Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan: Get Involved

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The PROST Framework outlines the Vision, Guiding Principles (“we believe PROST will...”), and overarching Strategic Goals for realizing the future of the public lands, programs, services, and features that fall under the purview of the Parks and Recreation Department. The Framework must reflect the wishes of the community and also support the community in achieving the greatest potential outcomes for a healthy community and environment.

Plan Update and Public Engagement Findings to Date:

Parks and Recreation hosted a community open house on October 22 to share the results of the PROST public outreach to date and collect public input on the plan's draft vision and goals. We've summarized the information presented at the open house and posted a brief survey to gather additional public comment. Please review the materials below, then take the survey to share your priorities for the future of Missoula's parks, recreation, open space, trails and urban forest.

Public Engagement Summary & Statistically Valid/ Representative Survey

Throughout 2024, Parks and Recreation conducted extensive community outreach to gather insights about residents' parks and recreation needs. Here's a brief summary of the public comments received to date.

Key Findings:

  • 98 % of online community survey respondents said parks, recreation and open space are very important or important to the quality of life in Missoula
  • Residents strongly (55%) or somewhat strongly (22%) support ensuring neighborhood parks are near home.*
  • Residents strongly (55%) or somewhat strongly (21%) support ensuring new housing or commercial development provides adequate access to parks, trails and green spaces.*

Our Engagement Philosophy

Parks and Recreation welcomes community engagement throughout the planning process. We'll offer engagement opportunities during each project phase, ranging from small focus groups to large community-wide events, surveys, listening sessions, and more.

Attend an Event

Mark your calendar for the upcoming events below, and join us to make your voice heard. See what's coming up and what events have happened below. If anyone attending a meeting needs special assistance, please provide 48 hours advance notice by calling the Open Space and Ecosystem Services Program Specialist Haley Erickson at 406-552-6238. We strive to create a supportive and accessible environment, and it is crucial to understand and address any potential barriers that might affect participation. Please share anything that may impact your continued involvement, including, but not limited to, childcare, transportation, parking, accessibility, language, or other circumstances.

Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Community Working Group

The Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Community Working Group is composed of 17 members who were selected by project staff and the Public Engagement Committee. Representatives were selected on criteria approved by the Missoula Parks and Recreation Board.

The Community Working Group will make recommendations on the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Plan to help inform the planning process, provide input on public engagement strategies, review and provide feedback on various plan elements, and make general recommendations to the Project Management Team. This working group should be a broad representation of the greater Missoula community.

Group Roles

  1. Represent the perspectives and needs of PROST system users and those impacted by parks, recreation, trails and open space in the community.

  1. Guide the Plan’s development and ensure it is representative of community needs and desires.

  1. Identify existing gaps, barriers, and opportunities in the PROST system.

  1. Help engage stakeholders and garner public input.

  1. Review and synthesize supporting information from the Technical Working Group, Public Engagement Committee, project management staff, and the planning consultant team.

  1. Review and provide comments on draft documents.

  1. Recommend plan adoption to the Parks and Recreation Board and City Council.

ADA Compliance and Non-Discrimination

The City of Missoula does not discriminate against or exclude anyone from participation in any programs or services based on his, her or their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, age, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or economic status. Please make ADA accommodation requests at least 48 hours in advance.



To head back to the main page please click here.

The PROST Framework outlines the Vision, Guiding Principles (“we believe PROST will...”), and overarching Strategic Goals for realizing the future of the public lands, programs, services, and features that fall under the purview of the Parks and Recreation Department. The Framework must reflect the wishes of the community and also support the community in achieving the greatest potential outcomes for a healthy community and environment.

Plan Update and Public Engagement Findings to Date:

Parks and Recreation hosted a community open house on October 22 to share the results of the PROST public outreach to date and collect public input on the plan's draft vision and goals. We've summarized the information presented at the open house and posted a brief survey to gather additional public comment. Please review the materials below, then take the survey to share your priorities for the future of Missoula's parks, recreation, open space, trails and urban forest.

Public Engagement Summary & Statistically Valid/ Representative Survey

Throughout 2024, Parks and Recreation conducted extensive community outreach to gather insights about residents' parks and recreation needs. Here's a brief summary of the public comments received to date.

Key Findings:

  • 98 % of online community survey respondents said parks, recreation and open space are very important or important to the quality of life in Missoula
  • Residents strongly (55%) or somewhat strongly (22%) support ensuring neighborhood parks are near home.*
  • Residents strongly (55%) or somewhat strongly (21%) support ensuring new housing or commercial development provides adequate access to parks, trails and green spaces.*

Our Engagement Philosophy

Parks and Recreation welcomes community engagement throughout the planning process. We'll offer engagement opportunities during each project phase, ranging from small focus groups to large community-wide events, surveys, listening sessions, and more.

Attend an Event

Mark your calendar for the upcoming events below, and join us to make your voice heard. See what's coming up and what events have happened below. If anyone attending a meeting needs special assistance, please provide 48 hours advance notice by calling the Open Space and Ecosystem Services Program Specialist Haley Erickson at 406-552-6238. We strive to create a supportive and accessible environment, and it is crucial to understand and address any potential barriers that might affect participation. Please share anything that may impact your continued involvement, including, but not limited to, childcare, transportation, parking, accessibility, language, or other circumstances.

Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Community Working Group

The Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Community Working Group is composed of 17 members who were selected by project staff and the Public Engagement Committee. Representatives were selected on criteria approved by the Missoula Parks and Recreation Board.

The Community Working Group will make recommendations on the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Plan to help inform the planning process, provide input on public engagement strategies, review and provide feedback on various plan elements, and make general recommendations to the Project Management Team. This working group should be a broad representation of the greater Missoula community.

Group Roles

  1. Represent the perspectives and needs of PROST system users and those impacted by parks, recreation, trails and open space in the community.

  1. Guide the Plan’s development and ensure it is representative of community needs and desires.

  1. Identify existing gaps, barriers, and opportunities in the PROST system.

  1. Help engage stakeholders and garner public input.

  1. Review and synthesize supporting information from the Technical Working Group, Public Engagement Committee, project management staff, and the planning consultant team.

  1. Review and provide comments on draft documents.

  1. Recommend plan adoption to the Parks and Recreation Board and City Council.

ADA Compliance and Non-Discrimination

The City of Missoula does not discriminate against or exclude anyone from participation in any programs or services based on his, her or their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, age, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or economic status. Please make ADA accommodation requests at least 48 hours in advance.



  • March 20, 2025 Missoula Public Library Mobile Listening Session

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    Thursday, March 20, 2025

    10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

    Missoula Public Library Community Resource Counter, 455 E. Main St.

    Have a question about the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan? Want to get involved but aren't sure how? Drop-in to our open office and listening sessions! Staff will be available with information, resources, and to answer to your questions.

    Not available? You can email Open Space and Ecosystem Services Program Specialist, Haley Erickson, at ericksonh@ci.missoula.mt.us with questions or to get involved!


  • March 17, 2025: Missoula Public Library Mobile Listening Session

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    Monday, March 17, 2025

    10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

    Missoula Public Library Community Resource Counter, 455 E. Main St.

    Have a question about the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan? Want to get involved but aren't sure how? Drop-in to our open office and listening sessions! Staff will be available with information, resources, and to answer to your questions.

    Not available? You can email Open Space and Ecosystem Services Program Specialist, Haley Erickson, at ericksonh@ci.missoula.mt.us with questions or to get involved!

  • March 11, 2025 Missoula Foodbank Mobile Listening Session

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    Monday, March 11, 2025

    10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

    Missoula Food Bank & Community Center 1720 Wyoming Street

    Have a question about the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan? Want to get involved but aren't sure how? Drop-in to our open office and listening sessions! Staff will be available with information, resources, and to answer to your questions.

    Not available? You can email Open Space and Ecosystem Services Program Specialist, Haley Erickson, at ericksonh@ci.missoula.mt.us with questions or to get involved!

  • February 26, 2025: Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Open House

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    Wednesday, February 26, 2025

    Missoula Public Library, Cooper Room B

    5:00 - 7:15 pm

    Missoula Parks and Recreation invites community members to shape the future of their outdoor spaces at the upcoming Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) Master Plan Open House on February 26, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:15 p.m. at the Missoula Public Library, Cooper Room B.

    The open house is a chance to review the plan's draft implementation strategies, policies, and projects to aid in administering the PROST plan. Attendees will help share feedback on implementation strategies, policies, and projects and learn about the PROST system's needs and opportunities. Families are welcome; we're serving light refreshments and hosting a fun children's activity.

    Join us as we shape the next chapter of Missoula's outdoor spaces and ensure our parks and facilities meet the needs of our growing community.


  • October 2024: Plan Update and Public Comment

    Share October 2024: Plan Update and Public Comment on Facebook Share October 2024: Plan Update and Public Comment on Twitter Share October 2024: Plan Update and Public Comment on Linkedin Email October 2024: Plan Update and Public Comment link

    Parks and Recreation hosted a community open house on October 22 to share the results of the PROST public outreach to date and collect public input on the plan's draft vision and goals. We've summarized the information presented at the open house and posted a brief survey to gather additional public comment. Please review the materials below, then take the survey to share your priorities for the future of Missoula's parks, recreation, open space, trails and urban forest.

    Public Engagement Summary

    Throughout 2024, Parks and Recreation conducted extensive community outreach to gather insights about residents' parks and recreation needs. Here's a brief summary of the public comments received to date.

    Key Findings:

    • 98 % of online community survey respondents said parks, recreation and open space are very important or important to the quality of life in Missoula
    • Residents strongly (55%) or somewhat strongly (22%) support ensuring neighborhood parks are near home.*
    • Residents strongly (55%) or somewhat strongly (21%) support ensuring new housing or commercial development provides adequate access to parks, trails and green spaces.*

    Share YOUR parks funding priorities

    Please take this brief 10-minute survey to rank your priorities and share your thoughts on the plan's draft vision statement.

    Questions or additional comments? Visit About The Plan and scroll down to the Questions tool, or email us at parksrec@ci.missoula.mt.us.

    *Source: UM Bureau of Business and Economic Research 2024 Missoula Parks and Recreation Survey.


  • October 22, 2024: Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Open House

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    Tuesday, October 22, 2024

    Missoula Public Library, Cooper Room A

    5:00 - 7:15 pm

    Missoula Parks and Recreation invites community members to shape the future of their outdoor spaces at the upcoming Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) Master Plan Open House on October 22, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:15 p.m. at the Missoula Public Library, Cooper Room A.

    The open house is a chance to review the plan's draft vision and goals, built on months of community input and analysis. Attendees will help prioritize future improvements, share feedback, and learn about the PROST system's needs and opportunities. Families are welcome; we're serving light refreshments and hosting a fun children's activity.

    Join us as we shape the next chapter of Missoula's outdoor spaces and ensure our parks and facilities meet the needs of our growing community.

  • September 11, 2024: Long Range Transportation and Transit Plan Open House

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    Wednesday, September 11, 2024

    Goodworks Venture

    4:00 pm-7:00 pm

    Meeting people where they are at is the goal and purpose of this mobile listening sessions. The PROST Community Working Group and Missoula Parks and Recreation staff is gaining feedback on parks, trails, open space, and recreation programming. Staff will be available with information, resources, and to answer to your questions. You'll have the opportunity to dive into the plan's details and share your invaluable ideas for the future. Let's come together and shape the future of parks and recreation in Missoula – your input matters!

  • July 4, 2024: Old Fashioned 4th at the Fort Celebration Mobile Listening Session

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    Thursday, July 4, 2024

    Fort Missoula

    10:00 am-12:00 pm

    Meeting people where they are at is the goal and purpose of this mobile listening sessions. The PROST Community Working Group and Missoula Parks and Recreation staff is gaining feedback on parks, trails, open space, and recreation programming. Staff will be available with information, resources, and to answer to your questions. You'll have the opportunity to dive into the plan's details and share your invaluable ideas for the future. Let's come together and shape the future of parks and recreation in Missoula – your input matters!

  • June 25, 2024: ProHousing Missoula Mobile Listening Session

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    Tuesday, June 25, 2024

    Franklin Park

    6:00 pm-8:00 pm

    Meeting people where they are at is the goal and purpose of this mobile listening sessions. The PROST Community Working Group and Missoula Parks and Recreation staff is gaining feedback on parks, trails, open space, and recreation programming. Staff will be available with information, resources, and to answer to your questions. You'll have the opportunity to dive into the plan's details and share your invaluable ideas for the future. Let's come together and shape the future of parks and recreation in Missoula – your input matters!

  • June 25, 2024: Summit Independent Living ADA Picnic Mobile Listening Session

    Share June 25, 2024: Summit Independent Living ADA Picnic Mobile Listening Session on Facebook Share June 25, 2024: Summit Independent Living ADA Picnic Mobile Listening Session on Twitter Share June 25, 2024: Summit Independent Living ADA Picnic Mobile Listening Session on Linkedin Email June 25, 2024: Summit Independent Living ADA Picnic Mobile Listening Session link

    Tuesday, June 25, 2024

    Fort Missoula Regional Park Meadowlark shelter: 3025 South Ave W

    11:00 am-1:00 pm

    Meeting people where they are at is the goal and purpose of this mobile listening sessions. The PROST Community Working Group and Missoula Parks and Recreation staff is gaining feedback on parks, trails, open space, and recreation programming. Staff will be available with information, resources, and to answer to your questions. You'll have the opportunity to dive into the plan's details and share your invaluable ideas for the future. Let's come together and shape the future of parks and recreation in Missoula – your input matters!

Page last updated: 24 Apr 2025, 10:52 AM