Crossroads Cooperative, a Resident Owned Community (ROC) in Great Falls, has come a long way since purchasing their park in 2015. What began as a neighborhood coming together to save their homes from foreclosure has grown into a vibrant, close-knit community where everyone pitches in to make life better.
Over the years, they’ve tackled big projects like securing safe water and sewer systems, upgrading electricity, improving roads, and removing dangerous trees. Now, they’re focusing on something that brings joy to everyone: their park space.
In 2018, residents came together to build a playset and install concrete picnic tables in the lower park. Earlier this year, they added a playset in their upper park, giving their kids even more space to play and explore. The next step? Adding a picnic table in the upper park so families can gather, share meals, and make memories together.
They funded the play structure with savings and have already received a generous $500 donation from a local business toward their concrete picnic table purchase. NeighborWorks Montana is hoping to help them raise the remaining funds for the table and a little more for trees and landscaping to make the park a beautiful, sustainable gathering space.
Why play and gathering spaces matter to a community:
-
Playgrounds give children a place to be active, use their imaginations, and build social skills—all foundational for healthy physical and emotional development.
-
Shared gathering spaces also bring neighbors together, creating opportunities for friendship, support, and stronger community bonds. When people have places to come together, they are more likely to feel connected and invested in where they live.
-
Active, well-loved public spaces also contribute to safety. The more a space is used, the more natural visibility and positive presence it has, helping deter crime and fostering a neighborhood where residents feel secure and proud of their community.
Every dollar raised brings them closer to completing this space for everyone to enjoy. This isn’t just about a concrete picnic table. It’s about continuing the progress their community has built together: creating safe, beautiful places for their kids, families, and neighbors to connect.
As one resident shared, “In just a few years, the roads are smoother, the trees are trimmed, the parks are full of kids, and more neighbors are being neighborly. We’ve come a long way—and it feels great to be part of this community.”
We hope to reach our goal of $2,500 by December 25th!
Please join NWMT in finishing this next chapter of their story. Together, we can make their park a place for laughter, connection, and pride for years to come.
