The Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department is moving to a new location next year once a remodel of the historic Great Northern Railway Depot building at Depot Park is completed.  

The building formerly housed the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, which moved out in the summer of 2023. 

“We’re excited to get in that space,” said Chad Fincher, Parks and Recreation director. “It’s 4,000 square feet, approximately double what we’ve had.”

The Parks and Recreation Department is currently located at 306 First Avenue. 

Following the remodel, the Depot Park building will feature a classroom-sized conference room and kitchen area where Fincher hopes to do more programming on site, rather than relying on space in school buildings or with program affiliates. The focus is still on youth, but Fincher hopes to branch out into yoga classes, art classes, and possibly other adult programs when they open their doors to the public in February or March 2024.

Period appropriate guidelines will be followed for remodeling the building, according to Fincher. The building needs asbestos abatement, roof repairs, plumbing improvements, and fiber optic internet cables installed.

“Parts that were done in the ‘80s will look like the ‘80s. Then things that look 1920s will be kept accurate, too,” he said.

City Manager Doug Russell said a total cost for repairs on the building is not available yet, as bids are still out and the work will be done in pieces over the next year.  

The chamber moved out of the building citing concerns over increased activity by homeless individuals in the surrounding park as one of the reasons for relocation. The city has since implemented ordinances designed to dissuade homeless people from congregating in the park. 

Ongoing external work includes replacing the roof, installing gutters, and enhancing security around the building with cameras. Fincher feels confident that once the space is actively used, and the building is changed to meet all safety concerns, the surroundings of the park will change with it. 

“Council has worked through the issues, and when we get there, we will work in unison with Kalispell Police Department to make sure we have good visibility of all spaces, camera systems monitored live at the Police Department, and close ties with surveillance,” Fincher said.  

Reporter Carl Foster can be reached at [email protected].