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
Represent the perspectives and needs of PROST system users and those impacted by parks, recreation, trails and open space in the community.
Guide the Plan’s development and ensure it is representative of community needs and desires.
Identify existing gaps, barriers, and opportunities in the PROST system.
Help engage stakeholders and garner public input.
Review and synthesize supporting information from the Technical Working Group, Public Engagement Committee, project management staff, and the planning consultant team.
Review and provide comments on draft documents.
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.
Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Documents
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Master Park Plans
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May 2004 Final Master Parks and Recreation Plan for the Greater Missoula Area Maps.PDF (1.52 MB) (PDF)
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May 2004 Final, Master Parks and Recreation Plan for the Greater Missoula Area.PDF (1.15 MB) (PDF)
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2019-Missoula Urban Area Open Space Plan .pdf (1.72 MB) (pdf)
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2019 Missoula Urban Area Open Space Plan Appendices.pdf (2.78 MB) (pdf)
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Pictures
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Four Types of Ecosystem Services.png (133 KB) (png)
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Events
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Public Comment
Who's Listening
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Phone 4065526681 Email applegater@ci.missoula.mt.us -
Phone 406-552-6267 Email covingtonz@ci.missoula.mt.us -
Phone 406-552-6238 Email ericksonh@ci.missoula.mt.us