Investing for the future

The economic case for replacing the Beaver Lodge at camp Kiwanis is being made. There is another case to be made and that is the local cultural and quality of life values.

100-plus years ago, local community leaders foresaw the opportunity for a park and “playground” for the benefit of the local area. We are forever grateful for their foresight. Their action made our Beaver Creek Park a unique feature for our local community and the quality of life we enjoy.

Through the years, our predecessors developed opportunities including a residential camp with a lodge for a wide range of uses. All of this has made our local area a great place to live, work, learn, recreate, raise kids and show off to visitors.

Many of us have enduring memories of summer camps, weddings, educational experiences, reunions or other activities at our Beaver Lodge.

We might think that summer camps are passé and seasonally mocked in the Charlie Brown and other comics, however, “Nature-Deficit Disorder” is fast becoming a real thing that we can overcome with activities at Beaver Lodge and Camp Kiwanis. Out-of-doors activities supported by what we have and could have at Beaver Creek Park is becoming cool again.

Some traditions are worth keeping up for our children or grandchildren or other successors. Part of keeping up this tradition is stepping up today with our commitment and money to make a positive investment in the future. Your vote to support the lodge will make a positive investment in the future of not only our Beaver Creek Park but the local area.

Thank you for your support.

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Lou Hagener is a member of the Hill County Park Board, a certified professional in rangeland management by the Society for Range Management, a home-grown resident of Havre and frequent user and advocate for Beaver Creek Park.