Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Trails Master Plan: About the Project

2024 PROST Plan Project Overview

Missoula Parks and Recreation is collaborating with residents to draft a new master Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails (PROST) plan for the greater Missoula Valley, with a focus on the city.

This new, integrated plan will replace the 2004 Master Parks and Recreation Plan for the Greater Missoula Area. It will stand as a blueprint for the next 10-15 years of parks, trails, open space, and recreation services to residents. The City and County adopted the Open Space Chapter of the PROST Plan in 2019.

The 2019 Open Space Chapter of the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan

The City and County updated and adopted the Open Space Chapter of the PROST Plan in 2019 as a joint City-County Plan. 2019 Missoula Urban Area Open Space Plan     

2019 Missoula Urban Area Open Space Plan Appendices

The Plan builds upon the 1995 Open Space Plan and 2006 Update to guide the work of the City’s open space program and the County’s open lands program within the Open Space Planning Region.

The Open Space Plan is intended to support and be consistent with the City and County’s adopted Plans and guide open space acquisitions and easements. It may also help inform land-use Planning decisions about natural resource functions and values but is not intended to be a regulatory instrument. The Plan may also be useful for promoting education, partnerships, and intergovernmental cooperation aimed at conservation and environmental quality.

What is a Master Plan?

The updated PROST plan will be the City's guiding document for parks, recreation, open space, and trails planning for the next 10-15 years. The plan will:

Inventory all assets, programs, services, and operations.
Analyze gaps in the system, service level deficiencies and needs.
Establish a vision, goals, and objectives.
Determine when and where to add future assets, programs, and services.
Create a list of implementation strategies.
Develop an innovative plan document and online resources.
Apply the City's strategic planning lenses of climate, equity, and housing.
Serve as a model for future city planning processes and plans.

Residents will have ample opportunity to give input on the plan throughout the process. Learn more about the many exciting PROST engagement opportunities!