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.

  • April 20, 2024: Run for the Trees Mobile Listening Session

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    Saturday, April 20, 2024

    Silvers Park

    4:00 pm- 11:00 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!

    Saturday, April 20, 2024

    Silvers Park

    4:00 pm- 11:00 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.

  • April 20, 2024: Kyiyo Pow Wow Mobile Listening Session

    Share April 20, 2024: Kyiyo Pow Wow Mobile Listening Session on Facebook Share April 20, 2024: Kyiyo Pow Wow Mobile Listening Session on Twitter Share April 20, 2024: Kyiyo Pow Wow Mobile Listening Session on Linkedin Email April 20, 2024: Kyiyo Pow Wow Mobile Listening Session link

    Saturday, April 20, 2024

    Adam Center: 31 Campus Drive

    11:00 am - 4:00 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!

    Saturday, April 20, 2024

    Adam Center: 31 Campus Drive

    11:00 am - 4:00 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.

  • April 19, 2023: Kyiyo Pow Wow Mobile Listening Session

    Share April 19, 2023: Kyiyo Pow Wow Mobile Listening Session on Facebook Share April 19, 2023: Kyiyo Pow Wow Mobile Listening Session on Twitter Share April 19, 2023: Kyiyo Pow Wow Mobile Listening Session on Linkedin Email April 19, 2023: Kyiyo Pow Wow Mobile Listening Session link

    Friday April 19, 2024

    Adam Center: 31 Campus Drive

    4:00 pm- 11:00 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!

    Friday April 19, 2024

    Adam Center: 31 Campus Drive

    4:00 pm- 11:00 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.

  • April 13, 2024: Missoula Public Health Roll and Read Mobile Listening Session

    Share April 13, 2024: Missoula Public Health Roll and Read Mobile Listening Session on Facebook Share April 13, 2024: Missoula Public Health Roll and Read Mobile Listening Session on Twitter Share April 13, 2024: Missoula Public Health Roll and Read Mobile Listening Session on Linkedin Email April 13, 2024: Missoula Public Health Roll and Read Mobile Listening Session link

    Saturday April 13, 2024

    11:00 pm- 2:00 pm

    McCormick Park: 600 Cregg Lane

    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 13, 2024

    11:00 pm- 2:00 pm

    McCormick Park: 600 Cregg Lane

    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 12, 2024: Council Grove Apartments Mobile Listening Session

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    Friday, April 12, 2024

    3:30 pm- 5:30 pm

    Council Grove Apartments

    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!

    Friday, April 12, 2024

    3:30 pm- 5:30 pm

    Council Grove Apartments

    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 2, 2024: University Center Mobile Listening Session

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    Tuesday, April 2, 2024

    Adam Center: 31 Campus Drive

    11:00 am- 1:30 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!

    Tuesday, April 2, 2024

    Adam Center: 31 Campus Drive

    11:00 am- 1:30 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.

  • March 27, 2024: Missoula Nordic Ski Club Mobile Listening Session

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    Wednesday, March 27, 2024

    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, March 27, 2024

    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.

  • March 25, 2024: University Center Mobile Listening Session

    Share March 25, 2024: University Center Mobile Listening Session on Facebook Share March 25, 2024: University Center Mobile Listening Session on Twitter Share March 25, 2024: University Center Mobile Listening Session on Linkedin Email March 25, 2024: University Center Mobile Listening Session link

    Monday, March 25, 2024

    Adam Center: 31 Campus Drive

    11:00 am- 1:30 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!

    Monday, March 25, 2024

    Adam Center: 31 Campus Drive

    11:00 am- 1:30 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.

  • March 5, 2024 Community Open House

    Share March 5, 2024 Community Open House on Facebook Share March 5, 2024 Community Open House on Twitter Share March 5, 2024 Community Open House on Linkedin Email March 5, 2024 Community Open House link

    Tuesday, March 5, 2024

    5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

    Missoula Public Library (4th Floor) Cooper Room B, 455 E. Main St.

    We invite you to help design the future of our beloved parks, recreation programs, trails, and open spaces!

    We're teaming up with residents, community partners, and user groups to craft a brand new Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Comprehensive Master Plan. This plan will be our blueprint for the next 10-15 years, ensuring a vibrant and thriving future for Missoula's outdoor spaces.

    You'll have the opportunity to dive into the plan's details and share your invaluable ideas for the future. This event is open to all ages, and we're excited to offer fun kids' activities and light refreshments to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone.

    Free parking is available in the library lot and in on-street spots after 5 p.m.

    Let's come together and shape the future of parks and recreation in Missoula – your input matters!

    Tuesday, March 5, 2024

    5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

    Missoula Public Library (4th Floor) Cooper Room B, 455 E. Main St.

    We invite you to help design the future of our beloved parks, recreation programs, trails, and open spaces!

    We're teaming up with residents, community partners, and user groups to craft a brand new Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Comprehensive Master Plan. This plan will be our blueprint for the next 10-15 years, ensuring a vibrant and thriving future for Missoula's outdoor spaces.

    You'll have the opportunity to dive into the plan's details and share your invaluable ideas for the future. This event is open to all ages, and we're excited to offer fun kids' activities and light refreshments to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone.

    Free parking is available in the library lot and in on-street spots after 5 p.m.

    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.

  • March 1, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions

    Share March 1, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions on Facebook Share March 1, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions on Twitter Share March 1, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions on Linkedin Email March 1, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions link

    Friday, March 1, 2024

    3:00 p.m.- 6:00 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!

    Friday, March 1, 2024

    3:00 p.m.- 6:00 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!

    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.