Is your town opening a new regional park facility? Or thinking about pursuing one? Missoula Parks and Recreation opened Phase 1 of Fort Missoula Regional Park (FMRP) in March of 2017 and plans to open Phase 2 in Spring of 2018. We’ll discuss some of the surprises, dos, and don’ts of opening facilities to the public for a variety of events at FMRP. We will also look forward to the opening of FMRP Phase 2 and potential openings in cities around Montana & Idaho to discuss what we can do to improve systems, programming, and delivery of services.

Fort Missoula Regional Park is the culmination of 20+ years of community support and vision for a regional park facility in Missoula, Montana. The 2014 Parks and Trails Bond was passed by votes by about 55% of the electorate. $42 million dollars was allocated for FMRP, County Parks and Trails, and 10 new or updated playgrounds in the City of Missoula. Phase 1 includes 11 multi-use sport fields, including the state-of-the-art Bella Vista Synthetic Turf Championship field. Amenities also include the large Bella Vista Pavilion, 2 inclusive playgrounds, restroom facilities, over 2 miles of trails, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Prairie, and many sustainable features (SITES). Phase 2 will include 7 American Softball Association (ASA) standard softball fields, Mac the Moose’s inclusive playground, 2 picnic shelters, an outdoor fitness area, completion of over 5 miles of trails (connecting with phase 1), dog park, resurfaced tennis courts, 6 dedicated pickleball courts, Missoula Parks and Recreation Headquarters, the Commons gathering/hangout area, and the Greens lawn games area.

Speaker: Ryan Yearous