“No contribution will be too small,” Ricklefs said. “We need for a whole bunch of people from the community to step forward and help however they can. With everyone’s help, we can make this real.”

Ricklefs said those making large donations have already stepped forward and offered their help. The call now focuses on the general public to help raise that final $30,000.

When the parkland is purchased and the necessary infrastructure projects completed, Ricklefs said the park will be turned over the City of Hamilton.

“They are willing to be the long-time owners and stewards of this property,” he said. “That partnership is crucial. We couldn’t have made this happen without the forward-looking visionary partners of the city.”

Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf said responsible growth has always been high on his list for the community’s future.

“I think we are seeing a good balance of preserving the natural wonders of the Bitterroot Valley, while we grow economically,” Farrenkopf said. “The expansion of River Park, or the Skalkaho Bend project, is a perfect example of how we are preserving the beauty of the valley and guaranteeing access to one of our greatest gems, the Bitterroot River.