine (always known as Jo) owned the Park Mercantile. Sons surviving are Jim of Whitefish, and Bill of Missoula. Their brothers, Louis and Bob, and sister, Margaret, are deceased.

In 1997, a band shell was built in the park with the late Ruth Renfrow spearheading funding and plans for the construction. Her husband, Leo, has been helpful and supportive through the years. Volunteer workers included Columbia Falls Lions Club members. It was a $70,000 project.

Lions started a Thursday night concert series in the park in 1998. Successful community event enters the 11th year with first concert scheduled for June 18. Last in this year's series takes place Aug. 6. Musicians marvel at acoustics and enjoy looking at Bad Rock Canyon as they perform. Donations of $3 for an individual or $5 for a family are accepted. Area businesses provide refreshments and door prizes.

The band shell became Don Lawrence Amphitheater to honor the longtime school band instructor. Volunteer work now includes arranging concerts in the park as an active Columbia Falls Lions Club member.

Marantette Park has playground equipment, Veterans Wall and picnic area, and is the location for Easter egg hunts, Christmas Village and other community events, including Heritage Days.

My grandson, Russell Schulte, 23, was killed in an automobile accident near Norris Sept. 1, 1997. The following year his mother, Laurie Shay, wanted to start Trees for Russ in his memory. We searched sites, finally deciding it would be appropriate to have one in his home town and chose Marantette Park. We worked with the park commissioner with plans discussed to have a grant for more trees. This did not materialize.

The family had a plaque placed in memory of Russ on the little knoll surrounded by trees near the amphitheater. It shows a Montana tree and inscribed Trees for Russ with birth year, 1974, and year of his death, 1997.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News