Public Participation Record: Previous PROST Master Plan Public Engagement

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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

  • February 29, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions

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    Thursday, February, 29, 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!

  • Act III Workshop: Shaping Missoula's Future Together (Adults 55+)

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    Act III Workshop: Shaping Missoula's Future Together

    Are you passionate about the future of Missoula's parks, recreation programs, trails, and open spaces? Missoula Parks and Recreation cordially invites adults 55+ to join us for the Act III Workshops; a collaborative event focused on designing a vibrant future for our community.

    Hosted by renowned writer, actor, and director Leah Joki, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the collective vision for Missoula's third act. Drawing on Leah's expertise and creativity, as well as her role as artistic director of Missoula's No Joke Theater, participants will engage in theater-based activities aimed at sparking dialogue, fostering collaboration, and generating innovative ideas.

    During this interactive session, you'll have the chance to share your insights, experiences, and aspirations for the future of our parks, recreation programs, trails, and open spaces. Whether you're a longtime resident, a dedicated volunteer, or simply someone who cares deeply about the well-being of our community, your input is invaluable in shaping the direction of our shared future.

    Together, we can create a vision that reflects our community's diverse needs and aspirations while ensuring that our parks and recreation initiatives continue to thrive for generations to come.

    Date/Time: February 27, 5 - 7:30 pm or March 14, 3 - 5 pm

    Location: Missoula Public Library, 4th floor, Cooper Rm B

    Space is limited, so RSVP today to reserve your spot at this important workshop. Let's come together to make a difference in the future of Missoula!

    Learn more about the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan (PROST) at www.missoulaparks.org/prost. Questions? Please get in touch with Open Space Program Manager Zac Covington via email or at 406-552-6267.

  • February 28, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions

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    Wednesday, February 28, 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!

  • February 27, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions

    Share February 27, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions on Facebook Share February 27, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions on Twitter Share February 27, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions on Linkedin Email February 27, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions link

    Tuesday, February 27, 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!

  • February 26, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions

    Share February 26, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions on Facebook Share February 26, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions on Twitter Share February 26, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions on Linkedin Email February 26, 2024: Drop-In Open House and Listening Sessions link

    Monday, February 26

    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!

  • January 16, 2024: Community Working Group #2

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    Tuesday, January 16

    5:00 pm- 7:45 pm

    Missoula Public Library Blackfoot Communications Room (4th floor), 455 E. Main St.

    City of Missoula Parks and Recreation Staff will facilitate the second Community Working Group meeting where they covered the public process, preliminary parks and recreation system findings, and preparing for the March open house and mobile listening sessions.

  • November 15, 2023: Community Working Group Meeting #1

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    Wednesday, November 15

    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.

Page last updated: 17 May 2025, 09:05 PM