Caras Park Phase 1 is under construction!

Caras Park Phase 1 improvements are scheduled to begin on October 4th. This initial phase of implementing the North Riverside Parks and Trails Plan is the result of a partnership between Missoula Downtown Association, Missoula City Parks and Recreation and Public Works and Mobility Departments. The park improvements will be implemented in conjunction with a Stormwater Infiltration gallery that will help clean and infiltrate stormwater from downtown into the ground before it enters the river. By combining these construction projects, we can reduce construction seasons in the park and save approximately $100,000.

Phase I Improvements include rebuilding the amphitheater seating, flattening the green hill following the installation of the infiltration gallery, widening of the riverfront trail, additional lighting and electrical infrastructure, and upgrades to the entry points from the trail to the park. This is a true public-private partnership, the Missoula Downtown Foundation has pledged to match funding from the City of Missoula.

Caras Park Phase 1: Area of Construction

A Collective Vision For Missoula's Downtown Riverside Parks

The plan includes updated designs for Caras, East Caras, Bess Reed, Kiwanis, and Downtown Lions Parks, as well as Ron's River Trail.

The vision for these parks came from Missoulians, it is a result of over a year's worth of public outreach, stakeholder meetings, survey, and design work. The plan strives to update and enhance the parks with multi-use spaces and year-round activities, create better trail connections and gateways, update materials and landscaping, and ensure enhancements to the riverfront respect natural processes while providing better access for everyone.

The plan is the work of the Downtown Missoula Partnership, City of Missoula Parks & Recreation Department, Dover, Kohl & Partners, IMEG, and Jennie Meinershagen, Landscape Architect.

THE PLANS

Near Term Plan	Long Term Plan
Kiwanis Park	Downtown Lions Park
Ron's River Trail	Design Report (best viewed as a 2-page spread in a PDF viewer)