Accomplishments 2019-2020
The Paradise Center Progress Report
After Sanders County accepted the deed to the former Paradise School, the Paradise Elementary School Preservation Committee assumed administrative responsibility for the buildings and grounds in July 2016.
The past year’s improvements include obtaining new promotional brochures and highway signage, initial work on an outdoor walking trail exhibit, and completing a renovation project on the historic bell tower.
The recently completed Preliminary Architectural Report provides a series of steps for growth.
This is a summary of notable activities between July 2019 and June 2020.
GENERAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ACCOMPLISHED
- Completed remodeling bell tower
- Obtained highway signage for MT
- Highways 200 and 28
- Developed Preliminary Architectural
- Report to support future grants
- Began Paradise Center Christmas Ornament collection
FUTURE:
- Write grants for upgrades to school building:
- Heating/cooling system
- Elevator for ADA accessibility
- Develop specifications for mini-roundhouse on walking trail
COMMUNITY CENTER
ACCOMPLISHED
-
Hosted third “Christmas in Paradise” with tree lighting of 10 trees decorated by local businesses
FUTURE
- Establish ”Wedding Consortium” with local businesses
- Improve kitchen to accommodate larger and more complex events:
- Combine kitchen and pantry for more space
- Install hand washing sink
- Install utility sink
VISITOR CENTER
ACCOMPLISHED
- Broke ground for an outdoor walking trail, to be open to visitors even when center is closed, with 15 interpretive panels
- Began development of photographic ceramics and fusing glass backdrop for railroad exhibit
FUTURE
- Offer historic “school day” for students
- Create interactive exhibits for youth:
- GLM lake drainage
- Glacial flour
- General geology of NW Montana
- Letters in mail sorter from alumni for youth to “find” something in the building
ARTS CENTER
ACCOMPLISHED
- Worked with Sanders County Arts Council to host two performances and numerous art classes
- Completed obtaining equipment for firing ceramics and fusing glass
- Hosted 6th Artists in Paradise
FUTURE
- Co-sponsor with Arts Council:
- Humanities events
- “Fireside chats” events
- Improve lighting and sound systems
- Build portable sound system cart
- Install small garage doors to storage area
WHAT’S NEXT?
UNDERWAY
- Raising funds
- Expanding usage
- Completion of interpretive panels and outdoor walking trail
- Implementing phases of the Preliminary Architectural Report
FUTURE:
- Develop additional promotional information
- Continue work on outside landscaping and walking trail historic exhibit
- Gather historic artifacts from local residents for new display cabinets
- Increase number and types of “gift shop” items for sale