You Can Determine the Future of Missoula Parks and Recreation

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Missoula Parks and Recreation is inviting you to a public meeting on Tuesday to help determine the future of all parks, trails, and programs coming up at the Missoula Public Library.

I spoke with Ryan Applegate, Deputy Director for Programs and Physical Services at Missoula Parks and Recreation for its second.

Missoula Parks and Rec is Updating its Future Plan

“Almost 60 percent of our community uses Parks and Rec facilities, either every day or about once a week,” began Applegate. “That's a lot higher than national norms, so we're really excited that our community is using our parks and facilities. In addition, over 90% of respondents said that people really enjoy the parks' facilities and the trails' facilities throughout Missoula.”

Applegate said the open house would help determine where Parks and Recs limited funds will be prioritized.

Where Should Parks and Rec Spend Their Limited Funds?

“If you had limited resources and had had some dollars, where would you put those dollars? Will it be for more walking paths? Invest in the urban forest? We've heard a lot of folks really value that urban forest, whether it's the maintenance of our current system and how we plan because we know Missoula is growing, how do we plan new growth and maintain that level of service?”

Applegate said Tuesday’s meeting continues the conversation about parks and recreation in Missoula.

“We're about two-thirds of the way through our post-planning process,” he said. “We've been at it for about a year now, and we're looking really forward to getting some implementation strategies from our community into our plan, so if people are available to come out on Tuesday to the Missoula Public Library, we sure love to see you.”

A Public Meeting is Scheduled for Tuesday at the Public Library

Applegate specifically detailed Tuesday's public meeting.

“It’s Tuesday, October 22nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at the Missoula Public Library,” he said. “There will be some food options. There will be kid’s activities there, and a lot of interactive activities to help us move Missoula Park Parks and Recreation into the future.”

Learn more about the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space and Trails (PROST) master plan open house here.