A grassroots movement is pushing to see the construction of an events center at the City of Montesano.

Ron Dalan, Montesano resident and managing member of Inside-the-Park LLC, is leading the discussion on what it would take, and what it would mean, for an event center to be constructed in Montesano.

Dalan believes the proposed facility, which is more than 24,000 square feet, could attract visitors to Montesano.

“It could attract groups looking for a small town setting in which to hold meetings, receptions or conferences,” Dalan explained in a memo.

Aside from attracting visitors, Dalan noted that the center would provide Montesano with a venue to host youth and adult athletic events.

For example, the memo explains that the size of the proposed center would allow the staging for two basketball courts, four volleyball courts, three tennis courts and an indoor field. A kitchen, office space, storage space and an elevated area for spectators are all potential features.

With the proposed center being so large, finding a suitable location becomes a primary concern. While sites are limited, there is an open parcel of land owned by Montesano Jr./Sr. High School, which according to Dalan, deserves attention.

If adequate space cannot be found for the center, it could lead to a reduction in the proposed size, “diminishing its multi-use potential,” Dalan says in the memo.

With space already an issue in constructing the project, parking for the event center is another serious issue that needs to be addressed.

“Off-street parking would be limited to a dozen or so spaces,” the memo notes.

Four of those spaces would be designated as handicapped spaces, meaning that most event center goers would be forced to find street parking, of which there are about 100 spots surrounding the proposed site.

Dalan notes in his memo that neither the city nor the school are prepared to fund such a project. Private funding and cooperation with the Montesano School District would pave the way to construction. Having the community heavily involved in funding also would allow community leaders to further gauge support for the project.

Inside-the-Park LLC would serve as the management team for the development and operation of the event center, Dalan proposes in the memo. The management team would be involved with securing private funding and would work to ensure a smooth construction and start-up of the event center.

Dalan is planning to host informational meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28, and Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m. in the commons of the Montesano Jr./Sr. High School.