Public Participation Record: Previous PROST Master Plan Public Engagement

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Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

To return to the main PROST page, please click here.

The Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails 2040 Plan OverviewThe 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.

Missoula Parks and Recreation is updating the master plan for the greater Missoula Valley’s parks, recreation, open space, and trails. The Master Plan will be a blueprint for the next 15 years of parks, trails, open space, and recreation services to residents.

This new, integrated plan will replace the 2004 Master Parks and Recreation Plan for the Greater Missoula Area. The City and County adopted the Open Space Chapter of the PROST Plan in 2019 will remain as the Open Space Chapter.

Our Engagement Philosophy

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

Description of Engagement Types

Key Informant Interviews: Parks and Recreation staff conducted 13 one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders to identify initial challenges and opportunities. 

Artist-led Engagement: Local artists facilitated outreach events targeting historically underserved communities, including Adults 55+, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and Hmong community members. 

Targeted Opportunities:

  • Focus Groups: University of Montana partners facilitated six themed focus groups with 45 participants.  
  • Targeted Workshops: The project team met with diverse stakeholders representing government, NGOs, education, recreation, climate, conservation, and equity interests.

Online Community Surveys: Distributed through multiple channels to gather input on PROST system needs, effectiveness, and recommendations.

2024 Missoula Parks and Recreation Survey (BBER Survey): The University of Montana’s Bureaus of Business and Economic Research (BBER) administered a statistically valid/representative survey receiving over 544 responses.

Mobile Listening Sessions: Project team members held 38 sessions at existing events throughout Missoula, gathering feedback from over 900 participants.

Community Open Houses: Parks and Recreation hosted interactive open houses at the Missoula Public Library, attracting more than 400 residents.  

Online Interactive Map: Residents submitted 693 categorized comments on specific locations via the Engage Missoula website.  

PROST Community Working Group: A 17-member committee selected to represent diverse perspectives with responsibilities including:

  • Representing community perspectives and needs
  • Guiding plan development
  • Identifying gaps and opportunities
  • Engaging stakeholders
  • Reviewing draft documents
  • Recommending plan adoption

Public Participation Opportunities by Phase

To return to the main PROST page, please click here.

The Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails 2040 Plan OverviewThe 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.

Missoula Parks and Recreation is updating the master plan for the greater Missoula Valley’s parks, recreation, open space, and trails. The Master Plan will be a blueprint for the next 15 years of parks, trails, open space, and recreation services to residents.

This new, integrated plan will replace the 2004 Master Parks and Recreation Plan for the Greater Missoula Area. The City and County adopted the Open Space Chapter of the PROST Plan in 2019 will remain as the Open Space Chapter.

Our Engagement Philosophy

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

Description of Engagement Types

Key Informant Interviews: Parks and Recreation staff conducted 13 one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders to identify initial challenges and opportunities. 

Artist-led Engagement: Local artists facilitated outreach events targeting historically underserved communities, including Adults 55+, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and Hmong community members. 

Targeted Opportunities:

  • Focus Groups: University of Montana partners facilitated six themed focus groups with 45 participants.  
  • Targeted Workshops: The project team met with diverse stakeholders representing government, NGOs, education, recreation, climate, conservation, and equity interests.

Online Community Surveys: Distributed through multiple channels to gather input on PROST system needs, effectiveness, and recommendations.

2024 Missoula Parks and Recreation Survey (BBER Survey): The University of Montana’s Bureaus of Business and Economic Research (BBER) administered a statistically valid/representative survey receiving over 544 responses.

Mobile Listening Sessions: Project team members held 38 sessions at existing events throughout Missoula, gathering feedback from over 900 participants.

Community Open Houses: Parks and Recreation hosted interactive open houses at the Missoula Public Library, attracting more than 400 residents.  

Online Interactive Map: Residents submitted 693 categorized comments on specific locations via the Engage Missoula website.  

PROST Community Working Group: A 17-member committee selected to represent diverse perspectives with responsibilities including:

  • Representing community perspectives and needs
  • Guiding plan development
  • Identifying gaps and opportunities
  • Engaging stakeholders
  • Reviewing draft documents
  • Recommending plan adoption

Public Participation Opportunities by Phase

Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

  • June 12, 2024: Missoula Senior Center Mobile Listening Session

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    Wednesday, June 12, 2024

    Missoula Senior Center 705 S Higgins Ave Missoula, MT 59801

    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!

    Wednesday, June 12, 2024

    Missoula Senior Center 705 S Higgins Ave Missoula, MT 59801

    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!

    Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

  • June 5, 2024: Missoula Parks and Recreation Summer Camps Kickoff Party Mobile Listening Session

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    Wednesday, June 5, 2024

    McCormick Park: 600 Cregg Lane

    5:00-7:00 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!

    Wednesday, June 5, 2024

    McCormick Park: 600 Cregg Lane

    5:00-7:00 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!

    Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

  • June 4, 2024: City Chats in the Park Redfern Mobile Listening Session

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    Tuesday, June 4, 2024

    Redfern Park: Chesapeake Way, 59808

    5:00-7:00 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!

    Tuesday, June 4, 2024

    Redfern Park: Chesapeake Way, 59808

    5:00-7:00 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!

    Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

  • May 16, 2024: Riverfront Neighborhood Meeting Mobile Listening Session

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    Tuesday, May 21, 2024

    Willard School Cafeteria

    5:00-7:00 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!

    Tuesday, May 21, 2024

    Willard School Cafeteria

    5:00-7:00 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!

    Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

  • May 15, 2024: City Chats in the Park (44 Ranch) Mobile Listening Session

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    Wednesday, May 15, 2024

    44 Ranch: 2503 Riata Rd

    5:00-7:00 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!

    Wednesday, May 15, 2024

    44 Ranch: 2503 Riata Rd

    5:00-7:00 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!

    Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

  • May 5, 2024: Hmong Community Event Mobile Listening Session

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    Sunday, May 5, 2024

    3:00 pm - 5:00 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!

    Sunday, May 5, 2024

    3:00 pm - 5:00 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!

    Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

  • May 1, 2024: Community Working Group #3

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    Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

    5:00 p.m.-.7:45 p.m.

    Missoula Public Library Cooper Room A (4th floor), 455 E. Main St.

    City of Missoula Parks and Recreation Staff will facilitate the first Community Working Group meeting where they covered what is a Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Plan, what is the process, what will be included in the plan, and an interactive activity where members were asked what the greatest challenges and opportunities are facing Missoula Parks and Recreation.

    Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

    5:00 p.m.-.7:45 p.m.

    Missoula Public Library Cooper Room A (4th floor), 455 E. Main St.

    City of Missoula Parks and Recreation Staff will facilitate the first Community Working Group meeting where they covered what is a Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Plan, what is the process, what will be included in the plan, and an interactive activity where members were asked what the greatest challenges and opportunities are facing Missoula Parks and Recreation.

    Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

  • Indigenize Parks and Recreation Workshops

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    Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan Community Workshops

    April 3 or April 10, 6 - 7:30 pm, All Nations Youth Center, 1519 S. Russell.

    Join local Indigenous Creative Dre Castillo in a conversation with Indigenous community members to help the City shape policies and priorities for parks, recreation, open space and trails. Missoula Parks and Recreation is planning its future—let's ensure Indigenous voices are centered in that plan. Open to all ages, dinner provided! Pre-register online to be entered into a drawing for Missoula Downtown Association gift cards or Currents swim passes! Or, just show up.

    In addition to the workshop, remember to take the PROST Community Survey through May 31 for a chance to win one of four $50 Missoula Downtown Association gift cards. Learn more about the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan at www.missoulaparks.org/prost.

    Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan Community Workshops

    April 3 or April 10, 6 - 7:30 pm, All Nations Youth Center, 1519 S. Russell.

    Join local Indigenous Creative Dre Castillo in a conversation with Indigenous community members to help the City shape policies and priorities for parks, recreation, open space and trails. Missoula Parks and Recreation is planning its future—let's ensure Indigenous voices are centered in that plan. Open to all ages, dinner provided! Pre-register online to be entered into a drawing for Missoula Downtown Association gift cards or Currents swim passes! Or, just show up.

    In addition to the workshop, remember to take the PROST Community Survey through May 31 for a chance to win one of four $50 Missoula Downtown Association gift cards. Learn more about the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan at www.missoulaparks.org/prost.

    Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

  • April 27, 2024: University Neighborhood Clean-Up Day Mobile Listening Session

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    Saturday, April 27, 2024

    Bonner Park: 1600 Ronald Ave

    1:00-3:30 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!

    Saturday, April 27, 2024

    Bonner Park: 1600 Ronald Ave

    1:00-3:30 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!

    Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.

  • April 25, 2024: Missoula Trail Partners Mobile Listening Session

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    Thursday, April 25, 2024

    6:00-7:30 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!

    Thursday, April 25, 2024

    6:00-7:30 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!

    Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in the PROST creation process. Projects that are a direct product of this plan will be posted on Engage Missoula and/or the City's website at ci.missoula.mt.us. The PROST Plan and related documents are available at https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3449/PROST-Master-Plan.