In a testament to unwavering community spirit and a deep commitment to urban green spaces, a dedicated group of volunteers has embarked on a transformative mission at Butte’s Stodden Park. Described as “caretakers of the foliage,” their efforts are breathing new life into the beloved public space, tackling pervasive weeds and nurturing delicate flowers with remarkable diligence.

This remarkable initiative was sparked by a shared desire among Myles Stricker, Fran Doran, Azhar Bougary, and Heather Pierce to restore and enhance the park’s natural beauty. Their collective purpose revolves around ensuring Stodden Park remains a pristine and inviting sanctuary for all Butte residents and visitors.

Demonstrating proactive engagement in this local initiative, the motivated foursome wasted no time. With sleeves rolled up, tools in hand, and work gloves donned, they immediately immersed themselves in the labor, embodying the very essence of hands-on volunteer efforts dedicated to park beautification.

Established in 1921, Stodden Park holds significant historical and recreational value for the Butte community. Beyond its natural allure, the park serves as a vibrant hub, hosting notable attractions such as the iconic Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel, the popular Ridge Waters summer waterpark, and the well-regarded Municipal Golf Course.

Myles Stricker, a proud resident deeply invested in the well-being of Butte, joined the volunteer crew with a clear objective: to further enhance the park’s inviting atmosphere. His contribution underscores the profound impact that individual pride and collective action can have on public amenities and green spaces.

Azhar Bougary, driven by a personal commitment to a more beautiful Butte, envisions their work as a catalyst for broader engagement. She hopes these focused volunteer efforts will not only inspire more residents to participate but also significantly increase awareness about the diverse gardens within Butte and the ongoing need for their diligent maintenance.

While Fran Doran expresses the group’s immediate satisfaction in tackling weed removal and flower planting, he also highlights the critical need for sustained, long-term assistance to ensure the ongoing care and preservation of the park. He noted that the teenagers hired for summer general maintenance are not equipped or trained for the specialized horticultural tasks the volunteers undertake, emphasizing the invaluable nature of the current community service.

Looking ahead, the parks director is actively exploring strategies to secure consistent support for Stodden and other city parks. Future plans include the potential hiring of full-time landscaping personnel or contracting with professional landscaping companies, ensuring that the critical work initiated by these dedicated volunteers can be sustained and expanded for the enduring benefit of all urban green spaces.