The Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday gave their nod of approval for a private fundraising campaign for an outdoor patio at the county’s new South Campus Building.

Diane Queen Miller of Kalispell is leading the effort to raise roughly $35,500 or more to allow an outdoor patio to be part of the county’s two-story South Campus Building. The patio earlier was trimmed from the project as the county made cuts to bring the total cost closer to the $6 million budgeted expenditure.

The Agency on Aging and Kalispell Senior Center will occupy the ground level of the new building. Miller said an outdoor patio would be used not only by seniors but also county employees and the public.

All three commissioners gave Miller their support for the fundraising project, and Commissioner Phil Mitchell wrote out a check for $500 on the spot.

“This is a way for me to say to the senior citizens we’ve funded as much as we can, and now they can do a fundraiser and get what they want,” Mitchell said after the meeting. “I believe this is a way for these senior citizens to put some skin in the game.”

The commissioners commended Miller for her effort.

“We recognize the importance of this project,” Commissioner Gary Krueger said.

Miller said she discussed the patio with CTA Architects Engineers and learned it will take $35,500 to construct the concrete, canopy and a seating wall. Any extra money raised will equip the patio with benches, tables and chairs.

She is working to get the contribution details of the fundraiser finalized in time for the groundbreaking ceremony planned at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the construction site. 

The Flathead County Treasurer’s Office will process the tax-deductible donations as a line item in the county budget. Checks will need to specify the South Campus Patio Project in the memo line. Mailing information for donations will be forthcoming.

For more information, contact Miller via email at southcampuspatioproject@gmail.com.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.