Seeley Lake Club News-Park Stewardship Award
Seeley Lake Lion Recognized by Missoula County for Stewardship –Kai Williams | Aug 14, 2025
An enthusiastic crowd of Lions Club members, families and friends gathered at the Seeley Lake Lions Park on Wednesday, August 6th to witness Missoula County commissioners award a longtime Lion for his stewardship.
Rich Westin was the 2025 recipient of the Missoula County Parks and Trails Steward Award. A press release from Missoula County stated this award is given to people and organizations who dedicate years of service to building and improving facilities across the county for the public to enjoy.
Missoula County Commissioner Juanita Vero delivered a proclamation celebrating Westin’s work with the Seeley Lake Lions Club to kick off the celebration.
“Richard has generously devoted countless hours to park upkeep, coordinated community events and helped add new amenities to benefit all who visit,” Vero began. “Thanks to his tireless efforts, the Seeley Lake Lions Park has become a vibrant and welcoming hub for the community and will thrive for years to come.”
When Westin took the floor at the edge of the pond, he was quick to state that his efforts were not made alone, and that he just happened to be “the latest guy to take the ball and run with it.”
Seeley Lake Lion Mike Marshall told the Pathfinder Westin’s work within the park lasts year-round, from summertime pond and trail maintenance to winter ice rink upkeep and more.
But for Westin, his passion for putting work into the community extends beyond trails, parks and scenic landscapes.
“If you’re wondering why I do this, it’s swinging right over there right now,” Westin said as he nodded towards the children entertaining themselves on the playground, his hands full with plaques, awards and tokens of appreciation.
The kids in the community feel the impact of the Lions Club, too. Cassie Arroyo, 13, told the Pathfinder her favorite thing about the Lions Club is that “they’re more trustworthy people.”
