The quarter of a million people who visit downtown Missoula’s largest park will notice something a little more interesting and colorful this summer.
Caras Park, a popular community hub next to the river, recently underwent a transformation in the form of a new array of LED-colored lighting on top of the pavilion.
The lights at Caras Park can change colors.
The Missoula Downtown Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to investments in public spaces and community projects downtown, helped fund the Caras Park lighting project in order to make the area a “more vibrant and an inviting place for all,” the organization said in a press release.
Liberty Electric installed the lights, and the Downtown Foundation said they “elevate the park’s aesthetic appeal and ensure the area is a brighter, more energy-efficient, inviting space for evening visitors.”
“This is another great project we’ve been working on to help bring life, light and art to the North Riverside parks and trails,” said Travis Neil, president of the Missoula Downtown Foundation board of directors and project manager at Dick Anderson Construction. “It’s really fun to work with our local contractors like Liberty Electric on special projects for our community gathering places.”
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The park attracts over 250,000 visitors every year, according to the Foundation, and hosts large events throughout the summer.
Neil said the installation also contributes to the park’s safety and accessibility at night.
The colors can also be changed for different holidays and events.
The park also recently got a new underbridge playground, located right under Beartracks Bridge, that includes ping pong tables and other games.
David Erickson is the business reporter for the Missoulian.
