Cultivating Laurel's Legacy: Where Community Thrives

Cultivating Community, Growing Possibilities

Your community. Your impact. Your Laurel.

The Laurel Montana Community Foundation believes in the power of local action and the importance of honoring our heritage. We’re dedicated to preserving the best of our past while boldly stepping into the future. Our community programs are more than just projects
– they’re investments in our shared tomorrow.

From celebrating Laurel’s rich history to paving the way for new opportunities, we’re creating spaces for growth, connection, and shared experiences. Our initiatives bridge generations, fostering a community that stands the test of time.

Lion's Family Park South Pond

A Place for Everyone to Enjoy Nature

Imagine a serene pond where families gather, children learn to fish, and nature thrives right in the heart of Laurel. That’s our vision for the Lion’s Family Park South Pond.

This is an ongoing project to enhance and beautify the Lion’s Family Park, focusing on the South Pond area.

Project aim

  • The initiative aims to improve accessibility and recreational facilities for all community members.
  • The Lion’s Family Park project needs community support to succeed.
  • The Laurel Lions Club has pledged $5,000, and the State of Montana has committed $62,000 from the Yellowstone River Oil Spill Settlement.

Project Status: Complete

Laurel High School Hall of Fame:

Celebrating Excellence and Inspiring Futures

The Laurel High School Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the exceptional achievements and enduring spirit of our community. This prestigious program honors outstanding alumni, dedicated coaches, and remarkable teams who have left an indelible mark on LHS and beyond.

To recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of LHS graduates, educators, and teams

To recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of LHS graduates, educators, and teams
To strengthen the bonds between our school, alumni, and the broader Laurel community

Hall of Fame Categories

Distinguished Alumni

Exceptional Coaches

Championship Teams

Community Contributors

Now Accepting Nominations for the Class of 2025

Deadline:
January 31st, 2025

We aim to preserve our school’s rich history and motivate future generations by highlighting these achievements.

Laurel Town Square

The Laurel Town Square project emerged from the ashes of the beloved Movie Haus Theatre, transforming a loss into a vibrant community asset. Spearheaded by the dedicated Laurel Revitalization League, this space has become a central gathering point in downtown Laurel, embodying the community’s resilience and vision for the future.

As we enter the next exciting phase of development, our focus is on enhancing the Square’s functionality and appeal. We have built a permanent stage and are now working on a cost-effective approach to build a cover for the stage.

Our goals for this phase include:

Now we want a cover for the newly built stage.

These improvements will significantly boost the Square’s capacity to host a variety of events, from the popular “Rock the Block” series to diverse cultural performances. By creating this enhanced space, we aim to:

Promote arts and culture in the heart of Laurel

Encourage year-round family engagement with the downtown area

Provide a platform for local non-profits to benefit from community events

Your contribution will directly support the construction of our stage, installation of enchanting lighting, and creation of inviting seating areas. Every dollar brings us closer to a vibrant Town Square that will host community events, showcase local talent, and create lasting memories for generations to come.

Donate to Laurel Town Square

Transform our downtown together

Laurel Arbor Day

Since 2001, Laurel has proudly held the title of Tree City USA, showcasing our dedication to urban forestry. This recognition is earned through the efforts of a Mayor-appointed board overseeing tree planting and replacement in our city parks. Our annual Arbor Day Event has grown into a beloved educational experience for the community.

Eight years ago, we expanded the event to include all 4th graders from public and private schools. Students gather in the park for lunch, participate in a National Arbor Day ceremony, and engage in interactive learning sessions led by various government educators. The day focuses on teaching children about trees, nature, and environmental stewardship.

Key Features of Laurel's Arbor Day Celebration:

Annual tree planting in selected city parks

Educational program for all 4th grade students
Themed event with artwork by a local student

Interactive learning centers on trees and nature

This Year's Highlights:

While the city partially funds this event, we rely on sponsors and donors to make it a success. Your contribution supports tree planting, education, and community engagement, providing shade for future generations and honoring loved ones or special groups.

Contact Us

Help us grow Laurel’s urban forest! To contribute or learn more.

Donate to Laurel's Arbor Day Celebration

Your contribution, no matter the size, helps build a more active and beautiful Laurel.

Plant a tree, nurture knowledge. Donate today to support Laurel's green future!

Tennis Courts in Laurel

The Laurel Montana Community Foundation is committed to enhancing our community’s recreational facilities, with a special focus on our tennis courts. These courts serve as vital hubs for physical activity, social interaction, and athletic development for residents of all ages. By maintaining and improving our tennis facilities, we aim to promote a healthier, more active lifestyle for everyone in Laurel.

Our Vision
Our vision for the tennis courts goes beyond mere maintenance. We’re dedicated to creating spaces that inspire both casual players and aspiring athletes, fostering a love for the sport across generations. Through targeted improvements and engaging programs, we seek to make tennis accessible and enjoyable for all members of our community.

Key Initiatives:

Regular court resurfacing to ensure safe, high-quality playing conditions

Installation of improved lighting for extended playing hours

Development of youth tennis clinics to nurture young talent

Organization of community tournaments to bring players together

Upcoming Projects:

These improvements and programs not only enhance our tennis facilities but also contribute to the overall quality of life in Laurel. They provide opportunities for exercise, social connection, and community building, aligning perfectly with our foundation’s mission to create a more vibrant and engaged Laurel.

Your support is crucial in bringing these plans to fruition. By contributing to our tennis court initiatives, you’re investing in the health and well-being of our community, creating spaces where friendships are formed, skills are developed, and memorable moments are shared.

Donate to Laurel's Tennis Court Project

Serve up a better future for Laurel – donate today to support our tennis facilities!

Completed Projects

Laurel Splash Park
- A Community Success Story

The Laurel Splash Park project stands as a testament to our community’s resilience, creativity, and collaborative spirit. Born from the challenges faced with our old city pool, this initiative transformed a setback into an opportunity for innovation and community engagement.

Mayor Dave Waggoner, along with passionate community members, envisioned a solution that would provide summer fun and relief for Laurel residents while addressing the practical constraints of maintaining a traditional pool. The result? A vibrant Splash Park that has become a focal point for family recreation and community gathering.

Key Features of the Laurel Splash Park Project:

Converted the old pool site into a modern, accessible Splash Park

Designed for all ages, with no age restrictions or supervision requirements
Low maintenance, cost-effective operation
Safe, fun environment for summer cooling and play

Community Collaboration

Partnership between City of Laurel, Laurel Montana Community Foundation, L.A.R.C., and Laurel Chamber of Commerce

Generous matching donation challenge by Michele Braukmann and Meridian Law Firm

Project Outcome:

Total raised
$286,571

Number of supporters
62
Goal achieved
$300,000

This successful project demonstrates the power of community support and strategic partnerships. The Splash Park now serves as a hub for summer fun, bringing together families and friends in a safe, enjoyable environment.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every donor, supporter, and partner who made this vision a reality. Your contributions have created a lasting legacy for Laurel, ensuring that future generations have a place to create summer memories and stay cool.While this project is complete, your continued support enables us to maintain and enhance community spaces like the Splash Park. Consider donating to future initiatives that will further enrich our beloved Laurel!

Your Role in Shaping Our Future

The journey doesn’t end here. Your continued support, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, is crucial in maintaining the momentum we’ve built together. Together, we can continue to build a community that honors its past, embraces its present, and looks confidently towards a bright future. Thank you for being an essential part of Laurel’s story.

Stay Involved:

Follow us on social media to stay connected with community initiatives

Attend local events and participate in community discussions

Make a Lasting Impact

Your contribution, no matter the size, helps build a more active and beautiful Laurel.

Let's keep growing, thriving, and building – together.