On the agenda: Kalispell meeting — colocation (Jul 27)

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

CHAPTER

Where We Are

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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CHAPTER 4: WHERE WE ARE
Introduction
Kalispell is a robust, vibrant community made
up of active residents and visitors. It’s also
growing! Since the last Parks Plan in 2006, the
community has welcomed over 15,000 new
residents, nearly doubling in population over
the last 20 years. Compared to an increasing
average age nationally, Kalispel average is
trending younger. New community members
not only include retirees, but families, young
professionals, and individuals attracted to
Kalispel’s outdoor lifestyle.

investments are required?,” and “How can
recreation programming support the evolving
needs of the community?”
The Parks demand and needs analysis provides
a practical assessment of existing conditions,
community demand, future priorities, and the
City’s ability to achieve the Plan’s goals.

The 2006 Kalispell Parks and Recreation
Comprehensive Master Plan was developed
in response to rapid population growth and
increasing demand for parkland, recreation
facilities, and programs. As Kalispell’s
The Kalispell Parks & Recreation Department
first comprehensive parks master plan, it
serves as the primary provider of parkland
established a long-range strategy to guide
and recreational facilities for residents of the
park system development, maintenance,
city. This chapter presents an overview of the
and funding through the year 2020. The
existing park system and recreational resources
following table provides a summary of the
located within the Kalispell Planning Area, as
recommendations.
follows:

The Parks and Recreation Plan must account
•
for the needs of the Kalispell community. This
includes its current members, while seeking to
serve its future community members. The Plan
must take stock of the Park’s system’s current
conditions. Existing conditions of all 30 City
parks have been evaluated and assessed for the •
improvements needed.
The physical inventory and a schedule of
necessary improvements are included
here within. Indeed, these are important for
improving the community’s parks facilities.
The Plan’s needs assessments must also
understand the community’s overarching
vision for its Parks. It asks, “Where does the
community want to see its parks in 20-years?,”
“How should the parks system serve the
community, and what does that mean for
the use of existing facilities?,” “What public

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4.1 Looking Back: 2006 Parks and
Recreation Plan and 20 Years of
Department Progress

Section 4.1 Provides a summary of
the 2006 Parks and Recreation Plan
recommendations and an overview of the
department’s accomplishments over the
last 20 years.
Section 4.2 introduces the parkland
classification system, which is used to
categorize and evaluate individual park
sites.

•

Section 4.3 offers a comprehensive
inventory and description of park properties
that are city-owned, city-leased, or
selected county-owned within the planning
area.

•

Section 4.4 highlights community inputs
and identified needs, and suggesting where
gaps in service currently occur.

Table X.X — Summary of 2006 Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan Recommendation

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Park Type / Topic

Key Intent

2006 Plan Primary Recommendations

Mini Parks

• Carefully evaluate future acquisitions using cost–benefit analysis
Limit expansion due to • Eagle Park: Sell park to reduce liability. Note: this park is owned by
low recreational value
Public Works
and high maintenance • Courthouse Park: Add benches, picnic tables; complete irrigation. This
costs
park has an agreement with Flathead County for maintaining and some
improvements. The agreement dates back to 1911 and updated in 1966

Neighborhood
Parks (General)

Provide walkable
neighborhood
recreation with
flexibility in size

Neighborhood
Parks (SiteSpecific)

•
Improve amenities and
usability of existing
•
parks
•

Community Parks

Ensure equitable
access citywide as
Kalispell grows north
and west

Large Urban Parks

• No new large urban parks recommended
• Woodland Park: Replace restrooms; pursue northern access; conduct
Maintain and enhance
pond water quality study; stabilize pond banks; upgrade horseshoe pits;
flagship parks
improve fencing; upgrade old Bruckhauser Pool facility building for yearround use

Special Use Areas

Support community
events and organized
recreation

ns

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

• Optimum size ~5 acres; smaller parks acceptable in dense or high-cost
areas
• Acquire and develop 11 additional neighborhood parks, including
Ashley Creek Park and Ashley Meadows Park
• Plan for acquisition of county-owned parks upon annexation
Add courts, trees, pathways, shelters, picnic tables, and parking as
appropriate
Reconstruct aging tennis and basketball courts where needed
Improve landscaping and internal circulation

• Acquire land for 5 new community parks in growth areas
• Lawrence Park: Expand parking; add pavilion; replace playground;
add disc golf and horseshoes; improve ADA access; level play fields;
develop forestry plan

• Allocate space for a future community center and adult sports fields
• Depot Park: Construct new bandshell
• Laker & Archie Roe Park: Install hard surfacing under dugouts and
behind backstop

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Park Type / Topic

Key Intent

2006 Plan Primary Recommendations

Improve system
connectivity and
regional access

• Support acquisition and development of the Ashley Creek Rails-toTrails corridor (BNSF)
• Status: Completed as the Parkline Trail

Preserve natural areas
and enhance trail
connections

• Acquire and maintain natural open space where feasible
• Grandview Drive Park: Improve access, signage, master planning, and
greenway connections
• Heritage Park: Improve bike connections to Dry Bridge and Woodland
Parks
• Dry Bridge Park: Develop internal pathways and improve inter-park
connectivity
• Acquire land along Stillwater River, Whitefish River, and Ashley Creek

Specialized
Address unmet indoor
Facilities –
recreation and cultural
Community Center needs

• Plan for a multi-use community center including cultural/performing
arts space, teen and senior areas, meeting rooms, and affordable
athletic facilities

Linear Parks &
Trails

Natural Open
Space &
Greenways

Sports Facilities

• Assess existing parks for additional adult sports facilities.
Expand and modernize • Continuing partnerships with school district
sports opportunities
• Consider all-weather surfaces and lighting
• Design fields as complexes for league and tournament play

Maintenance &
Operations

• Establish three-tier maintenance system for sports fields
Improve efficiency and
• Improve field scheduling
field longevity
• Implement field rest and rotation schedules

Trails, Pathways &
Bikeways

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Create a connected,
accessible, and
regionally coordinated
trail network

• Evaluate loop trail systems connecting parks, schools, and
neighborhoods.
• Improve wayfinding, maps, and public information.
• Expand trail amenities (trailheads, benches, signage, accessibility
features)
• Pursue strategic corridors (e.g., rail alignments)
• Coordinate with regional partners and transportation agencies
• Preserve future trail corridors in advance of development.
• Maintain bike lanes and establish trail standards for new development
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Homeowner Association (HOA) Parks

Community Parks

Large Urban Parks

Purpose:
HOA parks are privately owned and maintained
within residential developments. They are not
part of the City’s official park inventory unless
dedicated for public use.

Purpose:
Community parks provide structured recreation
for larger areas, supporting organized sports,
group activities, and family recreation.

Purpose:
Provide expansive, centrally located green
space that supports diverse recreational,
cultural, and community activities; citywide
destinations.

Key Characteristics:

•

Owned, managed, and funded by
homeowners’ associations

•

Restricted to residents and guests

•

Amenities and sizes vary widely

Recommended HOA Park Standards (if
used to meet dedication requirements):

•

Minimum size: Per City Code

Recommended Amenities (standard
order):

1. Park signage
2. Defined accessible routes
3. Multi-sport turf area (minimum U-9 soccer
field size)

Example: Lawrence Park
Service Area: 1 - 5-mile radius
Typical Size: 10 - 50+ acres
Number of Amenities: 6 - 15

1. Common Amenities:
2. Park signage and map
3. Parking lots with accessible parking
4. Defined accessible routes
5. Walking trails or paths
6. Restrooms
7. Accessible and inclusive playgrounds
8. Open grass areas and formal sports fields
9. Hard-surface courts (multiple)
10. Group shelters and picnic areas
11. Site furnishings (benches, tables, bike
racks, drinking fountains)

4. Accessible playground with inclusive

12. Landscaping and trees
13. Pedestrian lighting
Pavilion (16 foot x 16 foot) with picnic table
14. Exercise stations
Site furnishings (minimum two benches)
15. Aquatic features (pool or splash pad)
Landscaping and trees
16. Natural open space or water access
Optional perimeter walking trail (parks ≥5
17. Community gardens, disc golf, dog parks,
acres)
features

5.
6.
7.
8.

Stormwater features may be integrated if they
do not compromise park usability

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

etc

Example: Woodland Park
Service Area: Community-wide
Typical Size: 50+ acres
Number of Amenities: 6 – 15

1. Common Amenities:
2. Park signage and map
3. Parking lots with accessible spaces and
lighting

4. Defined accessible routes
5. Walking trails and internal circulation
6. Restrooms
7. Large accessible and inclusive playgrounds
8. Open grass areas and formal sports fields
9. Hard-surface courts (multiple)
10. Group shelters and picnic areas
11. Site furnishings
12. Landscaping and trees
13. Pedestrian lighting
14. Exercise stations
15. Aquatic facilities, ice rinks, splash pads
16. Skate parks or amphitheaters
17. Natural open space and trail connections
18. Community gardens, disc golf, dog parks,
fishing, etc.

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Sports Complex

Special Use Parks

Linear Parks

Purpose:
Sports complexes provide destinationoriented facilities for organized sports and
large-scale recreational events. These parks
are designed to accommodate multiple sports
fields, tournament play, and community sports
programs.

Purpose:
Accommodate specific recreational, cultural, or
civic functions not typically provided in generaluse parks. May require specialized design,
management, or partnerships.

Purpose:
Provide continuous recreational corridors
that support non-motorized transportation,
connectivity, and passive recreation.

Example: Dan Johns Kalispell Youth Athletic
Complex (KYAC), Laker & Archie Park
Service Area: Regional
Typical Size: 80+ acres
Number of Amenities: 6 - 15
Common Amenities:

1. Park signage and map
2. Sports fields (football, soccer, baseball,
softball, lacrosse, etc.)

3. Restrooms
4. Shelters
5. Playgrounds
6. Visitor facilities
7. Parking lot with accessible spaces
8. Defined accessible routes
9. Trail systems
10. Group use areas and shelters
11. Maintenance facility and storage

Examples: Depot Park
Service Area: Community and county-wide
Typical Size: 1–25 acres
Number of Amenities: 6–15
Common Amenities:

1. Park signage and map
2. Parking lots with accessible spaces and
lighting

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Defined accessible routes
Walking paths
Restrooms
Site furnishings
Specialized facilities (sports complexes,
aquatic centers, skate parks, performance
spaces)

8. Hard-surface courts or fields (as
applicable)

9. Pedestrian lighting
10. Landscaping and trees
11. Supporting indoor or administrative
facilities

Example: Parkline Trail
Service Area: Community and county-wide
Size: Varies
Number of Amenities: Varies
Typical Features (standard order):

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Park signage and wayfinding
Trailheads and access points
Multi-use paved or soft surface trails.
Defined accessible routes.
Seating and rest areas
Lighting (where appropriate)
Landscaping and trees
Plazas, play features, or art elements

Regional Parks
Purpose:
Provide large-scale, destination recreation
serving the city and region, often centered on
natural, cultural, or environmental features.
Local Context:
Kalispell does not currently own regional parks.
Nearby examples include Herron Park, Lone
Pine State Park, and Glacier National Park.
Service Area: Regional
Typical Size: 80+ acres
Common Amenities:

1. Park signage and map
2. Visitor facilities
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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

3. Parking lot with accessible spaces and
lighting

4. Defined accessible routes
5. Trail systems
6. Restrooms
7. Open natural landscapes
8. Group use areas and shelters
9. Interpretive signage
10. Nature-based recreation (hiking, biking,
snowshoeing, equestrian use)

Natural Open Spaces
Purpose:
Preserve environmentally sensitive lands while
allowing low-impact recreation.
Examples: Dry Bridge Park, Heritage Park
Service Area: Regional
Size: Varies
Number of Amenities: 6 - 10
Common Amenities:

1. Park signage
2. Defined accessible routes where
appropriate

3. Natural surface trails
4. Benches or minimal site furnishings
5. Native landscaping and habitat
preservation

6. Fishing
7. Interpretive signage
8. Controlled access to rivers, creeks, or
wetlands

9. Picnic Areas
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

10. Nature Based Play Areas
11. Viewpoints and Overlooks
12. Restrooms – depending on size of park.
Undeveloped Park Sites
Purpose:
City-owned sites designated for future park
use; may serve interim open space functions
until programmed.
Examples: Western Park, Northwest Park,
Willow Glen

4.3 Parks & Recreation Facility
Inventory
The parks system inventory’s purpose is to
assess and evaluate existing conditions. In
summary, the inventory shows that the city’s
parks serve a large variety of the Kalispell
community. They play a vital and important
part in the high quality of life that Kalispell
residents enjoy. They also have a role in
Kalispell’s economy. They contribute to the
city’s economic success in a variety of ways,
including recreation programming, tourism, and
the downstream effect of business retention
and expansion. Parks contribute to improving
property values and driving city growth.

Summary of the Existing Kalispell Parks &
Recreation System
The Kalispell Park System includes a mix
of active and passive recreational areas,

encompassing a variety of park types, trails,
and public facilities. The City of Kalispell
manages approximately 445 acres of parkland,
which includes 138 acres leased from the State
of Montana for the Dan Johns Kalispell Youth
Athletic Complex. Need to revalidate these
figures.
Current Parks and Recreation Facility
Summary
This table is under review – place holder
full sheet
See Appendix XX for detailed inventory of
each park.
The Kalispell Parks and Recreation system
manages approximently 445 acres of
parkland and natural open space, which
includes a variety of recreational facilities.
The system consists of 32 developed open
space parks and various amenities such
as sports fields and community events.
The departments aims to provide leisure
opportunites and enrich and lives of
citizens through recreational programs and
maintenance of parks
Of the total parkland:

•

321 acres are classified as active
parkland (parks with developed
recreational amenities),

•

73 acres are preserved as natural open
space, and

•

12 acres are currently undeveloped cityowned land.

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In addition to parks, the City also maintains
numerous beautification areas, such as
landscaped roadways and public plantings,
under the responsibility of the Parks
Department.Kalispell is a major provider of
recreation and sports facilities within the
region. However, several facilities used by the
community are managed by other entities,
including Flathead County, Kalispell Public
Schools, and private organizations. Despite
the quantity of fields and gyms, some facilities
are limited to practice use due to substandard
size or condition, and others have restricted
availability due to shared scheduling.
The City owns and operates one outdoor
aquatic facility with pool, lazy river, and water
slides. The Woodland Water Park is heavily
used for swim lessons and youth recreation
during the summer. Adult aquatic needs are
largely met by private facilities like the indoor
pool at Logan Health Center.
The following facilities with examples of
locations are considered part of Kalispell’s
inventory, some fields are more suitable
for practice and or informal use. Dan Johns
Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex (KYAC) is
restricted to children’s sports:

•

Baseball fields (13): Dan Johns Kidsports
Complex, Lake & Archie Roe Park

•

Baseball field, youth adaptive (1): Dan
Johns Kidsports Complex

•

Softball fields, youth (8): Dan Johns
Kidsports Complex, Thompson Memorial
Park

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•

Soccer fields, youth (7): Dan Johns
Kidsports Complex, can be configured for
23 fields for 3BR tournament

•

Football/lacrosse/soccer, youth (4): Dan
Johns Kidsports Complex

•

Multi-use fields, youth (7): Dan Johns
Kidsports Complex, can be configured for
more youth fields

•

Multi-use fields, no age restrictions (5):
Lawrence Park, Thompson Memorial Park

•

Tennis courts (16): Hawthorne Park, Tennis
Complex, Thompson Memorial Park

•
•

Pickleball courts (2): Hawthorne Park

•
•
•
•

4.4 Inventory Summary
Table X.X – Overview of Kalispell Parks
Inventory by park classification
Park type

Number

Acreage *

Mini Parks

4

4

Neighborhood Parks

11

44

School Park
Combination

2

2

Community Parks

21

111

Large Urban Parks
Basketball courts (6): Begg Park, Thompson
Sports Complex
Memorial Park, Westview Park

1

44

32

#

Aquatic center (1): Woodland Water Park

Natural Open Spaces

6

33

Disc golf course (1): Lawrence Park

Linear Park

1

#

Ice rink (seasonal): Woodland Park,
operated by the Flathead Valley Hockey
Association

Special Use Areas

23

146

Skate park (1): Woodland Park

Total (Developed)

32

456

Undeveloped (future
parks)

14

68.55

Adult fields for softball and baseball are
generally provided for by Flathead County Parks
at the Conrad Complex. The City of Kalispell
does not have any indoor court facilities.
Recreation programs coordinate court space
with Kalispell Public Schools.

1 Includes Ashley Creek that is under development
2 KYAC, Laker Archie and Tennis Complex
3 Depot Park and Granary Site
4 Northwest Sports Complex Site

Inventory of Existing Parks &
Amenities
Introduction
An accurate and up-to-date inventory of
existing parks and recreation facilities is
essential for effective planning, maintenance,
and investment in public spaces. This inventory
provides a comprehensive overview of the

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

current conditions, types, and distribution of
park amenities throughout the community. It
serves as a foundation for identifying gaps,
prioritizing upgrades, ensuring equitable
access, and supporting long-term capital
improvement planning.

Rating

Description

Poor

Amenity is damaged, nonfunctional, has safety hazards,
graffiti, or is not accessible

The inventory includes all developed and
undeveloped parks, open spaces, and
recreational facilities within the jurisdiction,
along with a detailed assessment of the
amenities located in each site, such as
playgrounds, sports courts, restrooms, trails,
seating, and signage.

Average

Amenity is functional and safe,
but may require minor repairs,
maintenance, or has limited
access

Each amenity is evaluated using standardized
condition criteria to ensure consistency and to
inform maintenance and budgeting decisions.
Inventory Criteria
Each park amenity is assessed based on the
following criteria:

1. Presence & Type
• Whether the amenity exists at the site
• Amenity type and quantity (e.g., two

basketball courts, one Americans with
Disabilities Act [ADA] playground)

Amenity is in like-new
condition, fully operational,
Excellent
safe, clean, and fully
accessible
accessibility standards (fully, partially, or
not compliant)

4. Maintenance Needs
•

5. Usage & Functionality (optional)
•

Observation of how well the amenity
supports user needs and programming,
including wear from heavy use

6. Photographic Documentation
(optional)

2. Condition Rating

Amenities are rated using a three-tiered
scale based on their physical condition,
safety, functionality, and accessibility:

Notes any specific repairs, replacements,
or upgrades needed for safety, function, or
aesthetics

•

Photographs are included to support visual
condition assessment

3. Accessibility Compliance
•

Whether the amenity meets ADA

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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Table X.X. Specific Facility Criteria

Amenity
Baseball /
softball field

Poor

Average

sound backstop,
Backstop damaged, uneven infield, Structurally
playable infield, moderate turf
bare turf, poor or no irrigation
quality, functioning irrigation

surface, faded or missing Surface playable, striping visible,
Basketball court Cracked
striping, broken hoops, unsafe play hoops functional but worn

Excellent
New or fully refurbished backstop,
laser-graded infield, healthy turf, fully
automated irrigation
Smooth surface, clear striping, new or
well-maintained hoops, high playability

Bench

Broken slats, rusted frame, loose/
missing bolts, unusable

Structurally sound, minor wear or
rust, usable seating

Like new, clean, fully accessible, no
damage

Bike rack

Missing, unstable, broken, rusted

Functional, minor rust or alignment
issues

Secure, clearly marked, rust-free,
accessible

Community
garden

Abandoned plots, damaged
fencing, no water access

Active plots, basic fencing, limited
tools or amenities

Well-organized plots, water access,
storage, signage, strong stewardship

Disc golf

Missing baskets/tees, unsafe
paths, no signage

Functional baskets and tees, limited
wayfinding

Complete course, durable baskets,
clear signage, maintained fairways

Dog park

Broken fencing, unsafe gates,
muddy or barren surfaces

Secure fencing, usable surfacing,
basic amenities

Double-gated entries, durable
surfacing, shade, seating, water access

Dog waste
station

Missing bags, broken dispenser,
waste accumulation

Bags available, container functional,
occasional overflow

Fully stocked, clean, serviced regularly

Fishing access

Unsafe bank, erosion, no access
improvements

Stable access point, limited
improvements

Designed access (dock/steps), erosion
control, ADA considerations

Football field

Uneven surface, bare turf, poor
drainage

Playable turf, visible striping,
functional goals

High-quality turf, drainage, consistent
striping, competition-ready

Gazebo

Structural damage, roof leaks,
graffiti

Structurally sound, minor cosmetic
wear

Like new, clean, attractive, fully
functional

Historic
feature(s)

Deterioration, vandalism, no
interpretation

Stable condition, limited signage

Preserved/restored, interpretive
signage, protected setting

Horseshoes

Broken pits, missing stakes, unsafe Usable pits, minor wear
area

Regulation pits, clean, clearly defined

Ice skating/
Hockey area

Unsafe surface, no maintenance,
inadequate lighting

Well-maintained surface, lighting,
boards, community-ready

Natural area

Degraded habitat, invasive species, Mostly intact habitat, limited
erosion
restoration

Healthy ecosystems, managed access,
interpretive signage

Open turf area

Compacted soil, bare patches,
drainage issues

Lush turf, resilient soils, multipurpose
use

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Seasonal usability, basic
maintenance

Generally healthy turf, occasional
wear

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Picnic table

Cracked surfaces, unstable legs,
unsafe

Stable, usable, minor wear

Playground

Broken equipment, unsafe
surfacing, inaccessible

compliant, modern equipment,
All equipment functional, minor wear ADA
vibrant condition

Public art

Damaged, vandalized, poorly sited Intact, minor wear

Well-maintained, integrated, valued
community feature

Restroom

Closed, vandalized, unsanitary,
inaccessible

Operational, clean, minor repairs
needed

Spotless, ADA compliant, modern
fixtures

issues, roof damage,
Shelter/ canopy Structural
graffiti

Usable, minor cosmetic issues

Like new, clean, no damage

Signage

Missing, unreadable, vandalized

Present, faded or outdated

Clear, current, legible, attractive

Skateboarding
facility

Cracked surfaces, unsafe features

Playable, worn elements

Professionally designed, smooth
surfaces, safe

Sledding hill

Unsafe grades, erosion, obstacles

Generally safe slope, limited
management

Designed slopes, clear runouts,
maintained

Soccer/multiuse field

Uneven surface, poor turf, no
irrigation

Playable turf, good drainage

Tournament-quality turf, automated
irrigation

Splash pad

Non-operational features, surface
hazards

Functional features, minor wear

Fully functional, safe surfacing, modern
controls

Swimming area

Unsafe access, poor water quality, Designated area, basic access
no amenities

Managed swimming area, docks, safety
signage

Tennis court

Cracked surface, broken nets,
faded lines

Playable surface, worn nets

Smooth surface, crisp striping,
competition-ready

Trails/walking /
hiking paths

Erosion, obstructions, unsafe
surfaces

Passable routes, minor maintenance Smooth, accessible, well-marked,
needed
scenic

Trash
receptacle

Damaged, overflowing, unsecured

Functional, needs routine service

Water access –
developed

Damaged dock/launch, unsafe

docks, signage,
Functional access, limited amenities ADA-accessible
erosion control

Water access –
general

Informal access causing erosion

Stable shoreline access

Managed access with habitat
protection

Water fountain

Inoperable, leaking, inaccessible

Operational, minor wear

Clean, accessible, reliable

Wildlife viewing
area

Disturbed habitat, no viewing
structure

Informal viewing opportunities

Designated overlooks, blinds,
interpretive signage

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

New or refurbished, accessible, clean

Clean, secure, serviced regularly

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Individual Park Inventories
This summary consolidates 40+ individual
park inventories for the City of Kalispell. Parks
are grouped by classification for clarity. Key
details include total count, total acreage (~370
acres across developed parks; excluding
undeveloped), status overview, common
deficiencies, and top recommendations.
Inventories highlight amenities, use levels,
ADA/safety issues, and maintenance needs.
Undeveloped sites (e.g., Willow Glen, Eagle
Park, Granary Historic Site, Helen O’Neil) and
deletions (e.g., Grandview Drive merged into
Buffalo Head) are noted separately. Need to
validate acreage

Table X.XPark Inventory by Classification
Includes Ashley Creek Park
2Northwest Sports Complex and does not
include Willow Glen

Complete inventories of each park are included
in the Appendix.

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

•

2. Status Breakdown

High-Use Park-Specific:

•

Developed: 31 parks (95% of acreage) –
fully operational with amenities

•

•

Under construction: 1 (Ashley Creek Bibler Trust – gift to City, Phase 1: 2026)

DJKYAC: high levels of staffing to
maintain tournament quality fields.

•

Undeveloped: 1 (Low use; sports complex
planned)

•

•

Excluded: 1 (Willow Glen – landfill
remediation priority)

Woodland Park: High intensity of use
due iconic pond, landscape, playground,
mature trees and aquatic center.

Amenity Category

Prioritized by frequency (from
inventories):

Baseball/softball

40

5

2 Poor, 4 Avg, 34
Excellent

Basketball courts

9

8

2 Poor, 5 Avg, 2 Excellent

Disc golf

(1) 18 hole
course

12

All Average

Dog parks

1

1

All Excellent

Dog waste stations 10

8

All Excellent

Picnic tables/
shelters

50+

25

10 Poor, 10 Avg, 5
Excellent

Playgrounds

20

18

8 Poor, 8 Avg, 4 Excellent

Restrooms

15

12

6 Poor, 5 Avg, 4 Excellent

Soccer/football

18

4

All Excellent

Tennis/pickleball 2

15

4

1 Poor, 6 Avg, 8 Excellent

Trails/walking

25+ miles

20

5 Poor, 10 Avg, 5
Excellent

Water features

5 (ponds/pools)

4

2 Poor, 1 Avg, 2 Excellent

playgrounds or courts; missing ramps and
parking

2. Playground maintenance: 18 parks - EWF

surfacing depth refresh; missing elements;
tilting structures

3. Irrigation Issues: 15 parks Leaks, poor

coverage, manual/battery controls; needs
automation

4. Trees and landscape: 20 parks - Mature

trees in need of corrective maintenance/
tree replacement, weed control.

5. Site furnishings: 15 parks - Picnic tables/

benches need paint/replacement; graffiti

6. Lighting and safety: 12 parks - Insufficient
pedestrian/security lights; Evidence of
homeless activity.

7. Sidewalks/trails: 10 parks - Cracks/

damage; no neighborhood connections

8. Restrooms: 8 parks - Plumbing leaks; nonADA; seasonal closures

9. Signage: 10 parks - Missing park names
wayfinding, interpretive signs

1Two playgrounds in Lawrence Park

Parks with Amenity

Condition (Poor/Avg/
Excellent)

3. Common Deficiencies Across All Parks

1. ADA access: 25 parks - No pathways to

Total Count

Woodland Water Park is over 20 years
old and maintenance requirements are
increasing.

2 Pickleball Court Striping for two courts at Hawthorne Park,
Informal pickleball is played at the Tennis Court Complex.

10. Drainage/flooding: 5 parks - Muddy/spring
delays (e.g., Begg)

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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04

5. Level of Use Overview

seeding, parking, utilities, restrooms and
amenities.

source]
Figure X.X – Kalispell city parks with 1/4mile buffer. Source: City of Kalispell GIS

•

High: 12 parks (e.g., Woodland, KYAC,
Depot events) – Sports/events/aquatics

•

•

Medium: 15 parks – Neighborhood play/
dogs

Western Park: 1.5 acres – Natural; master
plan for creek connection

•

•
•

Low: 10 parks – Natural/passive areas

Willow Glen: 9.6 acres – Excluded (landfill
cleanup)

•

Granary historic site: Low priority

Overall: High in central/downtown; lower in
outskirts

6. Top Recommendations

1. ADA upgrades (Priority 1): Add pathways/
parking to 25 parks

2. Playground replacements (Priority 1): 10
parks; include EWF/ADA

3. Irrigation automation (Priority 2): 15 parks;
efficiency upgrades

4. Tree maintenance/replacement (Priority 2):
Tree maintenance and replacement

5. Master plans (Priority 3): Prepare Master
Plans for Woodland, Depot, Lawrence,
Northwest

6. Trail Connections (Priority 3): Link Parkline
to Woodland/Ashley Creek/Dry Bridge

7. Aquatics Review (Priority 1): Woodland
Aquatic Center – Full assessment/
replacement, relocation, partnership
options

8. Signage/wayfinding (Priority 3): Citywide
interpretive/ADA signs

9. Funding partnerships: Bibler Trust model;
Kidsports for KYAC expansions and
upgrades

10. Maintenance staffing: Seasonal hires for
high-use parks based on maintenance
needs and community input

7. Undeveloped/Excluded Sites

•

Northwest Sports Complex: 68 acres –
funding for master planning, irrigation,

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Walkability and Accessibility
According to the Trust for Public Land’s
ParkServe analysis, 78% of Kalispell residents
live within a 10-minute walk of a park. 1 61%
of residents live within a quarter-mile buffer
from existing parks facilities.2 This is defined
as those living within a half-mile buffer of an
existing park. Despite being well covered,
there are some noticeable geographical gaps.
Kalispell’s recent growth has seen development
occur into northern, western, and furthest
southern portions of the city’s boundaries.

Figure X.X. Trust for Public Lands: Walkability
to Parks and Recreation Areas in Kalispell,
Montana
According to The Trust for Public Land
ParkServe analysis, 78% of Kalispell’s
population lives within a 10-minute or half-mile
walk of parks. The purple areas identify priority
areas for park development to provide that level
of service to growing parts of the community.

4.5 Inventory Analysis
Overall
Active Versus Passive

Nationally, active recreation areas typically
account for about 35–45 percent of total park
acreage. Eighty-seven percent of Kalispell’s
parks contain active, or muscle-powered,
recreation amenities. Kalispell’s proximity
to natural areas, including national forests,
conservation areas, and Glacier National Park
Figure X.X – Kalispell city parks with 1/4mile buffer (Northern Kalispell) Source: City suggests the City has a stronger role in offering
active recreation opportunities to residents.
As most city-developed and city-maintained
parks are concentrated in close vicinity to the
city’s central core, newer areas will require
additional investment to serve the expected
population growth over the next 20 years.

of Kalispell GIS

Figure X.X – Kalispell city parks with 1/4mile buffer (Southern Kalispell) [insert
1
ParkServe® | Trust for Public Land (2025), see https://
parkserve.tpl.org/mapping/#/?CityID=3040075
2
Parks Plan Update Project Team (2025)

Safety & Maintenance
The City maintains its Parks system and
performs well on nearly all aspects. Despite
year-round maintenance, there is a perception
that some parks are not safe due to the
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

presence of unhoused populations. This is
3.
especially true of Woodland Park, where some
suggested that unattended trash, discarded
needles and deferred maintenance impacts the
park’s reputation. Other system-wide critiques
suggest that restrooms need maintenance or
replacement, and playgrounds require routine
maintenance for safety surfacing and equipment
4.
maintenance and repairs.

Parks & Recreation Facilities and Offerings
The parks and recreation system provides an
increasing variety of both active and passive
opportunities to the members of the Kalispell
community. They include sporting-designed
facilities for traditional sports such as soccer,
football, baseball, summer aquatics, winter
hockey, and ice skating. Four notable gaps
in the City’s current recreation offerings
include:

Regional Park (Northern Kalispell)
As growth continues, there is no designated
regional park serving areas north of Reserve
Drive. Planning for a City-established
regional park in this area should be
considered alongside new neighborhood
development.
Indoor Court Facilities
Kalispell does not have dedicated indoor
court facilities. The Recreation Department
relies on school district courts when
available, but demand from schools, parks
programs, and private clubs exceeds
supply.

Quadrants Needs Assessment
Managing facilities can be simplified by
addressing the system as quadrants. The
major transportation facilities of U.S. Highway
2 and Highway 93 create a natural division
of a northwest, northeast, southwest, and
southeast quadrants.

1. Adult Recreation Programs

Limited opportunities exist for organized
adult league play, including both indoor and
outdoor sports and activities.

2. Indoor Aquatics Facility

The City currently lacks an indoor aquatics
facility. Community feedback strongly
supports this need—86% of open house
respondents preferred constructing a new
indoor pool over reinvesting in or rebuilding
an outdoor pool.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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Map X.X - City of Kalispell by Quadrants

Community Demand

Figure x.x

Input from community members has been
a vital resource in this Parks Plan’s needs
assessment. Through extensive community
engagement detailed in Chapter 3, Kalispell
raised concerns, hopes, and dreams for the
future of parks and recreation.

Table X.X - Future needs per city quadrant

Quadrant

Future Need

(1) NW Quadrant:
NW sports fields master plan and phased development

4.6 Level of Service
Benchmarking

Lawrence Park Master Plan

A level of service (LOS) review was conducted
to understand the distribution of parkland
acreage by classification and for a broader
measure of how well the City is serving its
residents.

(2) NE Quadrant:
Site acquisition for neighborhood park
Possible collaboration with Flathead Valley Community College
Neighborhood park/Stillwater River Trail: Stillwater River Access/putin. Future indoor aquatic center, community center?
Kalispell North Town Center – Collaboration with development /
HOA parks
(3) SW Quadrant:
Ashley Creek under construction
Potential collaboration with school district at Rankin Elementary
(4) SE Quadrant:
Woodland Park Master Plan
Future acquisition: priority for Flathead River access/collaboration
with Flathead County Parks
Stillwater River Trail development of put-in/take-out locations
Leisure Park Natural Area: access and signage, trail. Possible expansion?
Stillwater River Trail Access and hiking trail connections

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71

Comparison to Peers & National
Service standards are the adopted guidelines
or benchmarks the City seeks to achieve
through its park system. LOS represents a
snapshot in time of how effectively the City is
meeting those adopted standards. LOS is often
expressed quantitatively, such as the amount of
park acreage per 1,000 city residents.
The table also compares Kalispell’s LOS with
Helena, other Montana communities, and
national averages as reported by the National
Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and
the Trust for Public Land (TPL).Like many
jurisdictions, Kalispell has moved away from
sole reliance on the NRPA’s historic, onesize-fits-all park standards. Instead, the City
has developed a set of customized service
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

guidelines that reflect local conditions, growth
patterns, and evolving recreation demands.
These guidelines place greater emphasis on
qualitative factors and community-identified
priorities, as expressed through the Parks Plan
community engagement process, while still
using comparative metrics to inform long-range
planning and investment decisions.
The table below evaluates these LOS
benchmarks by comparing the quantity of park
facilities by type, measured as acreage per
1,000 residents, for the years 2006 and 2025.
Table X.X - Parks LOS. Parks acreage per 1,000
of city residents

Park Facility Type

Kalispell,
MT

Helena,
MT

Butte,
MT

Great
Falls,
MT

NRPA / TPL1
Averages

2006

2025

Mini parks (ex. Park
View Terrace)

0.2

0.2

0.14

0.3

N/A

0.375

Neighborhood parks
(Ex. Hawthorne)

2.1

0.6

1.3

0.8

2.8

1.5

Community parks
(Ex. Lawrence)

4.6

4.9

3.1

4

5.8

6.5

Large urban parks
(Ex. Woodland)

2.5

1.7

N/A

N/A

N/A

10

Regional parks

N/A

N/A

N/A

104.9

N/A

15

Special use areas
(Ex. KYAC)

9.1

5.4

6.1

2.4

4.6

3.5

Open space/
Greenway
(Ex. Dry Bridge)

4.2

1.2

582

10.5

7.4

10

Trails (miles/1,000
people)

0.7

0.3

2.0

1.7

N/A

1.5

Figure X.X - “How do we stack up?” Parks LOS.
Parks acreage per 1,000 of city residents.

1 AI assisted research referencing data from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA),
Trust for Public Land (TPL), and multiple city parks and trails master plans.
2 Helena’s open space area includes its vast 720-acre Mount Helena Park and is not used for comparison purposes.
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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Helena Comparison – needs more work.

o Fitness center

Source - https://cityofhelena.cloudvault.mfiles.com/vnext/#/vault/%7B63ABA158-FD064651-A489-6242A01B29DF%7D/views/
V149/?timestamp=1713889408038

o Walking track

•
•

o Community rooms

Budget

•

Two 18-hole municipal golf courses

Great Falls Comparison

o Eagle Falls Golf Club

Source: City of Great Falls FY 2025–26
Budget, Park & Recreation Department Fast
Facts, and Parks & Trails information.

o Anaconda Hills Golf Course

Summary of Park Facilities

•

Approximately 1,215 acres of parkland
and open space, including:
o 775 acres of developed parkland
o 140 acres of undeveloped parkland
o 300 acres of conservation land

•

More than 50 park buildings and support
facilities

•

Extensive recreation programming,
special events, and youth sports.

25 landscaped medians and gateway
landscapes

o 55 miles of recreational trails,
including 21 miles of paved trails,
anchored by the River’s Edge Trail
system along the Missouri River.

FY2027 Proposed: $3,579,667 (2.66%
increase)

Electric City Water Park featuring:

o Children’s play features
Two neighborhood pools:
o Jaycee Pool
o Water Tower Pool
Scheels Aim High Big Sky Recreation &
Aquatic Center:
o Indoor lap pool
o Recreation pool
o Gymnasium

04

•

Approximately 36,000 public trees

Budget (FY 2026)General Fund Operations

o Lazy riverWater slides

•

27,000-square-foot skate park

o 57 developed parks and 9
undeveloped parks

o 50-meter competition pool

•

•
•
•

73

Bike park
Four outdoor skating rinks

•

Personnel: FY 2026: $4,544,00. Increase of
2.9% over fiscal year 2025

•
•
•
•

Maintenance and operations: $3,054,208

•

Minor capital costs: fiscal year 2026
$255,000

•

They separate out community facility
projects

Schedule of capital projects
Fiscal year 2026: $1,759,00
Five year capital improvement plan cost:
$3,433,000

FY2026 Adopted: $3,486,792

Park Maintenance District (passed in 2018):
$1.5 million in tax revenues.
City Budget 2025.
Summary of Park Facilities

•

2,140 acres of developed and undeveloped
parkland

•

30 parks, including bike and pedestrian
trails

•

50-meter outdoor swimming pool with
splash pad, lazy river, and water slide

•
•
•
•

Bill Roberts Municipal Golf Course
Helena Civic Center
three tennis and pickleball sites
Skateboard park
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

4.7 System-wide Needs
Kalispell’s parks and recreation system has
served the community well, but continued
population growth and changing recreation
preferences are placing increasing demands
on existing parks, trails, and facilities. While the
city has expanded significantly over the past
two decades, the park system has not kept
pace with growth, particularly in the rapidly
developing northwest and northeast quadrants
where few new neighborhood parks have been
added. As these areas continue to develop,
residents increasingly expect convenient
access to parks, trails, playgrounds, and
recreation opportunities close to home. The
following Level of Service (LOS) framework
provides a practical approach for maintaining
the high quality of Kalispell’s existing system
while strategically addressing service gaps,
improving equitable access, and guiding future
park acquisition and facility investments as the
community grows.
LOS Framework
Guiding Benchmarks (TPL/NRPA):

•
•

Park access:

•
•
•

TPL national median (2025): ~76%

Target: ≥ 80% of residents within a halfmile (10-minute walk) of a park or park
facility
Neighborhood parks:
Typical service radius: one quarter to
halfmile

Planning Principle: Maintain existing LOS where
it meets or exceeds benchmarks, close access
gaps in growth areas, and phase modest
expansions aligned with population growth over
the next 20 years.

•
•

LOS-aligned Project Priorities

•

Short-term Priorities (0–5 Years)

Expands recreational access LOS without
land acquisition.

•

Enhances utility of existing park and river
access points.

Focus: Preserve existing LOS, improve
quality, and close access gaps without
adding acreage.
Neighborhood Park Improvements
Program
Alignment:

•

Maintains neighborhood park LOS by
reinvesting in existing acreage rather than
adding new land

•

Improves functional LOS through
accessibility and safety upgrades

TPL/NRPA metrics supported:

•
•

Park access quality
ADA and inclusive design best practices

Contribution to 80% access goal:

•

Keeping existing neighborhood parks viable
and usable within walking distance

•

Prevents LOS decline as facilities age

•
•
•

Size: 2 – 10 acres

Woodland Park Aquatic Center –
Maintenance & infrastructure upgrades

Sports fields:

Alignment:

Maintain LOS relative to population growth
rather than increasing per-capita supply

•

•
•

Aquatic facilities:

Preserves regional aquatic LOS by
extending the useful life of an existing
facility.

•

Avoids near-term loss due to facility failure
or closure.

NRPA emphasizes regional service,
lifecycle replacement planning, and multijurisdictional coordination

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Asset management and lifecycle planning
Regional recreation facility standard

Stillwater River Water Trail – Planning &
early implementation
Alignment:

TPL/NRPA metrics supported:

•
•

Non-motorized recreation access
Natural resource-based recreation

Contribution to 80% access goal:

•

Improves access to recreation even where
traditional park acreage may be limited.

•

Strengthens connectivity between
parks already within walking distance of
neighborhoods.

Interagency collaboration for future parks
& schools
Alignment:

•

Protects long-term neighborhood park LOS
by coordinating land acquisition before
development occurs

•

Supports joint-use LOS efficiencies

TPL/NRPA metrics supported:

•
•

Joint-use park/school models
Cost-efficient land acquisition strategies

Contribution to 80% access goal:

•

Ensures future schools and parks are
sited to close walkability gaps rather than
duplicate service.

TPL/NRPA metrics supported:

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04

Medium-term Priorities (5–10 Years)
Focus: Improve service efficiency,
connectivity, and capacity utilization.

can be maintained through reinvestment or
modest expansion
TPL/NRPA metrics supported:

Woodland Park – Pond renovation, trail
connections, and Master Plan

•
•

Alignment:

Planning outcome:

•

Enhances park quality LOS rather than
expanding acreage

•

•

Improves internal circulation and
neighborhood access

TPL/NRPA metrics supported:

•
•

Park condition and usability

Long-range recreation facility planning
Regional aquatic service standards
Avoids premature construction while
identifying timing thresholds for future
facilities

Northwest Sports Fields (Section 36) –
Phase I Development
Alignment:

•

Lawrence Park – Master Plan and River
Access Enhancements

Addresses documented field demand
without exceeding per-capita LOS
benchmarks

•

Phased approach prevents oversupply

Alignment:

TPL/NRPA metrics supported:

•

Increases functional service area of an
existing park

•

Strengthens role as a river access hub
within walking distance of surrounding
neighborhoods

•
•

Trail connectivity

TPL/NRPA metrics supported:

•
•

Long-term Priorities (10+ Years)

Northwest Sports Fields (Section 36) –
Phase II Completion
Alignment:

•

•

Implemented only if population growth and
participation trends justify expansion

•

Maintains competitive but not excessive
sports LOS

•

Contribution to 80% access goal:

•

Stillwater River Water Trail – Full
Implementation
Alignment:

•

Expands regional recreation LOS with
minimal capital investment

•

Adds capacity without increasing
maintenance-intensive park acreage

New Northeast Kalispell Neighborhood
Park

•
•
•
•

75

Evaluations need for:
Additional or replacement aquatic capacity
A multi-use indoor civic recreation center
Based on population-based LOS triggers,
not fixed timelines

TPL/NRPA metrics supported:

•

Indoor recreation LOS (gyms, fitness,
community space)

•

Regional facility collaboration models

Planning Approach:

•

Establishes a 20-year LOS projection based
Alignment: Directly supports TPL access goal of •
on population growth
80% within a half-mile.
Evaluates whether existing aquatic LOS

04

Strategic infill park to close walkability gaps
rather than citywide acreage expansion

Alignment:

Contribution to 80% access goal:

•

Neighborhood park service radius
standards

Phased capital development

Park renovation versus acquisition
efficiency

Alignment:

Park access equity

Long-Term Aquatic Facility & Indoor Civic
Center Planning (20-year Horizon)

Water access and trail connectivity

Aquatic Facilities Master Plan

•
•

Athletic field LOS ratios

Focus: Strategic expansion only where LOS
thresholds are exceeded.

Improves effectiveness of an already welllocated park rather than requiring purchase
of additional property.

TPL/NRPA metrics supported:

Explore joint-use, regional partnerships,
and phased delivery
Prioritize modernization and expansion of
existing assets before new construction

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Summary
The City’s LOS Framework provides a clear and
practical approach to delivering high-quality
parks and recreation services as Kalispell
continues to grow over the next 20 years.
Guided by locally achievable benchmarks, the
framework focuses on maintaining reliable
access to parks and facilities, targeting at least
80% of residents within a 10-minute walk (halfmile mile) while managing public investment
responsibly.

Table X. X LOS Performance Targets Summary

LOS Metric

Current Strategy

Long-Term Target

Residents within ½-mile of
park

Maintain + infill

≥80%

Neighborhood park acreage

Maintain

Modest infill only

Sports fields

Phased expansion Maintain LOS

Aquatic facilities

Reinvest first

Plan replacement/expansion at LOS
thresholds

Indoor recreation

Plan only

Regional solution in 20 years

The City prioritizes reinvestment in existing
assets, targeted infill in growth areas, and
phased improvements tied to population
change. This approach maintains current
LOS where standards are met, addresses
access gaps as the community grows, and
advances modest, data-driven expansions
only when demand warrants. Long-term
coordination with regional partners supports
cost-effective planning for future aquatic and
indoor recreation facilities, ensuring services
remain responsive, efficient, and affordable for
Kalispell residents.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

CHAPTER

Our Visions and Goals

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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CHAPTER 5: OUR VISION AND
GOALS
Vision
“A thriving, inclusive, and connected Kalispell
where parks, trails, and recreation inspire
health, happiness, economic vitality, and
environmental stewardship for generations to
come.
We envision a future where every person —
regardless of age, ability, or background — can
access safe, beautiful, and well-maintained
parks, trails, and programs that celebrate
Kalispell’s landscape, heritage, community
spirit, and economic opportunity.”

Department Mission Statement:
To provide and maintain a world-class
system of parks, natural lands, trails, and
recreational programs that are accessible, safe,
inclusive, and inspiring. Through responsible
maintenance, strong partnerships, long-range
planning, and community engagement, we
enhance the quality of life and economic vitality
in Kalispell today while protecting our shared
resources for tomorrow.

Goals and Policies
Goals and policies for the Kalispell Parks and
Recreation Department provide a strategic,
community-driven framework to guide the
development, maintenance, and programming
of the city’s park and open space system.
Addressing Kalispell’s projected growth from
33,000 to over 50,000 residents by 2045, these

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80

policies integrate community priorities, equity
data, and industry best practices to ensure
parks remain accessible, sustainable, and
responsive to diverse needs. They emphasize
connectivity, strategic development, balanced
community needs, and long-term stewardship,
aligning with the National Recreation and Park
Association (NRPA) benchmarks.

Goal 1: Maintain and enhance existing parks
and facilities through proactive, data-driven
stewardship.
Goal statement: Preserve, maintain, and
reinvest in Kalispell’s existing parks, recreation
facilities, and open spaces to ensure they
remain safe, functional, attractive, and
sustainable for current and future generations.
Policy 1.1 – Prioritize and plan for maintenance
of existing assets
Policy 1.1.1: Focus resources on maintaining
and improving existing parks and facilities
before developing new ones.
Policy 1.1.2: Develop a citywide maintenance
management plan with performance
benchmarks and utilize asset management
software to track park conditions, lifecycles,
and repairs across all parks and open spaces.
Policy 1.1.3: Establish clear maintenance
standards and inspection schedules for all
amenities, landscapes, and infrastructure.
Policy 1.2 – Ensure sustainable and efficient
maintenance practices
Policy 1.2.1: Incorporate sustainable
maintenance techniques such as waterefficient irrigation, native landscaping, energyefficient lighting, and the use of permeable
surfaces and smart technologies (e.g.,
automated irrigation).
Policy 1.2.2: Evaluate staffing levels,
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

equipment, and resources to maintain
appropriate service standards as the park
system grows.

details in park descriptions, social media posts,
department websites, and online GIS mapping
tools so residents and visitors can identify
Policy 2.2: Design inclusive ‘play together’
accessible parking, routes, restrooms, trails,
Policy 1.2.3: Pursue grants, partnerships,
environments where children and adults of all
playgrounds, and other inclusive amenities
and volunteer programs to support ongoing
abilities can engage side-by-side through multiwhen planning a visit. The department will
maintenance and capital improvement efforts. sensory play features, adaptive equipment, and
regularly review and update this information
socially interactive spaces.
to ensure it reflects current conditions and
Policy 1.3 – Maintain safety, comfort, and visitor
supports equitable access to parks and
experience
Policy 2.3: Include quiet zones, shaded rest
recreation opportunities for all members of the
areas, and wayfinding elements that support
Policy 1.3.1: Ensure all park features,
individuals with sensory sensitivities, cognitive community.
restrooms, playgrounds, and trails are clean,
disabilities, or mobility challenges.
Goal 3: Create safe, welcoming, and
safe, and in good repair through routine
comfortable parks for all visitors.
inspection and timely repair programs.
Policy 2.4: Ensure restrooms, seating, and
Goal statement: Enhance the safety, security,
picnic areas are universally accessible and
Policy 1.3.2: Prioritize physical safety,
and overall comfort of Kalispell’s parks and
family-friendly, with accommodation for
emergency readiness, and user comfort in all
recreation areas to ensure that all residents
caregivers and people using assistive devices.
park spaces.
and visitors can enjoy them with confidence,
Policy 2.5: Apply community engagement and
free from hazards, illegal activities, and
Policy 1.3.3: Evaluate the establishment of a
co-design practices to involve people with
environmental degradation.
park ranger or park ambassador program to
disabilities, caregivers, and inclusion advocates
provide visitor assistance, enforce park rules,
Policy 3.1 – Design for safety and comfort
in the planning and review process.
and enhance public safety.
Policy 3.1.1: Apply Crime Prevention Through
Policy 2.6: Eliminate barriers to participation
Policy 1.3.4: Encourage community feedback
Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, such
through targeted outreach and infrastructure
and reporting tools to help identify maintenance
as clear sightlines, appropriate lighting, and
improvements, such as accessible parking
needs and prioritize improvements.
natural surveillance to all existing and new park
with access to park amenities. Work with
facilities.
civic groups to expand existing scholarship
Goal 2: Ensure access to parks, playgrounds
programs.
and recreation programs by prioritizing
Policy 3.1.2: Improve wayfinding signage,
underserved communities and universal design Policy 2.7: The Parks and Recreation
lighting, and accessibility to create welcoming,
principles.
easy-to-navigate spaces.
Department will actively provide clear,
accurate,
and
up-to-date
information
about
Policy 2.1: Implement universal design
Policy 3.1.3: Ensure park amenities, such as
accessibility features and universal design
standards in all new and renovated parks,
seating, restrooms, and shelters are clean,
amenities in city parks and recreation facilities.
playgrounds, and restrooms. Incorporate
well-maintained, and designed for comfort
The department will include accessibility
features like ramps, sensory play areas, and
across all seasons.
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

accessible pathways to accommodate all ages
and abilities.

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Policy 3.2 – Community involvement and
stewardship
Policy 3.2.1: Evaluate establishment of a park
ranger or park ambassador program to provide
visitor assistance, enforce park rules, and
enhance public safety.
Policy 3.2.2: Conduct regular public feedback
sessions and safety audits to identify problem
areas and respond to community concerns.
Policy 3.2.3: Promote education and outreach
campaigns on park rules, environmental
stewardship, and appropriate park use.
Policy 3.3 – Park ranger and enforcement
program
Policy 3.3.1: Evaluate the feasibility of
establishing a Park Ranger Program to provide
a consistent presence in parks, enforce park
regulations, assist visitors, and respond to
safety concerns.
Policy 3.3.2: Collaborate the Kalispell Police
Department and Flathead County Sheriff’s
Office to develop protocols for addressing
illegal camping, vandalism, and other public
safety issues.
Policy 3.3.3: Explore partnership opportunities
with volunteer organizations or community
watch groups to supplement park monitoring
and safety initiatives.

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Goal 4: Plan for growth and evolving needs
through community-focused strategies
obtained from public engagement.
Policy 4.1: Use community feedback,
demographic trends, and recreation data to
guide equitable park investments, updating the
master plan every five years to reflect changing
needs.
Policy 4.2: Anticipate population growth,
climate change, and recreational trends in
planning.
Policy 4.3: Design parks for climate resilience
and year-round use, integrating features like
shade structures, flood-resistant pathways,
and multi-seasonal programming.
Policy 4.4: Develop multi-use facilities
(e.g., sports fields, event spaces) and
trail connections linking neighborhoods,
schools, and commercial centers to enhance
community cohesion.
Policy 4.5: Prioritize investments in high-growth
areas, and low-income neighborhoods, using
GIS mapping and data analysis.
Goal 5: Recreational programs delivery for
Kalispell residents
Goal statement: To enrich the lives of all
Kalispell residents by delivering recreation
opportunities that promote physical health,
social connection, personal growth, and
community pride while preserving and
enhancing the city’s natural parks and green

spaces for future generations.
Policy 5.1: Evaluate opportunities to extend
recreation programs into all Kalispell
neighborhoods through mobile recreation
initiatives and strategic partnerships.
Policy 5.2: Strive to attain American Disability
Act (ADA) compliance for facilities and
programs.
Policy 5.3: Strengthen partnerships with
Kalispell Public Schools, Flathead County
Parks, FVCC, and local health providers
to expand community reach and reduce
operational costs.
Policy 5.4: Align cost recovery policies by
balancing program fees and partnerships that
offset expenses.
Goal 6: Secure diverse, stable funding to
support park expansion, maintenance, and
recreation programming.
Level 1: Secure diverse and stable funding
sources
Policy 6.1: Diversify funding through grants,
park development requirements for planned
unit developments (PUDs), open space bonds,
and public-private partnerships. Investigate
opportunities to implement a Special
Improvement District for aquatic and recreation
facilities.
Policy 6.2: Maintain and annually evaluate cost
recovery analysis for programs during budget

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

review.
Policy 6.3: Maintain a transparent Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) with measurable
outcomes, updated annually to prioritize highimpact projects toensure funded initiatives are
strategic and accountable.

Goal 7: Leverage parks to promote health,
community cohesion, and economic vitality.

parks. Continue collaboration with Urban
Forestry to develop tree replacement plans for
parks.

Policy 7.1: Offer year-round programs targeting
physical, mental, and social wellbeing,
Goal 9: Parks and recreation planning
including outdoor fitness classes, mental
health walks, and intergenerational activities for Policy 9.1. Integrate park planning into overall
City planning to align the Parks Plan with
all abilities.
Level 2: Leverage partnerships for resource
Kalispell’s Comprehensive Plan.
amplification
Policy 7.2: Expand equitable access to trails,
Policy 9.2: Regularly update the Parks Plan to
play areas, and wellness events, prioritizing
Policy 6.4: Formalize shared-use agreements
underserved areas to reduce health disparities. reflect changes in city demographics, needs,
with schools, nonprofits, and civic groups to
and available funding.
expand facility access and co-develop facilities Policy 7.3: Design community-focused and
and programs to reduce infrastructure burdens tourism-friendly initiatives, such as markets or Policy 9.3: Incorporate park planning as a
key component of the City’s overall Urban
via shared maintenance and programming
sports tournaments, to strengthen bonds and
Development Plan to ensure new parks and
costs.
provide opportunities for local economies.
recreational facilities are strategically located
Policy 6.5: Partner with local businesses,
Policy 7.4: Engage organizations like Discover
near emerging residential and commercial
tourism agencies, and trail organizations to
Kalispell to evaluate opportunities of
areas.
host community events (e.g., festivals, trail
partnerships in the development of athletic
Policy 9.3 Continue interdepartmental review
cleanups), generating supplemental revenue
facilities.
of development projects and Parks Plan review
and enhancing visitor experiences.
Goal 8: Preserve and celebrate Kalispell’s
to coordinate support of development and
Level 3: Foster community engagement and
cultural, natural, and historic identity through
collaboration in the development of parks and
stewardship
park design and programming.
recreation facilities.
Policy 6.6: Engage residents in park
stewardship, volunteering, and participatory
planning to cultivate ownership and inform
future funding priorities.
Policy 6.7: Re-establish Adopt-a-Park and
Park Friends groups to raise awareness,
foster stewardship, mobilize volunteer labor
and potential micro-fundraising, and meet
achievable participation targets).

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Policy 8.1: Incorporate interpretive signage,
public art, and storytelling in parks.
Policy 8.2: Protect natural landscapes,
waterways, and historic features during park
development, using low-impact design to
preserve ecosystems.
Policy 8.3: Expand cultural and music events.
Policy 8.4: Continue restoration of urban
forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats within

Goal 10: Maintain a high-performing and
adequately staffed Parks and Recreation
Department through professional development,
technology, and strategic growth.
Policy 10.1 – Staff development and training:
Develop and implement vertically integrated
staff training plans emphasizing safety, crossfunctional expertise, and professional growth.
Ongoing staff education should include areas
such as irrigation systems, OSHA compliance,

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early childhood development, turf management,
and aquatic facility operations to maintain high
service standards.
Policy 10.2 – Strategic staffing growth: Scale
staffing levels to meet current and future service
demands while maintaining quality. Review
seasonal maintenance compensation to evaluate
the potential for a 9-month FTA staffing model.
Policy 10.3 – Technology and operational
efficiency: Expand utilization of GIS tools and
adopt modern equipment and technologies to
enhance data-driven decision-making, resource
management, and operational efficiency.
Policy 10.4 – Collaboration and community input:
Establish and maintain a Parks and Recreation
Advocacy Board to provide community input.

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

CHAPTER

Where We Are Going

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CHAPTER 6: WHERE WE ARE
GOING
Introduction
Kalispell’s parks, recreation facilities, trails,
open spaces, and natural areas are more than
community amenities—they are the heart of
community life. They support healthy lifestyles,
strengthen neighborhoods, protect natural
resources, and create places where people
of all ages and abilities can gather, play, learn,
and connect. As Kalispell continues to grow,
the community has an opportunity to build
upon these strengths by investing in a parks
and recreation system that remains accessible,
resilient, and responsive to changing
community needs.
This chapter establishes the long-term
direction for the future of Kalispell’s parks and
recreation system. Building on the community
vision, extensive public engagement, and the
analysis presented in previous chapters, it
shifts from understanding existing conditions
to identifying where the community wants to go
and how to get there. Rather than prescribing
a rigid list of projects, this chapter provides
a strategic framework for making informed
decisions, prioritizing investments, and
responding to future opportunities.
While major capital projects remain essential,
many opportunities to improve the park system
can be achieved through smaller, systemwide initiatives that activate existing spaces
and strengthen community connections.

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Across Kalispell, hidden corners, steep slopes,
peripheral lawns, underused trail connections,
and seasonal facilities represent opportunities
to create more vibrant destinations through
thoughtful programming, placemaking, and
targeted improvements. These initiatives focus
on three complementary strategies:

improvements, the City can test ideas, respond
to community interests, and build momentum
for future capital projects. The goal is simple:
transform overlooked spaces into welcoming,
vibrant destinations that increase daily use,
strengthen neighborhood identity, and foster a
stronger sense of place throughout Kalispell.

Meaningful Public Engagement that invites
residents to help shape the future of their parks
through workshops, pop-up events, volunteer
activities, and ongoing collaboration.
Activation of Underutilized Spaces through
innovative recreation programming, mobile
recreation, temporary events, and the
addition of simple amenities that expand
recreation opportunities. Examples include
adding pickleball striping to existing tennis
courts, introducing recreation outreach in
neighborhood parks, activating natural areas
with environmental education, and expanding
seasonal programming.
Minor Improvements and Placemaking
that give parks a unique identity through
public art, themed playgrounds, interpretive
features, gathering spaces, creative
signage, landscaping, and other low-cost
enhancements that encourage people to visit,
stay longer, and return often.

An important part of this approach is
celebrating success. Park improvements should
not happen quietly. Playground replacements,
trail openings, accessibility improvements,
and other capital investments provide
opportunities to engage residents, recognize
community partners, and demonstrate
progress toward implementing the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan. These celebrations
become more than ribbon-cuttings—they are
community gatherings where neighbors meet
neighbors, children discover new places to
play, volunteers and partners are recognized,
and residents see firsthand how their input
is shaping the future of Kalispell’s parks. By
celebrating these milestones, the City builds
public trust, strengthens community pride, and
creates momentum for continued investment in
the park system.

The recommendations throughout this chapter
are organized around a series of strategic
Together, these interconnected strategies rely
priorities that reflect the community’s highest
on low-cost, high-impact improvements—
values. Each priority is supported by specific
such as pop-up events, modular amenities,
implementation actions and measurable
creative wayfinding, public art, and resident-led outcomes that together create a practical
design—to reimagine existing spaces before
roadmap for improving parks, recreation
major investments are made. By starting
programs, trails, open spaces, natural
with temporary activations and scalable
areas, and public facilities. These priorities
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

emphasize stewardship of existing assets,
equitable access, safety and accessibility,
planning for future growth, expanded recreation
opportunities, placemaking, environmental
stewardship, organizational excellence,
partnerships, and long-term financial
sustainability.
A central objective of the plan is to provide
equitable access to high-quality parks
and recreation opportunities throughout
the community. This includes increasing
the percentage of residents living within
a 10-minute walk of a quality park from
approximately 78 percent today to at least 80
percent while continuing to improve the quality,
connectivity, functionality, and year-round
activation of the entire park system. Achieving
this vision will require balancing reinvestment
in existing parks with strategic land acquisition,
new park development, creative programming,
and partnerships that expand recreation
opportunities as Kalispell grows.
Implementation of this plan is intended to be
flexible, opportunity-driven, and responsive
to changing community needs. Progress
will depend on available funding, grant
opportunities, partnerships, development
activity, and the City’s ability to coordinate
projects with other public and private
investments. Many of the plan’s early actions
emphasize “quick-win” projects that can be
implemented for relatively modest investments
while building community support for larger
initiatives such as the Woodland Park Master
Plan and other major capital improvements.
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

As conditions evolve, the priorities and actions
outlined in this chapter provide a framework
for adapting while remaining focused on the
community’s long-term vision.
Together, these strategic priorities,
implementation actions, and expected
outcomes provide a practical roadmap
through 2045 for creating a more connected,
equitable, and vibrant parks and recreation
system. By combining long-term capital
investments with creative programming,
placemaking, community partnerships, and
ongoing stewardship, Kalispell will continue to
develop a park system that enhances quality
of life, strengthens neighborhoods, and serves
residents and visitors for generations to come.
The recommendations are organized into
the following strategic priorities:
1. Maintain What We Have
2. Update Parks and Playgrounds for Safety
and Accessibility
3. Create Safe, Welcoming, and WellMaintained Parks
4. Strategic System Growth, Access, and
Master Planning
5. Sustainable and Responsive Recreation
Programs
6. Sustainable Funding, Strategic Investment,
and Partnerships
7. Partnerships for Community Impact
8. Preserve Natural and Cultural Identity
9. Integrated Planning and Interdepartmental
Coordination
10. Invest in Organizational Excellence
Together, these priorities provide a practical
framework for guiding future investments,

coordinating projects, and delivering a
connected, equitable, and financially
sustainable parks and recreation system that
will serve Kalispell for generations to come.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Implementation Recommendations
This chapter organizes the recommended
implementation strategies into ten strategic
priority areas. Each priority groups related
projects, policies, and capital investments
into a coordinated program intended to guide
decision-making, budgeting, partnerships, and
phased implementation over the next 10–20
years. The recommendations emphasize
maintaining existing assets, expanding
equitable access, improving recreation
opportunities, strengthening partnerships,
and coordinating investments across City
departments to maximize community benefit.

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6.1 Strategic Parks and Recreation
Priorities
•

Improved long-term planning and
budgeting.

1. Maintain What We • Extended service life of park assets.
Have
• Reduced deferred maintenance.
Protecting and reinvesting in existing
parks and recreation assets is the highest
priority for maintaining a high-quality park
system. Implementation will focus on
proactive maintenance, asset management,
lifecycle replacement, and strategic capital
improvements to ensure parks, facilities,
and open spaces remain safe, accessible,
functional, and sustainable while continuing to
meet the community’s evolving needs.
Action 1.1: Implement a Comprehensive
Asset Management Program
Purpose
Protect the City’s investment in parks and
recreation facilities by establishing a proactive
system for maintenance, repair, and capital
replacement.

•

More strategic capital investments.

Action 1.2: Prioritize Maintenance and
Facility Reinvestment
Purpose
Maintain existing parks and recreation facilities
in a safe, functional, and attractive condition
before expanding the park system.

parks, trails, playgrounds, athletic fields,
landscaping, and recreation facilities.

•

Establish inspection schedules for safety,
accessibility, and facility condition.

•

Monitor performance using measurable
service standards.

•

Periodically review maintenance practices
to improve efficiency.

Expected Outcomes

•

•
Actions
•
• Prioritize maintenance, renovation, and
replacement of existing parks and facilities. •
• Develop annual maintenance and capital
improvement priorities.

•

Schedule preventative maintenance to
reduce long-term repair costs.

•

Coordinate rehabilitation projects to
improve accessibility, sustainability, and
operational efficiency.

Consistent maintenance throughout the
park system.
Improved safety and reliability.
Clear performance expectations.
Better allocation of maintenance
resources.

Action 1.4: Improve Operational Efficiency
and Sustainability
Purpose
Increase operational efficiency while reducing
long-term operating costs and conserving
natural resources.

Expected Outcomes

Actions

•

Develop a comprehensive inventory
of all park assets, including buildings,
playgrounds, trails, athletic facilities,
irrigation systems, landscaping, and site
amenities.

•
•
•
•

Incorporate sustainable maintenance
practices, including water-efficient
irrigation, energy-efficient equipment, and
environmentally responsible maintenance
methods.

•

•

Conduct routine condition assessments
and establish asset lifecycle expectations.

Action 1.3: Establish Maintenance
Standards and Service Levels

Evaluate staffing levels, equipment, and
operational resources as service demands
change.

•

Implement an asset management system
to prioritize maintenance, repairs, and
replacement projects.

Purpose

•

Invest in equipment and technology that
improves maintenance efficiency.

Provide consistent maintenance practices and
service expectations across the entire park
system.

•

Identify opportunities to reduce operating
and utility costs.

Actions

•

Actions

•

•

Update the Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) based on asset condition, risk, and
community priorities.

Expected Outcomes

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•

Well-maintained parks and facilities.
Improved visitor experience.
Reduced lifecycle costs.
Protection of existing public investments.

Develop maintenance standards for

Expected Outcomes:
Lower operating costs.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

•
•
•

Improved environmental stewardship.
More efficient maintenance operations.
Sustainable management of park
resources.

Action 1.5: Maintain Safe, Accessible, and
Welcoming Parks
Purpose:
Provide parks and recreation facilities that are
clean, safe, accessible, and welcoming for all
users.
Actions:

•

Conduct routine inspections of parks,
playgrounds, trails, restrooms, and
recreation facilities.

•

Address maintenance and safety issues
through timely repairs.

•

Incorporate accessibility improvements
into maintenance and capital projects.

•

Evaluate opportunities for park ranger,
ambassador, or volunteer programs
to enhance visitor assistance and
stewardship.

•

Provide Dog Waste Stations. Explore
partnerships with Paws for Play and others
to provide free leashes and signage.

•

Evaluate lighting upgrades that are Dark Sky
compliant.

•

Explore additional installations of site
furnishings like benches and bike racks.

Expected Outcomes:
Safe and accessible parks.
Improved visitor satisfaction.

•
•

Increased community stewardship.

•

Improved safety and increase visibility of
the night sky.

Enhanced public confidence in the park
system.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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2. Update Parks
and Playgrounds
for Safety and
Accessibility

•

play features, adaptive equipment, shaded
seating, gathering spaces, and familyfriendly amenities.

•

Incorporate quiet spaces, shaded seating,
accessible gathering areas, and intuitive
wayfinding into park improvement projects.

Expand Certified Playground Safety
Inspector (CPSI) coverage and implement
annual inspections and preventative
maintenance programs to improve safety
and guide capital planning.

•

Coordinate accessibility improvements
with park rehabilitation and capital
improvement projects.

Modernize parks and playgrounds to provide
safe, inclusive, and universally accessible
Expected Outcomes
recreation opportunities for residents of all ages • A phased, long-term playground
replacement and improvement program.
and abilities.
• All playgrounds meet current ASTM, CPSC,
Priority Action 2.1: Implement a
and ADA standards, reducing safety risks
Systemwide Inclusive Playground
and long-term maintenance costs.
Improvement Program
• Increased access to inclusive, multiPurpose
generational play opportunities throughout
the community.
Develop a long-term, phased playground
replacement and improvement program
• Modern playgrounds that encourage active
that provides safe, inclusive, and universally
play, sensory exploration, and social
accessible play environments where children
interaction.
and caregivers of all ages and abilities can
play, learn, and interact together. The program
• Improved public satisfaction, equitable
will prioritize equitable access, modern play
access, and long-term operational
experiences, and compliance with current
reliability.
safety and accessibility standards.
Priority Action 2.2: Improve Accessibility
Actions
Throughout Community Parks
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of
Purpose
all playgrounds to evaluate age, condition,
accessibility, safety, and compliance with
Enhance accessibility throughout the park
ASTM, CPSC, and ADA standards.
system by removing physical barriers and
improving circulation, amenities, and visitor
• Develop a prioritized Playground
comfort for people of all ages and abilities.
Replacement and Improvement Plan
based on facility condition, accessibility
deficiencies, geographic equity, community Actions
need, and lifecycle replacement. Retrofit
accessible parking, sidewalks,
or replace outdated playground equipment • Improve
pathways, trail connections, and park
with a goal of 1-2 parks per year.
circulation. For Example, explore
opportunities to coordinate planning and
• Incorporate universal design principles
installation of a trail off of Sunnyview Lane
into every new and renovated playground,
or Grandview Drive along the golf course creating “Play Together” environments
connect to Lawrence Park?
that support children and caregivers of all
abilities.
• Upgrade restrooms, picnic areas, seating,
drinking fountains, and other amenities to
• Install accessible routes, unitary safety
universal design standards.
surfacg, sensory and movement-based

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Expected Outcomes

•

Improved accessibility throughout the park
system.

•

Safer, more comfortable, and welcoming
park experiences.

•

Reduced barriers to accessing parks and
recreation facilities.

Priority Action 2.3: Expand Inclusive
Recreation and Community Partnerships
Purpose
Increase participation by ensuring recreation
programs, park improvements, and community
engagement efforts are inclusive, accessible,
and responsive to community needs.
Actions

•

Engage people with disabilities, caregivers,
schools, and advocacy organizations in the
planning and design of parks, playgrounds,
and recreation programs.

•

Expand outreach to underserved
populations and communities with limited
access to recreation opportunities.

•

Partner with civic organizations and
community groups to support scholarships,
adaptive recreation, and inclusive
programming.

•

Regularly evaluate recreation programs to
improve accessibility, participation, and
community benefit.

Expected Outcomes

•

Increased participation in recreation
programs.

•

Stronger partnerships supporting inclusive
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

recreation.

•

Reduced financial, physical, and social
barriers to participation.

Priority Action 2.4: Improve Accessibility
Information and Public Awareness
Purpose

confidence.

•

Greater awareness and use of inclusive
parks and recreation opportunities.

•

More equitable access to parks and
recreation services throughout the
community.

Implementation Priorities

Provide clear, accurate, and current information
•
that enables residents and visitors to identify
accessible parks, playgrounds, trails, facilities,
and recreation opportunities.
Actions

•

•
Develop system wide standards for signs
including park identification and wayfinding.
Standards to include standardized park
•
identification signs, directional signs and
building identification.

•

Develop a system wide set of park rules for
visitors that is consistent with city code.

•

Maintain and regularly update accessibility
information for parks, playgrounds, trails,
and recreation facilities.

•
•
•

•

Systemwide playground evaluation and
replacement program
Replace aging equipment with inclusive
play environments
Install accessible surfacing, pathways, and
adaptive equipment
Expand splash pads and accessible
amenities. Consider planning for a
new splash pad in a Community or
Neighborhood Park over 10-years.

• Upgrade digital accessibility information
Desired Outcomes
• Safer playgrounds
Include accessibility features on the
• Greater ADA accessibility
City’s website, GIS mapping tools, mobile
applications, and promotional materials.
• Inclusive recreation
Update accessibility information following • Improved user experience
park renovations and facility improvements.
Promote inclusive parks and recreation
opportunities through coordinated public
outreach and education.

Expected Outcomes

•

Increased recognition of Kalispell Parks
facilities.

•

Increased understanding of parks rules
facilitating consistent enforcement as
necessary.

•

Increased public awareness of accessible
parks and amenities.

•

Improved trip planning and visitor

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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drinking fountains and bottle-filling stations
to provide additional public amenities.

3. Safe, Welcoming, Expected Outcomes
and Well-Maintained • Safer and more welcoming parks.
Parks
Create safe, welcoming, and enjoyable
parks through thoughtful design, proactive
management, community partnerships,
and shared stewardship. These actions
improve park safety, enhance visitor services,
strengthen public safety coordination, and
foster community ownership.
Priority Action 3.1: Improve Park Safety
Through Design
Purpose

•

Improved visibility, accessibility, and
wayfinding.

•

Enhanced visitor comfort and reduced
opportunities for vandalism.

•
•
•

Conduct park safety assessments to
identify opportunities for improved lighting,
visibility, circulation, and accessibility.
Apply CPTED principles, including
clear sightlines, natural surveillance,
and appropriate lighting, to all park
improvement projects.
Improve wayfinding, signage, and park
amenities such as seating, shelters, and
restrooms to enhance visitor comfort and
navigation.
Public Restrooms: Invest in durable, lowmaintenance, vandal-resistant restroom
facilities, such as the Portland Loo or
similar designs, in parks and along trails.
These facilities reduce maintenance
demands while improving the visitor
experience and can include integrated

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Coordinate with public safety agencies and
community organizations to proactively address
park safety and security.
Actions
Develop response protocols with law
enforcement and emergency service
providers.

•

Improve park safety, visitor services, and
stewardship through a visible Park Ranger or
Park Ambassador program.

Coordinate communication regarding
safety concerns, vandalism, and illegal
activities.

•

Actions

Partner with neighborhood groups,
volunteers, and community watch
organizations to support park monitoring.

•

Work with neighborhood groups to
support neighborhood led initiatives like
tree planting, art installations, and other
community engagements.

Priority Action 3.2: Implement a Park
Ranger and Park Ambassador Program
Purpose

Create safe, welcoming, and comfortable parks
by incorporating Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) principles
into park planning, maintenance, and capital
•
improvements.

•

Purpose

•

•

Actions

Priority Action 3.3: Strengthen Public
Safety Partnerships

Implement a pilot Park Ranger or Park
Ambassador program focused on visitor
assistance, education, stewardship, and
rule enforcement.
Evaluate staffing options, including
seasonal staff, volunteers, interns, and
community partnerships.

•

Coordinate with Police, Fire, Public Works,
and community partners to improve park
security and emergency response.

•

Monitor program performance to evaluate
long-term staffing and funding needs.

Expected Outcomes

•

Improved coordination and emergency
response.

•

Reduced vandalism and public safety
issues.

•

Stronger partnerships supporting safe and
welcoming parks.

Expected Outcomes

Priority Action 3.4: Promote Community
Stewardship

Increased park safety and visitor assistance.

Purpose

•

Improved stewardship and compliance
with park rules.

•
•

Stronger community partnerships.
Data to support expansion of the program.

Encourage community involvement in
maintaining safe, welcoming, and well-caredfor parks.
Actions

•

Conduct regular park safety audits and
gather community feedback.

•

Promote education on park etiquette,
environmental stewardship, and
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

responsible recreation.

•

Expand volunteer stewardship,
neighborhood cleanups, and Adopt-a-Park
programs.

Expected Outcomes

•

Increased community stewardship and
volunteer participation.

•

Improved identification of maintenance and
safety needs.

•

Greater public awareness and pride in the
park system.

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•

Identify phased capital improvements,
trail connections, recreation amenities,
accessibility improvements, and
operational needs.

4. Strategic System
Growth, Access, and
• Engage residents, user groups, and
Master Planning
community partners throughout the
Maintain and enhance existing community
parks while planning for future growth through
comprehensive master planning, equitable
access, coordinated capital investments,
and strategic land acquisition. This priority
focuses on reinvesting in existing parks and
recreation facilities while expanding the system
to meet future community needs. Through
data-driven planning, community engagement,
and coordinated implementation, Kalispell
can improve park access, strengthen trail
connectivity, develop new recreation facilities,
and ensure investments are aligned with
growth, level of service goals, and long-term
financial sustainability.
Priority Action 4.1: Prepare Community
Park and Facility Master Plans
Purpose

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•

planning process.

Utilize GIS, ParkServe, demographic
analysis, and level-of-service standards
to prioritize acquisitions and capital
investments.

Expected Outcomes
Coordinate master plans with the
Comprehensive Plan, Capital Improvement • Improved equitable access to parks and
recreation.
Program, and other City planning initiatives.
• Expanded trail connectivity throughout the
Expected Outcomes
community.
• Community-supported master plans that
• Strategic park acquisition supporting future
guide future investments.
growth.
• Long-term implementation strategies for
• Investments aligned with community needs
major recreation facilities.
and growth patterns
• Coordinated, phased capital
improvements.
Priority Action 4.3: Coordinate Growth and
Capital Investment
• Enhanced recreation opportunities and
park connectivity.
Purpose

•

Priority Action 4.2: Expand the Park
System and Improve Access
Purpose
Strategically expand the parks and recreation
system to improve equitable access, trail
connectivity, and recreation opportunities as
Kalispell continues to grow.

Actions
Develop long-term master plans and feasibility
studies that guide phased investments, improve • Evaluate future park acquisition
existing parks and recreation facilities, and
opportunities, including the Willow Glen
identify future recreation opportunities that
property and other priority sites.
meet evolving community needs.
• Acquire approximately 50 acres of parkland
Actions
over the next ten years in underserved and
high-growth areas.
• Prepare or update master plans for
Woodland Park, Lawrence Park, Northwest • Develop new neighborhood and community
Fields, and future aquatic facilities.
parks where needed to meet adopted level
of service standards.
• Evaluate the feasibility, community need,
funding options, partnerships, operational
• Expand trail connections between parks,
models, and implementation strategy for a
neighborhoods, schools, recreation
future Community Recreation Center.
facilities, and community destinations,

06

including Parkline Trail connections to
Woodland Park.

Coordinate park planning, capital
improvements, and recreation facility
development to maximize public investment
and support long-term community growth.
Actions

•

Coordinate park improvements with
transportation, utility, stormwater, and
other public infrastructure projects.

•

Align park investments with growth
areas, redevelopment opportunities, and
neighborhood planning.

•

Pursue partnerships and grant
opportunities to leverage capital
improvements.

•

Coordinate implementation with the City’s
Capital Improvement Program and annual
budgeting process.

Expected Outcomes

•
•

Coordinated capital investments.
Efficient use of public resources.
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

•

Improved delivery of parks and recreation
projects.

•

Long-term financial sustainability.

Priority Action 4.4: Strengthen the
Parkline Trail as Kalispell’s Signature
Community Corridor

•

Coordinate event programming
with Downtown Kalispell and local
organizations.

redevelopment opportunity sites.

•

4.4.3 Improve Trail Access and
Connectivity

Review city policies to encourage trailoriented commercial uses such as cafés,
outdoor dining, bicycle services, and
recreation-related businesses.

Ensure trailhead parking at both the eastern • Coordinate public improvements with
adjacent private redevelopment to activate
and western ends of the trail is clear and
the trail corridor.
accessible. Make the connection between
Relationship to Other Plans
the trail and both Ashley Creek Parka and
4.4.7 Continue to Improve Trail Safety
Woodland Park.
The Parkline Trail is a central element of several
adopted City planning efforts, including the
• Enhance major roadway crossings through
• Continue filling sidewalk and bicycle
Core Area Plan, Parkline Trail and Complete
improved lighting, signage, visibility, and
network gaps that connect neighborhoods
Streets Concept Design, Downtown Plan,
traffic-calming measures.
to
the
Parkline
Trail.
and Move 2040 Transportation Plan. Together,
these plans envision the Parkline Trail as
• Evaluate the potential to install stairs from • Monitor pedestrian volumes and roadway
more than a multi-use pathway—it is a linear
conditions to determine if grade-separated
7th Ave EN to Parkline Trail. This very steep
park that connects neighborhoods, parks,
crossings are warranted in the future.
area makes trail construction difficult. The
schools, downtown, recreation facilities, and
stairs would improve access for the kids
future redevelopment areas. Extensive public
• Prioritize cost-effective safety
at the Head Start Center and others to
engagement conducted during these planning
improvements before considering
utilize a trail and have walking access to
efforts, including a week-long design charrette
major infrastructure such as pedestrian
Woodland Park and the pool.
with more than 600 participants, established
overpasses.
a long-term vision for the trail as a destination
4.4.4 Enhance Wayfinding and Community
for recreation, community gathering,
Expected Outcomes
Identity
transportation, and economic development.
• Woodland Park, Depot Park and Ashley
While many concepts remain unfunded, they
• Review and improve comprehensive
Creek Parks become the premier
continue to represent important opportunities
Parkline Trail wayfinding system connecting
destinations along the Parkline Trail and a
for phased implementation as the community
users to Downtown, Woodland and Ashley
year-round community gathering place.
grows.
Creek Parks, Depot Park, schools, and
community destinations.
• Increased community programming,
Actions
festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor
• Expand the existing branding, trail maps,
4.4.1 Woodland Park Master Planning
events along the trail corridor.
interpretive kiosks, and mileage markers as
to improve the park as the Signature
necessary.
• Improved pedestrian and bicycle access
Trail Destination on the east end of the
from surrounding neighborhoods, parks,
Parkline Trail with Ashley Creek Park as
4.4.5 Celebrate History, Culture, and
schools, and downtown.
the Signature Trail Destination on the west Natural Resources
end of the Parkline Trail.
• A cohesive wayfinding and branding system
• Expand interpretive signage highlighting
that strengthens the Parkline Trail’s identity
4.4.2 Create Community Gathering
railroad heritage, Native American history,
and visitor experience.
Spaces Along the Trail
and local ecology.

•

•

Develop flexible outdoor event spaces
capable of supporting farmers markets,
food trucks, festivals, art fairs, and
community celebrations as properties are
redeveloped.
Incorporate electrical service, shade,
seating, vendor infrastructure, and
other amenities that support year-round
programming where appropriate.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

•

•

Expand and incorporate public art and
placemaking elements throughout the
corridor.

4.4.6 Encourage Trail-Oriented
Redevelopment

•

Support mixed-use redevelopment
adjacent to the trail, particularly near
the Kalispell Center Mall and other

•

Enhanced interpretation of Kalispell’s
history, culture, railroad heritage, and
natural environment.

•

Increased private investment and
redevelopment adjacent to the trail,
supporting economic vitality and downtown
connectivity.

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06

•

Safer and more accessible trail crossings
•
that improve the user experience for people
of all ages and abilities.

•

Continued implementation of the
community vision established through
previous planning efforts, creating a
vibrant, connected, and memorable linear
park that serves residents and visitors for
generations.

Expanded recreation opportunities that
respond to community growth.

•

Strategic land acquisition and facility
development aligned with adopted level of
service standards.

•

A connected, equitable, and financially
sustainable parks and recreation system
that serves current and future generations.

Implementation Considerations
Successful implementation of these strategies
and signature projects should:

•

Coordinate investments with the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan, Comprehensive
Plan, Capital Improvement Program, and
annual budget process.

•

Phase projects to balance community
priorities, available funding, staffing
capacity, and operational needs.

•

Pursue grants, partnerships, sponsorships,
park impact fees, and alternative funding
sources to maximize public investment.

•

Continue robust public engagement
throughout planning, design, and
implementation.

•

Coordinate with other City departments
and regional partners to leverage
transportation, utility, stormwater, and
infrastructure improvements.

•

Use GIS, ParkServe, asset management,
lifecycle planning, and performance
measures to guide investment decisions
and monitor implementation.

Desired Outcomes
• Community-supported master plans
guiding future investment.

•

Coordinated capital investments that
maximize public value.

•

Improved access to parks, trails, recreation
facilities, and open space.

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99

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Signature Projects
The following signature projects represent the City’s highest-priority planning and capital initiatives. Together, these projects preserve existing community assets,
improve recreation opportunities, expand access, and guide long-term investment in Kalispell’s parks and recreation system.
Projects

Descriptions & Objectives

Woodland Park Master
Plan

Prepare a comprehensive master plan to guide the long-term
preservation, enhancement, and redevelopment of Woodland
Park. Evaluate recreation opportunities,
accessibility, circulation, environmental restoration,
fishing pond improvements, programming, and phased capital
investments.

Phase 1: Master Plan, public engagement,
Parks & Recreation
and Fishing Pond Restoration Plan.
Department
Phase 2: Phased implementation through the
Capital Improvement Program, grants, and
partnerships.

Lawrence Park Master
Plan

Develop a comprehensive master plan identifying future
recreation opportunities, park improvements,
programming, accessibility enhancements, trail
connections, and phased capital investments.

Phase 1: Master planning and community
engagement.
Phase 2: Capital improvements and
implementation.

Parks & Recreation
Department

Aquatic Facilities
Master Plan

Conduct a comprehensive feasibility study evaluating
renovation of the existing outdoor pool and development
of future indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, including
operations, partnerships, funding, and implementation
strategies.

Phase 1: Feasibility study, public
engagement, and partnership discussions.
Phase 2: Preferred alternative, funding
strategy, and implementation plan.

Parks & Recreation, Kalispell
Public Schools, Logan Health,
Flathead Valley Community College,
Community
Foundation

Community
Recreation Center
Feasibility Study

Evaluate community need, market demand, potential
locations, operational models, partnerships, funding
strategies, and implementation options for a future
Community Recreation Center serving residents of all ages.

Phase 1: Community needs assessment,
feasibility study, and partner evaluation.
Phase 2: Concept development, business
model, funding strategy, and implementation
plan.

Parks & Recreation, City
Administration, Kalispell Public
Schools, Logan Health,
Flathead Valley Community College,
Community
Foundation

System-Wide
Playground
Replacement /
Improvement Program

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of all playgrounds and
implement a long-term replacement program
emphasizing safety, accessibility, universal design,
adaptive play, resilient surfacing, and lifecycle
management.

Phase 1: Systemwide assessment and
prioritized replacement schedule. Phase
2: Ongoing annual replacement program
supported by asset management and capital
planning.

Parks & Recreation, Parks
Maintenance, Community Foundation,
Grants,
Community Partners

Stillwater River Blueway Develop a non-motorized blueway that complements the
regional trail network by connecting parks, neighborhoods,
schools, and natural areas through enhanced river access,
signage, safety improvements, and recreation
opportunities.

Phase 1: Public engagement, stakeholder
coordination, and feasibility analysis.
Phase 2: Develop river access facilities,
wayfinding, partnerships, and phased
implementation.

Parks & Recreation, Flathead County
Parks & Recreation, Montana Fish,
Wildlife & Parks, Conservation
Organizations

Adult Multi-Use Athletic Develop 2–3 adult-sized multi-use athletic fields to meet
Fields (Northwest
growing demand for adult soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee,
Kalispell)
and other field sports. The project should include parking,
lighting, supporting amenities, and trail
connections while evaluating City-owned and partnership
opportunities.

Phase 1: Master planning, site evaluation,
infrastructure planning, and partnerships.
Phase 2: Secure funding and construct fields
and supporting amenities.

Parks & Recreation, Kalispell Public
Schools, Adult Sports Organizations,
Community Partners

Splash Pad Network
Development

Phase 1: Site selection study; install it first at
Lawrence Park, Spring Prairie Tree or new CP.
Phase 2: Second location.

Parks Planning, Engineering, LWCF
grants

Install 1–2 above-ground splash pads as unique, lowmaintenance water play amenities. Prioritize large parks with
parking, water/ sewer access, and high
summer use. Evaluate Ashley Creek area for feasibility.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Implementation Strategy

Lead / Partners

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where demand exists.

strategic partnerships, and enhanced digital

services.
5. Build on the
• Introduce new recreation opportunities that
success of Kalispell’s complement existing successful programs. Actions
Recreational
5.1.3. Enhance Four-Season Programming • Build upon existing recreation programming
by launching a Mobile Recreation Program
Programs.
• Continue growing recreation opportunities
serving neighborhood parks, HOA open

Build upon Kalispell’s successful parks and
recreation programs by expanding innovative,
accessible, and financially sustainable
recreation opportunities that respond to
evolving community interests, activate parks
throughout the city, and enhance the health,
well-being, and quality of life of residents of all
ages and abilities.
Priority Action 5.1: Build on Successful
Recreation Programs

throughout the year by expanding seasonal
events, outdoor recreation, wellness
programs, environmental education, and
cultural activities.

5.1.4. Pilot New Recreation Opportunities

•

Test innovative recreation programs that
complement existing services.

•

Use community feedback and
participation data to determine long-term
implementation.

•

Explore potential recreation activities like:
o Parent / Child Play Groups, Single
Parent Support Groups, Older and
Active Adult Activities, Cooking
Classes, Gardening Classes (partner
with Master Gardeners, Baby
Sitting Classes. Fitness, Dream
Adaptive Collaborations.

Purpose
Build upon Kalispell’s strong recreation
program foundation by expanding year-round
opportunities that respond to changing
community interests, encourage active
lifestyles, and make greater use of parks, trails,
and community spaces.

Expected Outcomes

Actions

•

5.1.1. Continue Evaluating Community
Needs

•

Continue monitoring recreation trends,
participation levels, and community
interests to identify opportunities for
program enhancements.

•

Regularly evaluate programs to ensure they
continue meeting the needs of residents
while maintaining high-quality service
delivery.

5.1.2. Expand on Existing Program
Successes

•

Build upon popular recreation programs
by adding new offerings, seasonal
opportunities, and expanded age groups

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101

spaces, and underserved areas.

•

Coordinate with HOA’s, neighborhood
groups and continue coordination with
school district programs.

•

Expand programming into additional
neighborhood parks where permanent
facilities may not exist.

•

Continue reducing barriers to participation
through scholarships, flexible scheduling,
multilingual outreach, and inclusive
programming.

•

Develop a mobile-friendly Parks and
Recreation website and app that improves
access to recreation information,
registration, accessibility information, and
community engagement.

Expected Outcomes

•

More residents have convenient access to
recreation opportunities.

Recreation programs continue to evolve
while maintaining their high quality.

•

Existing recreation services reach
additional neighborhoods.

•

Residents enjoy expanded opportunities
throughout the year.

•

Participation continues to increase across
the community.

•

Existing successful programs continue to
grow.

•

Digital tools improve customer service and
public awareness.

•

Recreation participation steadily increases
across all age groups.

Priority Action 5.2: Expand Recreation
Access Throughout the Community
Purpose
Extend the reach of Kalispell’s successful
recreation programs by bringing activities into
more neighborhoods through mobile recreation,

Priority Action 5.3: Enhance and Activate
Existing Parks
Purpose
Build upon Kalispell’s successful park system
by activating underutilized spaces with
recreation programming, placemaking, and
low-cost improvements that increase park use
while preserving each park’s unique character.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Actions

•

Coordinate recreation programming with
park improvement initiatives. For example,
engage neighborhoods during playground
design to enhance local ownership of
parks.

•

Expand successful community events into
additional parks.

•

Implement the Discover Kalispell Parks
initiative to encourage residents to explore
parks throughout the city.

•

Introduce temporary pop-up recreation
events, fitness classes, arts programming,
outdoor movies, and food truck events to
test new activities.

•

Improve trail connections, signage, seating,
landscaping, and gathering areas that
encourage greater use of existing parks.

•

Continue enhancing Woodland Park,
Parkline Trail connections, pond
improvements, and other priority park
improvements identified throughout the
Master Plan.

•

•

Celebrate opening of new parks with
neighborhood outreach. Ice cream
social, ribbon cuttings. Explore possible
partnerships with civic organizations for
one time events.
Utilize temporary programming and
placemaking to evaluate future permanent
improvements.

Expected Outcomes

Priority Action 5.4: Strengthen Partnerships
and Inclusive Recreation
Purpose

•

Continue building strong community partnerships
while ensuring recreation programs and facilities
remain welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for •
residents of all ages and abilities.
Actions

•

Use performance data to guide future
investents and program enhancements.
Periodically review cost recovery policies
to balance affordability, community benefit,
and long-term financial sustainability.
Publish an annual Recreation Report
highlighting accomplishments, participation
trends, financial performance, and
opportunities for continued improvement.

•

Continue improving ADA accessibility in
recreation facilities and programs.

•

Expand adaptive recreation opportunities
where community demand exists.

•

Strengthen and explore partnerships with
Kalispell Public Schools, Flathead County
Parks, Flathead Valley Community College,
healthcare providers, HOAs, nonprofit
organizations, and local businesses.

•

Recreation services continue to reflect
community needs.

•

Successful programs receive continued
investment and support.

Expand collaborative programming that
leverages community resources and
increases recreation opportunities.

•

Financial sustainability supports long-term
program growth.

•

Recreation decisions remain data-driven
and accountable.

•

Expected Outcomes

•
•
•
•

Shared resources improve efficiency and
reduce operating costs.

•

Residents benefit from an even broader range •
of recreation experiences.

Existing parks receive greater year-round
use.

•

Priority Action 5.5: Sustain High-Quality
Recreation Services

More residents discover neighborhood
parks and recreation opportunities.

Purpose

•

More ownership and sense of pride in
neighborhood parks

•

Low-cost improvements inform future
capital investments.

•

Park visitation and community engagement
continue to grow.

Maintain Kalispell’s high standard of recreation
services through ongoing evaluation,
responsible financial management, and
continuous program improvement.
Actions

•

Expected Outcomes

Recreation programs remain accessible and Overall Desired Outcomes
inclusive.
continues to provide high-quality
Community partnerships continue to expand • Kalispell
recreation
programs that residents value
recreation opportunities.
and support.

•

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

of participation, customer satisfaction,
program performance, and community
benefit.

Continue conducting annual evaluations

Increased visibility and recognition of Parks
and Recreation facilities and programs.
Successful programs are expanded to
serve more residents and neighborhoods.

•

Recreation opportunities evolve to reflect
changing community interests while
maintaining the City’s strong tradition of
quality service.

•

Parks become increasingly active yearround through thoughtful programming,
partnerships, and placemaking.

•

Recreation services remain innovative,
inclusive, financially sustainable, and
responsive to the needs of current and
future residents.

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6: Strengthen
Financial
Sustainability
Secure stable, diversified funding sources
to support operations, maintenance, and
system expansion. This includes aligning
capital improvement planning with long-term
financial strategies and exploring new revenue
opportunities
Priority Action 6.1: Sustainable Funding,
Strategic Investment & Partnerships
Purpose
Build upon Kalispell’s successful stewardship
of parks and recreation by implementing longterm financial strategies that diversify funding
sources, strengthen partnerships, align capital
and operational investments, and ensure
the continued delivery of high-quality parks,
facilities, and recreation programs.

funding opportunities.
6.1.2. Evaluate a “Together Kalispell”
Partnership Initiative

•

•

•

•
•
•

Continue annual budget reviews and longrange financial planning to align operating
and capital investments with community
priorities and the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan.
Coordinate annual budget development
with the Capital Improvement Program
(CIP), asset management plans, and
lifecycle replacement schedules.
Use annual program evaluations,
participation trends, maintenance needs,
and return on investment to guide funding
priorities and future investments.
Maintain a prioritized, grant-ready list of
capital projects that can respond quickly to

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103

Evaluate opportunities to establish a
Together Kalispell initiative that brings
together public agencies, educational
institutions, healthcare providers, nonprofit
organizations, businesses, service clubs,
and community groups to advance shared
parks and recreation goals.
Explore partnership models that encourage
coordinated planning, shared investments,
volunteerism, sponsorships, facility
sharing, and collaborative programming.

•

Evaluate opportunities for joint-use
agreements, coordinated programming,
shared maintenance responsibilities, and
collaborative capital improvements.

•

Build partnerships that increase access to
facilities, reduce duplication of services,
and maximize the value of existing
community assets.

6.1.5. Monitor Financial Performance &
Cost Recovery

•

Identify opportunities to leverage existing
community assets, expertise, funding, and •
facilities to improve recreation services and
maximize public investment.

•

If appropriate, develop a framework for
ongoing coordination, shared priorities, and
regular partner collaboration.

•

Pursue federal, state, local, and private
grant opportunities that support park
improvements, recreation programs,
accessibility, conservation, urban forestry,
trails, and natural resource projects.

•

Seek specialized funding opportunities for
unique projects, such as fishing access
improvements, blueway development,
playground replacement, trail connections,
and Woodland Park enhancements.

•
•

Expand sponsorships, donations, memorial
programs, naming opportunities, volunteer
initiatives, and public-private partnerships
to supplement City funding.
Evaluate appropriate alternative revenue
opportunities that support recreation
services while maintaining affordability and
equitable access.

6.1.4. Strengthen Strategic Partnerships

•

Conduct regular evaluations of recreation
program performance, participation,
community benefit, and cost recovery to
support informed decision-making.

•

Periodically review user fees and cost
recovery policies to balance affordability,
community benefit, and long-term financial
sustainability.

•

Incorporate lifecycle replacement costs
for facilities, vehicles, equipment, and
infrastructure into financial planning and
program evaluations.

•

Prepare an annual Parks and Recreation
financial performance report summarizing:

6.1.3. Expand Funding Opportunities

Actions
6.1.1. Integrate Strategic Financial
Planning

Valley Community College, Logan Health,
Flathead County, youth organizations,
arts and cultural organizations, outdoor
recreation groups, local businesses, and
nonprofit organizations.

o Budget performance
o Grant funding secured
o Partnership contributions
o Sponsorships and donations
o Cost recovery
o Capital investments
o Asset management priorities
o Return on investment

Continue strengthening partnerships
with Kalispell Public Schools, Flathead
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Expected Outcomes

programming.

•

Sustainable and Predictable Funding: Parks, •
recreation programs, maintenance, and
capital improvements are supported by
stable and diversified funding sources that •
improve long-term financial resilience.

Pursue grants, sponsorships, donations,
and public-private partnerships.

•
Strategic Investment and Cost Efficiency:
Annual budget planning, capital improvement
programming, and lifecycle planning ensure
resources are directed toward high-value
•
projects and services that demonstrate
measurable community benefit.

Evaluate recreation cost recovery, lifecycle
replacement funding, and program
performance annually.

•

Leveraged Resources: Partnerships,
grants, sponsorships, and collaborative
investments maximize the value of public
resources and reduce reliance on local
funding.

•

Efficient Service Delivery: Shared
facilities, coordinated programming,
and collaborative partnerships improve
operational efficiency and expand
recreation opportunities.

•

•

•

Maintain a grant-ready portfolio of priority
capital projects.

Prepare an annual financial performance
report to guide future investment decisions.

Desired Outcomes
Expanded Funding and Revenue
Opportunities: Grants, sponsorships,
partnerships, and alternative funding sources • Financial Sustainability: Diversified and
predictable funding sources support longincrease investment in parks and recreation
term operations, maintenance, and system
while reducing reliance on local tax revenues.
expansion.
Stronger Community Partnerships: A
Together Kalispell initiative is evaluated as • Strategic Investment: Capital
improvements and recreation programs
a collaborative framework to strengthen
are aligned with community priorities,
partnerships, coordinate shared investments,
measurable outcomes, and long-term
and leverage community expertise, facilities,
financial planning.
and resources.

•

Maximized Public Value: Joint-use
agreements, collaborative programming,
and shared facilities improve efficiency,
reduce duplication, and expand recreation
opportunities without proportionally
increasing operating costs.

•

Data-Driven Financial Stewardship: Ongoing
evaluation of program performance, cost
recovery, asset management, and return on
investment supports transparent decisionmaking, capital prioritization, and responsible •
stewardship of public resources.

Implementation Priorities
• Continue integrating annual budget reviews
with long-term capital improvement and
asset management planning.

•

Evaluate opportunities to establish a
Together Kalispell partnership initiative.

•

Expand partnerships, shared-use
agreements, and collaborative

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Responsible Stewardship: Data-driven
financial management, asset lifecycle
planning, and transparent reporting ensure
the continued delivery of high-quality parks
and recreation services for current and
future generations.

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Actions

7. Partnerships for
Community Impact

•

Strong partnerships expand recreation
opportunities, maximize public investment,
and strengthen community connections.
By collaborating with residents, schools,
businesses, nonprofit organizations, tourism
agencies, and other public partners, Kalispell
can activate underutilized parks, enhance
recreation programming, leverage additional
funding, and create memorable park
experiences that improve quality of life and
support local economic vitality.

•

Expand shared-use agreements and
collaborative programming that maximize
recreation facilities and public resources.

•

Pursue grants, sponsorships, and joint
funding opportunities that support parks,
recreation programs, and special events.

Building on the extensive public engagement
completed during development of this
Master Plan, future implementation should
continue to engage the community in shaping
park improvements, recreation programs,
and special events. Through coordinated
partnerships, creative placemaking, and
community-led initiatives, existing parks
can become more active, welcoming, and
connected destinations while building longterm support for continued investment in parks
and recreation.

Strengthen partnerships with schools,
nonprofit organizations, healthcare
providers, businesses, Discover Kalispell,
tourism organizations, and community
groups.

•

Expand neighborhood recreation through
mobile recreation programs, pop-up
events, fitness classes, seasonal activities,
cultural programming, and environmental
education.

•

•

Develop flexible programming hubs that
repurpose underused lawns and open
spaces for markets, outdoor fitness,
community events, recreation activities,
and cultural programming.

•

Expanded recreation opportunities and
community programming.

Improve connections between
underutilized park areas and popular
destinations through accessible pathways,
overlooks, seating, wayfinding, and trail
connections.

•
•

Increased shared use of public facilities.

•

Stronger community partnerships and
stewardship.

Continue public outreach to ensure
recreation programs and park
improvements reflect community priorities. •
Expected Outcomes

105

•

Activate natural areas and ponds
through habitat restoration, fishing
access improvements, wildlife viewing,
environmental education, and stewardship
programs.

•

Celebrate park improvements, playground
replacements, trail openings, and other
capital projects through community
events that recognize partners and
promote implementation of the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan.

•

Develop an annual calendar of pop-up
workshops, festivals, and community
engagement events that invite residents
to help shape future park improvements
through interactive activities, art, games,
and temporary demonstrations.

Greater public and private investment in
parks and recreation.

Priority Action 7.2: Activate Parks Through
Placemaking and Programming
Purpose
Transform underutilized parks and recreation
spaces into vibrant community destinations
through creative programming, placemaking,
strategic partnerships, and flexible
improvements that encourage year-round
community use while testing innovative ideas
before making permanent investments.

Priority Action 7.1: Expand Recreation and Actions
Community Partnerships
• Identify underutilized park spaces that
can be activated through temporary
Purpose
improvements, recreation programming,
and placemaking initiatives.
Leverage partnerships to expand recreation
opportunities, improve park facilities, and
• Implement low-cost, high-impact
increase community participation.

06

improvements such as themed
playgrounds, public art, interpretive
features, flexible recreation spaces,
enhanced gathering areas, native
landscaping, and trailhead enhancements.

Implementation Opportunities

•

Discover Kalispell Parks Challenge
featuring park passports, scavenger hunts,
recreation outreach, themed events,
and sponsored giveaways to encourage
residents to explore parks throughout the
system.

•

Pop-Up Park Activation Series including
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

outdoor movies, food trucks, concerts,
fitness classes, temporary art installations,
cultural events, and seasonal recreation
programs that test future permanent
improvements.

•

•

•

•

•

Trailhead and Park Edge Enhancements
with accessible pathways, overlooks,
seating, interpretive signage, native
landscaping, volunteer storytelling
locations, and improved connections to
the Parkline Trail and other community
destinations.
Flexible Programming Hubs that transform
underutilized lawns into adaptable spaces
for markets, recreation programs, outdoor
fitness, community gatherings, temporary
play features, art exhibits, and educational
programming.

•
•
•

•

Stronger neighborhood identity, community
pride, and stewardship.

•

Increased participation in recreation
programs and community events.

•

Greater visibility and awareness of the
City’s parks and recreation system through
ongoing activation and placemaking
initiatives.

•

Data-driven investment decisions by
using temporary activations to evaluate
community interest before implementing
permanent capital improvements.

Priority Action 7.3: Build Destination Parks
and Community Events

Four-Season Park Activation through winter
recreation opportunities, splash play,
seasonal lighting, ice and snow activities,
cultural installations, and year-round
community events.

Purpose

Pond and Natural Area Activation through
improved fishing access, ecological
restoration, interpretive trails, wildlife
viewing, outdoor classrooms, and
stewardship partnerships.

Actions

Woodland Park Activation through
improved access to underutilized areas,
enhanced connections to the Parkline
Trail, hillside viewpoints, nature play
opportunities, and phased placemaking
improvements identified through the
Woodland Park Master Plan.

Expected Outcomes

•

neighborhoods, trails, and natural areas.

Increased use of parks, trails, and
recreation facilities throughout the year.

Promote parks as community gathering places
and regional destinations that support tourism,
recreation, and local economic development.

•

Priority Action 7.4: Celebrate Community
Investment
Purpose
Build public support for parks and recreation by
celebrating completed projects and recognizing
the partnerships that make them possible.
Actions

•

Celebrate playground replacements, trail
openings, and park improvements through
community events and ribbon cuttings.

•

Recognize project partners, volunteers,
donors, and sponsors.

•

Share implementation progress through
storytelling, social media, and community
outreach.

•

Highlight the community benefits created
through Parks and Recreation Master Plan
implementation.

•

Engage community groups with specific
interests and provide guidance for
fundraising and partnership goals.

Partner with Discover Kalispell, businesses,
and community organizations to develop
destination events and recreation
experiences.

•

Expand community festivals, athletic
tournaments, markets, and cultural
celebrations in parks.

•

Promote parks through coordinated
marketing, branding, and tourism initiatives.

•

Encourage private sponsorships and event
partnerships that activate parks throughout
the year.

o Potential projects include:
o Miracle Field’s inclusive playground
o BMX, pump track
Expected Outcomes

•

Greater public awareness of park
investments.

•

Increased community pride and
stewardship.

•

Stronger support for future projects and
funding.

Expected Outcomes
More active and vibrant neighborhood parks
•
• Increased tourism and economic activity.
supported by diverse programming.
• Expanded community events and
Expanded recreation opportunities
recreation experiences.
through creative, low-cost, high-impact
improvements.
• Greater visibility for Kalispell’s park system.
Improved connections between parks,
• Enhanced community identity and sense of
place.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Lasting relationships between the Parks
and Recreation Department and the
community.

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8. Preserve Natural
and Cultural Identity
Protect natural resources while celebrating
Kalispell’s history, culture, and unique
landscapes through park planning,
interpretation, habitat restoration, and public
art.
Implementation Priorities

•
•
•
•
•

Habitat restoration
Interpretive signage
Public art
Environmental education
Historic preservation

Desired Outcomes

•
•
•

Enhanced identity
Protected natural systems
Tourism and education benefits

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

9. Integrated
Planning and
Interdepartmental
Coordination
Coordinate park planning with land use,
transportation, utilities, development review,
and capital projects to maximize public
investment and provide connected parks, trails,
and recreation facilities.
Implementation Priorities

•

Coordinate Planning, Parks, Public Works
and Engineering

•

Review development proposals for park
opportunities

•

Coordinate trail planning to connect
historic parks to neighborhoods and city
wide trails

•

Integrate HOA and public parks into levelof-service planning

Desired Outcomes

•
•
•

More efficient investments
Better connected parks
Improved development outcomes

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10. Invest in
Organizational
Excellence
Develop a high-performing department through
staff development, innovation, performance
management, technology, and community
engagement.
Implementation Priorities

•
•
•
•

Support training and leadership
Improve performance measures
Invest in technology
Consider establishment of a Parks Advisory
Committee

Desired Outcomes

•
•
•

Skilled workforce
Improved accountability
Adaptive organization

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

11. Mobile
Recreation Program
Create a flexible, community-centered
recreation program that brings parks and
recreation directly to residents by activating
neighborhood parks, HOA open spaces,
schools, and underserved areas with engaging,
inclusive, and accessible programming. The
Mobile Recreation Program will strengthen
neighborhood connections, expand equitable
access to recreation, and create a visible
community presence throughout Kalispell.
Project Purpose

A Mobile Recreation Program offers a costeffective alternative to constructing new
recreation facilities while allowing the City
to respond quickly to changing community
interests and demographic trends. The
program can also serve older adults, youth, and
families by providing recreation opportunities
in convenient neighborhood locations and
supporting community-building activities
throughout the year.

o Teen programming
o Senior and 55+ activities
o Inclusive and adaptive recreation
opportunities

•

Prioritize service to underserved
neighborhoods and areas lacking recreation
facilities while ensuring geographic equity
across the community.

•

Coordinate programming with community
events, school meal programs, library
outreach, neighborhood celebrations, and
seasonal festivals.

•

Use participation data and community
feedback to continually refine programming
locations, schedules, and activity offerings.

•

Work with Planning and Development
Services to encourage neighborhood parks
and HOA open spaces that are designed
to accommodate future recreation
programming through accessible layouts,
flexible open space, and supporting
amenities.

•

Develop a recognizable community
brand with consistent graphics, uniforms,
promotional materials, and online
scheduling to increase awareness and
participation.

Recommended Improvements

•

Phased Implementation:
o Phase 1: Visit 1-5 Parks in 2027
o Phase 2: Van donation and wrap in
2028
o Phase 3: Plan for expansion and
expand program in 2029

•

Establish a branded Mobile Recreation Program
centered around a fully equipped Recreation
Van (“Rec Van”) that delivers pop-up recreation
experiences throughout the community. The
•
program will reduce barriers to participation
by bringing recreation opportunities directly
to where people live while supporting healthy
lifestyles, neighborhood activation, and social
connection for residents of all ages and
•
abilities.
Existing Conditions & Opportunities
As Kalispell continues to grow, many new
neighborhoods include HOA-maintained
•
parks or small neighborhood open spaces
that lack regular programming. Other areas
of the community remain underserved due
to limited access to recreation facilities,
transportation challenges, or the absence of
organized activities. Schoolyards, neighborhood
parks, and community gathering spaces also
represent valuable but underutilized assets that
could support recreation programming outside
of normal operating hours.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

o Family recreation nights

Develop a branded Mobile Recreation Unit
(Rec Van) equipped with sports equipment,
games, arts and crafts supplies, fitness
equipment, shade structures, tables, sound
equipment, and portable programming
materials.
Launch a phased pilot program serving
a limited number of HOA parks,
neighborhood parks, and school sites
before expanding citywide.
Develop a rotating neighborhood schedule
that provides recurring visits to parks
throughout the community during spring,
summer, and fall, with indoor partnerships
during winter months.
Offer diverse recreation programming
including:
o Youth sports clinics
o Drop-in recreation
o Arts and cultural activities
o Fitness and wellness classes
o Nature education

Partnership Opportunities
Successful implementation will rely on
strong community partnerships that expand
programming opportunities and leverage shared
resources.
Potential partners include:

•

Kalispell Public Schools for access to
schoolyards, gyms, and coordinated youth
programming.

•

Homeowners Associations for
neighborhood park programming and
community events.

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•

Logan Health and local healthcare
providers for wellness and healthy living
initiatives.

•

Flathead County Library and local arts
organizations for literacy, educational, and
cultural programming.

•

Glacier National Park Conservancy and
environmental organizations for outdoor
education.

•

Local youth sports organizations and
recreation clubs.

•

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and other
outdoor recreation partners.

•

Local businesses and corporate sponsors
to support equipment purchases,
programming, or sponsorship of the
Recreation Van.

•

Community foundations and grant
programs to assist with startup costs,
staffing, and program expansion.

•

Service organizations, volunteers, and
nonprofit partners to provide specialized
programming and community outreach.

Through strategic partnerships and phased
implementation, the Mobile Recreation
Program can become one of Kalispell’s most
visible and effective tools for expanding
recreation access, activating neighborhood
parks, strengthening community connections,
and improving quality of life for residents across
the city.

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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6.2 Strategic Project Profiles
Strategic Project Profile 1
Woodland Park Master Plan

Vision
Preserve and enhance Woodland Park as
Kalispell’s historic flagship park by creating a
premier four-season recreation destination
that celebrates its natural and cultural
heritage while providing diverse recreation
opportunities, environmental stewardship, and
community gathering spaces for residents and
visitors of all ages.
Project Purpose
Prepare a comprehensive master plan
that establishes a long-term vision for
preserving Woodland Park’s historic
character while guiding future investments
in recreation, accessibility, environmental
restoration, programming, and phased capital
improvements. The master plan should
modernize aging facilities, improve yearround recreation opportunities, strengthen
connections to surrounding neighborhoods and
trails, and ensure Woodland Park continues to
serve as one of Kalispell’s signature parks for
generations to come.
Existing Conditions & Opportunities
Woodland Park is one of Kalispell’s oldest,
most recognizable, and most heavily used
community parks. The park’s mature tree
canopy, historic shelter, fishing pond, outdoor
hockey rink, playgrounds, open lawns, and
proximity to the Parkline Trail create a unique
combination of recreation, natural beauty, and
community identity.
Many of the park’s facilities are aging and
require reinvestment to meet current

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accessibility standards and changing recreation
needs. The park also presents opportunities
to improve circulation, expand recreation
amenities, restore natural resources, enhance
environmental education, strengthen trail
connections, and create flexible spaces for
year-round programming and community
events.
As Kalispell’s premier destination park,
Woodland Park should continue to evolve while
preserving the historic character and natural
features that make it one of the community’s
most valued public spaces.

•

Recommended Improvements
Woodland Park near term initiatives:
• Trail connection between Parkline Trail and
Woodland Park
• ADA improvements: parking spots and
connections form parking to restrooms,
playgrounds, and shelters.
• Restoration of the fishing pond to
improve water quality, fisheries
habitat, accessibility, and recreational
opportunities.
• The Woodland Park Master Plan should
evaluate:
• Preservation and enhancement of
Woodland Park’s historic character and
mature landscape.
• Comprehensive assessment of existing
park facilities and infrastructure.
• Fishing pond amenities: fishing docks,
overlooks, etc.
• Evaluation of the long-term future of the
outdoor aquatic facility and integration with
the Aquatic Facilities Master Plan.

•

•
•
•

•
•

•

•
•

Improved ADA accessibility throughout
the park, including accessible parking,
pathways, playgrounds, shelters,
restrooms, and recreation amenities.
Reinvestment in the outdoor hockey rink
and evaluation of expanded four-season
recreation opportunities.
Improved internal circulation, park
entrances, wayfinding, lighting, and visitor
safety.
Strengthened connections to the Parkline
Trail and surrounding neighborhoods
through improved trailheads, pathways,
and bicycle access.
Expansion of community gathering spaces,
picnic areas, event lawns, and outdoor
recreation amenities.
Enhanced landscaping, irrigation, native
plantings, habitat restoration, and tree
preservation.
Opportunities for public art, interpretation,
and educational features celebrating
Woodland Park’s history and natural
environment.
Flexible spaces supporting festivals,
concerts, recreation programs, outdoor
fitness, environmental education, and
seasonal events.
Modernization of playgrounds using
inclusive and universal design principles.
Long-term operations, maintenance,
asset management, and phased capital
improvements.

The master plan should evaluate opportunities
to support a wide variety of recreation experiences, including:
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

• Inclusive playgrounds
• Fishing and environmental education
• Outdoor skating and winter recreation
• Walking and fitness
• Family gatherings and picnics
• Outdoor classrooms
• Community festivals and events
• Passive recreation
• Nature exploration
• Year-round recreation programming

• Volunteer stewardship
• Educational programming
• Community events
• Public art and placemaking

Implementation Strategy

Phase 1 – Achievable Improvements
• Trail connection between the Parkline Trail
and Woodland Park
• Clear delineation of ADA parking and
access to facilities
Community Partnerships
Phase 2 – Master Planning and
Implementation of the Woodland Park Master
Community Engagement
Plan should leverage partnerships that enhance • Complete a comprehensive inventory
recreation opportunities, environmental
and assessment of park facilities, natural
stewardship, education, and community
resources, accessibility, and infrastructure.
investment.
• Conduct extensive community
Potential partners include:
engagement to identify recreation priorities
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
and future needs.
• Montana Conservation Corps: Trail
• Prepare a Fishing Pond Restoration Plan
Construction connecting Parkline Trail
evaluating habitat improvements, fishing
to Woodland Park.
opportunities, accessibility, and ecological
• Trout Unlimited and local fishing
health.
organizations
• Evaluate the future of the outdoor aquatic
• Discover Kalispell
facility in coordination with the Aquatic
• Arts and cultural organizations
Facilities Master Plan, Strategic Project
• Local businesses and sponsors
Profile 3.
• Service clubs
• Develop conceptual master plan
• Healthcare organizations
alternatives, implementation priorities, and
• Volunteer organizations
cost estimates.
• Grant agencies
Phase 3 – Priority Capital Improvements
Partnerships should support:
• Restore the fishing pond and associated
• Public engagement
natural areas.
• Environmental restoration
• Modernize playgrounds and recreation
• Recreation programming
facilities.
• Historic preservation
• Improve ADA accessibility, pathways,
• Fundraising and sponsorships
parking, lighting, and wayfinding.
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

•

Reinvest in the outdoor hockey rink and
supporting recreation amenities.
• Improve picnic shelters, gathering spaces,
restrooms, and visitor services.
• Expand recreation programming and yearround community events.
Phase 4 – Long-Term Park Enhancement
• Complete phased capital improvements
identified in the Master Plan.
• Continue expansion of year-round
recreation opportunities.
• Preserve and enhance mature trees,
natural resources, and wildlife habitat.
• Strengthen connections to the Parkline
Trail and adjacent neighborhoods.
• Monitor park performance and update
priorities as community needs evolve.
Expected Outcomes
• A comprehensive master plan that
preserves Woodland Park’s historic
character while guiding future investment.
• A premier four-season destination park
serving residents and visitors of all ages.
• Restored fishing pond, improved ecological
health, and enhanced environmental
education opportunities.
• Modernized recreation facilities that
respond to changing community needs.
• Improved accessibility, circulation, visitor
comfort, and safety.
• Stronger connections between Woodland
Park, the Parkline Trail, surrounding
neighborhoods, and the broader parks
system.
• Enhanced natural landscapes, mature
tree preservation, and environmental

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•
•

stewardship.
Strong community partnerships supporting
recreation, education, conservation,
programming, and long-term investment.
A revitalized flagship park that continues to
define Kalispell’s identity while supporting
recreation, community gathering, tourism,
and quality of life for future generations.

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Strategic Project Profile 2
Lawrence Park Master Plan
Vision
Preserve and enhance Lawrence Park as
one of Kalispell’s historic community parks
by creating a vibrant, multi-generational
destination that celebrates its heritage while
expanding recreation opportunities, improving
accessibility, and providing a diverse range of
year-round activities for residents and visitors.

The master planning process provides an
Park’s history.
opportunity to preserve Lawrence Park’s unique • Long-term operations, maintenance, and
identity while creating a flexible, accessible,
phased capital improvements.
and sustainable park that continues to serve
• River access
residents of all ages.
• Trails
• Signage to better connect the northern
Recommended Improvements
portion of the park to the main park.
The Lawrence Park Master Plan should
The master plan should evaluate opportunities
evaluate:
to support a broad range of recreation
• Preservation and enhancement of the
Project Purpose
experiences including:
park’s historic character and mature
Prepare a comprehensive master plan that
• Inclusive playgrounds
landscape.
preserves Lawrence Park’s historic character
• Splash play
• Modernization of existing recreation
while guiding future improvements, recreation
• Walking and fitness
facilities and park infrastructure.
programming, accessibility, natural resource
• Family picnics
• Replacement and expansion of
stewardship, and phased capital investments.
• Outdoor education
playgrounds using inclusive and universal
The master plan should modernize aging
• Community celebrations
design principles.
facilities, expand recreation opportunities,
• Arts and cultural events
• Evaluation of a splash pad or interactive
and ensure the park continues to serve as a
• Passive recreation
water play feature.
premier community gathering place for future
• Seasonal recreation programming
• Improved park entrances, wayfinding, and
generations.
internal circulation.
Community Partnerships
Existing Conditions & Opportunities
• Accessible pathways connecting parking,
Implementation of the Lawrence Park Master
Lawrence Park is one of Kalispell’s historic
recreation facilities, playgrounds, shelters, Plan should build upon strong partnerships
community parks and serves residents through
and gathering areas.
throughout the community.
a diverse mix of recreation facilities, open
• Expansion of community gathering spaces, Potential partners include:
spaces, mature trees, and community gathering
picnic areas, and event lawns.
• Friends of Lawrence Park (Can we
areas. As one of the City’s signature parks, it
• Renovation or replacement of restrooms,
bring them back!)
offers opportunities to preserve its historic
shelters, and park support facilities.
• Kalispell Public Schools
character while modernizing facilities to meet
• Improved lighting, seating, landscaping,
• Neighborhood associations
changing recreation needs.
irrigation, and shade.
• Discover Kalispell
Many park amenities have reached the point
• Native plantings, habitat enhancement,
• Local businesses
where renovation or replacement should be
and sustainable landscape improvements.
• Arts and cultural organizations
evaluated. The park also presents opportunities • Flexible spaces for community events,
• Community Foundation for a Better
to improve accessibility, strengthen internal
concerts, recreation programs, and
Flathead
circulation, enhance playgrounds, expand
seasonal activities.
• Recreation organizations
recreation programming, improve gathering
• Opportunities for public art, interpretation,
• Historical organizations
spaces, and better connect park facilities to
and placemaking that celebrate Lawrence
• Service clubs
surrounding neighborhoods.
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• Volunteer groups
Partnerships should support:
• Public engagement
• Community programming
• Historic preservation
• Fundraising and sponsorships
• Volunteer stewardship
• Special events
• Public art and placemaking
Implementation Strategy
Phase 1 – Master Planning and
Community Engagement
• Complete a comprehensive park inventory
and assessment.
• Evaluate existing facilities, accessibility,
infrastructure, and park operations.
• Conduct robust community engagement
to identify priorities and future recreation
needs.
• Develop conceptual alternatives and
phased implementation strategies.
• Prepare preliminary cost estimates and
funding recommendations.
Phase 2 – Priority Capital Improvements
• Modernize aging recreation facilities.
• Improve playgrounds and recreation
amenities.
• Improve accessibility, pathways, parking,
and circulation.
• Renovate gathering spaces, shelters,
restrooms, and landscaping.
• Expand recreation programming and
community events.
Phase 3 – Long-Term Park Enhancement
• Complete additional capital improvements
identified in the Master Plan.

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•
•
•

Continue expansion of recreation
opportunities and programming.
Preserve and enhance the park’s natural
and historic features.
Monitor park performance and update
priorities as community needs evolve.

Expected Outcomes
• A comprehensive master plan that
preserves Lawrence Park’s historic
character while guiding future investment.
• A revitalized community park offering a
diverse range of recreation opportunities for
all ages.
• Modernized recreation facilities and
supporting infrastructure.
• Expanded inclusive recreation,
playgrounds, and water play opportunities.
• Improved accessibility, circulation, and
visitor comfort.
• Increased community events, recreation
programming, and year-round park use.
• Enhanced natural landscapes, historic
character, and neighborhood identity.
• Strong community partnerships supporting
stewardship, programming, and long-term
investment.
• A vibrant historic community park that
continues to serve as one of Kalispell’s
premier recreation and gathering
destinations for generations to come.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Strategic Project Profile 3
Aquatic Facilities Master Plan
Vision
Provide sustainable, year-round aquatic
opportunities that promote health, wellness,
recreation, water safety, and community
gathering while supporting Kalispell’s growing
population through high-quality indoor and
outdoor aquatic facilities.

Capital funding strategies, grants,
sponsorships, and fundraising
opportunities.
• Site alternatives and opportunities for colocation with other recreation facilities.
• Phased implementation strategy that
minimizes service disruptions.
The study should evaluate aquatic amenities
Project Purpose
including:
Develop a comprehensive Aquatic Facilities
• Competition and lap swimming.
Master Plan that evaluates the condition,
• Leisure and family recreation pools.
functionality, and long-term viability of the
• Learn-to-swim facilities.
existing outdoor aquatic center while identifying Recommended Improvements
• Therapy and warm-water pools.
future aquatic recreation needs. The study
The Aquatic Facilities Master Plan should
• Aquatic fitness programming.
should evaluate renovation, expansion, or
evaluate:
• Water play features and splash
replacement options for the existing facility
• Comprehensive assessment of the existing
amenities.
and assess the feasibility of developing a yearoutdoor aquatic center, including facility
• Indoor and outdoor recreation
round indoor aquatic center through strategic
condition, remaining useful life, code
opportunities.
partnerships. The master plan should provide a
compliance, accessibility, operational
• Community gathering spaces.
phased implementation strategy that balances
efficiency, and lifecycle replacement
• Support facilities including locker
community needs, operational sustainability,
needs.
rooms, classrooms, concessions, and
and long-term financial responsibility.
• Renovation, expansion, replacement, or
meeting spaces.
phased redevelopment alternatives for the
Existing Conditions & Opportunities
Community Partnerships
existing outdoor pool.
Kalispell’s existing outdoor aquatic center
Development of future aquatic facilities should
• Feasibility of developing a year-round
has served the community for many years
leverage strategic partnerships that maximize
indoor aquatic center.
but is aging and requires a comprehensive
community investment, expand programming,
• Community demand for indoor and
evaluation of its condition, remaining service
and improve long-term operational
outdoor aquatic recreation.
life, operational efficiency, and ability to meet
sustainability.
• Market analysis and comparison with
current and future recreation needs.
Potential partners include:
similar communities.
As the community continues to grow, public
• Logan Health
• Operational models and governance
engagement has identified increasing demand
• Kalispell Public Schools
options.
for expanded aquatic opportunities, including
• Flathead Valley Community College
• Long-term financial sustainability and
year-round swimming, recreation, fitness,
• Discover Kalispell
lifecycle costs.
therapy, and learn-to-swim programs. An
• Community Foundation for a Better
• Partnership opportunities with public
updated aquatic facilities plan provides an
Flathead
agencies, schools, healthcare providers,
opportunity to evaluate how the existing
• Competitive swimming organizations
and private organizations.
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

outdoor facility can continue to serve the
community while exploring options for a
future indoor aquatic center developed
through partnerships with public agencies,
healthcare providers, schools, and community
organizations.
The planning process should build upon existing
recreation facilities and evaluate opportunities
to create an integrated aquatic system that
supports recreation, competitive swimming,
wellness, tourism, and community events.

•

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• Youth sports organizations
• Senior organizations
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
providers
• Private fitness providers
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (water
safety education)
• Community organizations and
sponsors
Partnership opportunities should
evaluate:
• Shared-use facilities.
• Joint funding opportunities.
• Co-location with other recreation
facilities.
• Shared programming and staffing.
• Tourism and competitive event
opportunities.
• Operational partnerships.
• Capital fundraising and sponsorships.
Implementation Strategy
Phase 1 – Existing Facility Assessment
and Feasibility
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of
the existing outdoor aquatic center.
• Evaluate facility condition, accessibility,
operational efficiency, and remaining
service life.
• Conduct a community aquatic needs
assessment.
• Evaluate demand for indoor and outdoor
aquatic facilities.
• Review partnership opportunities with
schools, healthcare providers, and
community organizations.
• Prepare preliminary operational and

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financial analyses.
Phase 2 – Alternatives Analysis and
Master Planning
• Develop and evaluate renovation,
expansion, replacement, and new facility
alternatives.
• Evaluate the feasibility of a year-round
indoor aquatic center.
• Identify preferred site alternatives and
partnership opportunities.
• Prepare preliminary capital and operating
cost estimates.
• Develop funding strategies and phased
implementation recommendations.
• Complete the Aquatic Facilities Master
Plan.
Phase 3 – Implementation
• Finalize preferred facility concepts.
• Secure partnership agreements and
funding commitments.
• Complete design and phased construction.
• Expand aquatic programming and
community services.
• Monitor operational performance and
adjust programming to meet evolving
community needs.

•
•
•
•

wellness, and water safety opportunities.
Strong partnerships that leverage funding,
programming, operations, and shared
facilities.
Improved financial sustainability through
phased implementation and collaborative
investment.
Increased opportunities for recreation,
competitive swimming, therapy, education,
and community events.
An integrated aquatic system that serves
residents of all ages while supporting
Kalispell’s long-term recreation, health, and
economic development goals.

Expected Outcomes
• A comprehensive Aquatic Facilities Master
Plan that guides long-term investment and
decision-making.
• A clear strategy for renovation,
replacement, or redevelopment of the
existing outdoor aquatic center.
• Evaluation of the feasibility and community
need for a year-round indoor aquatic center.
• Expanded aquatic recreation, fitness,
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Strategic Project Profile 4
Community Recreation Center
Vision
Develop a year-round Community Recreation
Center that serves as a vibrant hub for
health, wellness, recreation, education, and
community connection. The facility should
complement Kalispell’s existing parks and
recreation system by providing flexible
indoor recreation opportunities, expanding
programs for all ages, and addressing
identified community recreation needs
through partnerships and shared community
investment.
Project Purpose
Evaluate the need, feasibility, and long-term
implementation of a Community Recreation
Center that expands recreation opportunities,
addresses identified facility and program
gaps, and supports year-round recreation for
residents of all ages.
The planning process should build upon
previous planning efforts by reviewing and
updating the Market Opportunity Report
prepared for Discover Kalispell – Kalispell
Tourism Business Improvement District
(December 2022), as well as evaluating the
previously completed conceptual facility
design. The updated study should confirm
current market demand, recreation trends,
operational models, partnerships, funding
strategies, and phased implementation options
while ensuring the facility complements
existing parks, schools, athletic facilities, and
the City’s overall parks and recreation system.
Existing Conditions & Opportunities
As Kalispell continues to grow, demand for
year-round recreation opportunities continues
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

to increase. Public engagement completed
during this Master Plan identified a need for
additional indoor recreation facilities that
support youth, adults, seniors, families, sports
organizations, and community groups. Previous
planning efforts, including the 2022 Market
Opportunity Report and conceptual facility
design, established a strong foundation for
evaluating future recreation facility needs.
The next phase should validate and update
these earlier studies to reflect current
population growth, recreation trends, tourism
opportunities, community priorities, and
financial considerations. The Community
Recreation Center should be planned as
part of the City’s overall recreation system,
complementing existing parks, athletic
fields, aquatic facilities, schools, trails,
and community spaces while leveraging
partnerships to maximize public investment
and operational efficiency.
Recommended Improvements
The updated feasibility study and master
planning process should evaluate:
• Review and update the 2022 Market
Opportunity Report to reflect current
demographics, recreation trends, tourism
opportunities, and market demand.
• Review and evaluate the previously
completed Community Recreation Center
conceptual design and facility program.
• Confirm community recreation priorities
through public engagement and
stakeholder outreach.
• Evaluate operational models, lifecycle
costs, and long-term financial
sustainability.

•

Identify partnership opportunities, funding
strategies, and phased implementation
options.
The facility program should evaluate
opportunities for:
• Multi-sport gymnasiums for youth
and adult recreation.
• Indoor fitness and wellness spaces.
• Indoor walking and running track.
• Flexible community meeting and
event rooms.
• Spaces for youth, teen, adult, and
senior programming.
• Multi-purpose rooms for classes,
arts, and lifelong learning.
• Childcare and family support spaces.
• Flexible recreation spaces that adapt
to changing community needs.
• Shared-use opportunities with
schools, healthcare providers, and
community organizations.
• Connections to adjacent parks, trails,
and outdoor recreation facilities.
• Sustainable building design and
energy-efficient operations.
The study should also identify additional
recreation facilities needed to address current
and future service gaps, including opportunities
for:
• Indoor court sports.
• Community fitness and wellness
programs.
• Inclusive and adaptive recreation.
• Indoor walking and year-round
physical activity.
• Community events and gathering
spaces.
• Recreation programs serving
residents of all ages and abilities.
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Community Partnerships
Development of a Community Recreation
Center should be based on strong partnerships
that maximize community resources, reduce
costs, expand programming opportunities, and
support long-term operational sustainability.
Potential partners include:
• Kalispell Public Schools
• Flathead Valley Community College
• Logan Health
• Discover Kalispell
• Community Foundation for a Better
Flathead
• Youth and adult sports organizations
• Senior organizations
• Nonprofit recreation providers
• Local businesses and sponsors
• Community service organizations
• Healthcare and wellness
organizations
Partnership opportunities should
evaluate:
• Shared-use facilities.
• Joint funding opportunities.
• Co-location of programs and
services.
• Joint programming and staffing.
• Operational partnerships.
• Capital fundraising and sponsorships.
• Tourism and sports event
opportunities.
Implementation Strategy
Phase 1 – Review, Community Needs
Assessment, and Feasibility
• Review the previously completed
Community Recreation Center conceptual
design.

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•

Update the 2022 Market Opportunity
Report prepared for Discover Kalispell –
Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement
District to reflect current demographics,
recreation trends, tourism opportunities,
and community priorities.
• Conduct a comprehensive community
needs assessment to identify recreation
facility gaps and future service needs.
• Evaluate market demand, operational
models, partnership opportunities, and
potential locations.
• Assess lifecycle costs, operational
sustainability, and long-term financial
feasibility.
• Engage residents, user groups, schools,
healthcare providers, businesses, and
community organizations throughout the
planning process.
Phase 2 – Concept Development
• Refine the preferred facility program based
on updated community needs and market
analysis.
• Evaluate partnership opportunities and
shared-use agreements.
• Update conceptual facility layouts and site
alternatives.
• Prepare preliminary capital and operating
cost estimates.
• Identify funding strategies, grants,
sponsorships, fundraising opportunities,
and potential revenue sources.
• Develop a preferred implementation
strategy.
Phase 3 – Design and Implementation
• Finalize facility design, operational model,
and business plan.
• Secure funding, partnership agreements,

•
•
•

and governance structure.
Complete phased construction based on
available funding.
Expand recreation programming, wellness
initiatives, and community services.
Monitor facility performance and adapt
programming to meet evolving community
needs.

Expected Outcomes
• A validated and updated long-term
vision for a Community Recreation Center
based on current market conditions and
community priorities.
• Expanded year-round recreation
opportunities for residents of all ages and
abilities.
• Additional recreation facilities that
address identified community needs and
service gaps.
• Increased recreation programming
capacity and participation.
• A flexible community gathering place
supporting recreation, wellness, education,
community events, and lifelong learning.
• Improved public health, wellness, and
social connection.
• Strong partnerships that leverage
funding, programming, staffing, and shared
facilities.
• Efficient use of public resources
through coordinated investment and
collaborative operations.
• A financially sustainable recreation
facility that complements Kalispell’s parks,
trails, athletic facilities, aquatic system, and
recreation programs while serving future
generations.
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Strategic Project Profile 5
Systemwide Playground
Replacement and Improvement
Program

Vision
Create one of Montana’s premier systems
of inclusive playgrounds where children and
caregivers of all ages and abilities can play,
learn, explore, and grow together. Through
thoughtful planning and universal design,
every neighborhood playground will become
a safe, accessible, and engaging destination
that supports healthy childhood development,
community gathering, and lifelong recreation.
Project Purpose
Develop a long-term, systemwide Playground
Replacement and Improvement Program
that modernizes aging playgrounds while
improving safety, accessibility, inclusion, and
neighborhood identity. The program should
establish a prioritized replacement schedule,
ensure compliance with current ASTM, CPSC,
and ADA standards, and engage neighborhoods
throughout the planning and design process to
foster community ownership, stewardship, and
long-term support for local parks.
Existing Conditions & Opportunities
Kalispell’s playground system includes
facilities of varying ages, conditions, and
levels of accessibility. Many playgrounds were
developed under previous standards and no
longer reflect current best practices for safety,
universal design, or inclusive play.
As playgrounds reach the end of their useful
life, the City has an opportunity to replace them
with modern, inclusive play environments
that provide richer play experiences while
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

improving accessibility, safety, and long-term
•
sustainability. Rather than simply replacing
aging equipment, each playground renovation
should respond to the unique needs of
•
its neighborhood while contributing to a
connected, citywide system of high-quality play
spaces that encourage community gathering,
•
active lifestyles, and neighborhood pride.

Integrate public art, educational
elements, and interpretive features where
appropriate.
Enhance landscaping with native trees,
shade, seating, gathering spaces, and
picnic areas.
Create welcoming spaces that encourage
families to gather and neighbors to
connect.
Recommended Improvements
• Celebrate each playground as a unique
Systemwide Planning
neighborhood destination.
The Playground Replacement and
Community Engagement
Improvement Program should include:
Playground planning should actively involve
• Conduct a comprehensive inventory and
residents throughout planning, design,
condition assessment of all playgrounds.
construction, and implementation to ensure
• Evaluate equipment age, condition,
every playground reflects the priorities of the
accessibility, safety, and compliance with
surrounding neighborhood.
current ASTM, CPSC, and ADA standards.
Engagement opportunities should include:
• Develop a prioritized 10-year Playground
• “My Dream Playground” workshops with
Replacement and Improvement Plan based
local elementary schools.
on condition, lifecycle, geographic equity,
• Neighborhood meetings and design
accessibility deficiencies, neighborhood
charrettes.
needs, and community input.
• Pop-up engagement events at
• Incorporate playground improvements into
neighborhood parks.
the City’s Asset Management Program and • Online surveys and interactive mapping.
Capital Improvement Program.
• Community design workshops with families
• Establish annual inspection, maintenance,
and caregivers.
and lifecycle replacement schedules to
• Collaboration with disability advocates and
ensure long-term system sustainability.
inclusion organizations.
Neighborhood Identity and Stewardship
• Tree planting and volunteer improvement
Each playground replacement should reinforce
days.
the identity of its surrounding neighborhood
• Playground opening celebrations
while creating a strong sense of community
recognizing neighborhood participation,
ownership.
volunteers, project partners, and sponsors.
The program should:
• Ongoing communication throughout
• Incorporate community-selected themes
planning, design, construction, and
that reflect neighborhood character or local
implementation.
history.
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Universal Accessibility
Each playground should incorporate
universal design principles by providing:
• Accessible parking spaces connected
directly to playground entrances.
• Continuous ADA-compliant accessible
routes from parking areas, sidewalks, trails,
and surrounding park amenities.
• Poured-in-place or other unitary accessible
safety surfacing throughout primary play
areas.
• Accessible seating, picnic areas, and
gathering spaces for families and
caregivers.
• Family-friendly amenities that
accommodate caregivers and people using
mobility devices.
• Accessible drinking fountains, restrooms,
and shade structures where feasible.
• Inclusive wayfinding and interpretive
signage.
Inclusive Play Environments
Every playground should be designed as a “Play
Together” environment where children of all
abilities can play side-by-side through a variety
of experiences that support healthy childhood
development.
Play opportunities should include:
• Swinging (belt, toddler, adaptive, and group
swings)
• Sliding (multiple heights and play
experiences)
• Spinning elements that develop vestibular
function and balance
• Climbing opportunities that encourage
strength and confidence
• Balancing features

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•
•

Crawling elements
Zip or glide features, where appropriate,
that encourage movement and excitement
• Sensory play incorporating sound, texture,
color, movement, and tactile experiences
• Nature play using logs, boulders, native
landscaping, and natural materials
• Imaginative and dramatic play elements
• Social gathering spaces encouraging
cooperative play
• Quiet retreat areas for children who benefit
from lower-stimulation environments
Each playground should provide a
balanced mix of activities supporting:
• Gross motor development
• Fine motor skills
• Cognitive development
• Sensory integration
• Social interaction
• Creative and imaginative play
• Physical fitness
• Confidence through age-appropriate
challenge and managed risk
Partnership Opportunities
Successful implementation should leverage
partnerships with:
• Kalispell Public Schools
• Parent organizations
• Community foundations
• Service clubs
• Healthcare providers
• Disability advocacy organizations
• Early childhood education providers
• Neighborhood associations
• Local businesses and sponsors
• Grant agencies

• Playground manufacturers
• Community volunteers
Implementation Strategy
Phase 1 – System Assessment and
Planning
• Complete a comprehensive inventory and
condition assessment of all playgrounds.
• Evaluate safety, accessibility, condition,
and lifecycle.
• Prepare a prioritized 10-year Playground
Replacement and Improvement Plan.
• Identify funding opportunities, grants,
sponsorships, and partnerships.
• Engage neighborhoods in establishing
priorities and desired play experiences.
Phase 2 – Priority Playground
Improvements
• Replace approximately 3–5 high-priority
playgrounds annually.
• Improve accessible parking, pathways,
surfacing, and supporting park amenities.
• Incorporate universal design and inclusive
play elements into every playground.
• Complete associated landscaping,
gathering areas, shade, and neighborhood
enhancements.
Phase 3 – Long-Term System Renewal
• Continue replacing or renovating 2–3
playgrounds annually.
• Maintain annual Certified Playground
Safety Inspector (CPSI) inspections and
preventative maintenance.
• Update replacement priorities using
asset management data and community
feedback.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

•
•

Monitor accessibility, participation,
neighborhood satisfaction, and system
performance.
Continue neighborhood engagement and
stewardship activities to support long-term
care and community ownership.

•

A nationally recognized system of inclusive,
innovative neighborhood playgrounds that
enriches the lives of Kalispell families and
supports healthy, connected communities
for generations to come.

Expected Outcomes
• A coordinated, long-term Playground Replacement and Improvement Program that
guides investment and lifecycle replacement.
• All playgrounds meet current ASTM, CPSC,
and ADA standards, reducing safety risks
and long-term maintenance costs.
• Safe, accessible routes connecting parking,
pathways, playgrounds, and supporting
park amenities.
• Inclusive “Play Together” environments
serving children and caregivers of all ages
and abilities.
• Playgrounds that support healthy childhood
development through diverse movement,
sensory, cognitive, and social play experiences.
• Neighborhood-designed playgrounds reflect community identity and local priorities.
• Increased neighborhood ownership, stewardship, volunteer participation, and pride
in local parks.
• Expanded family recreation opportunities and stronger neighborhood gathering
places.
• Strong partnerships supporting playground
planning, funding, programming, and longterm stewardship.
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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Strategic Project Profile 6
Stillwater River Blueway
Vision
Transform the Stillwater River into a premier
non-motorized water trail that connects
parks, neighborhoods, schools, and natural
areas while providing year-round recreation,
environmental education, and stewardship
opportunities. The Blueway will complement
Kalispell’s land-based trail system, creating an
integrated recreation network that enhances
community health, supports tourism, and
strengthens the community’s connection to the
river.
Project Purpose
Develop a community Blueway that provides
safe, accessible, and environmentally
responsible river access for paddling, fishing,
wildlife viewing, and outdoor education.
Through strategic partnerships and phased
implementation, the Blueway will expand
recreation opportunities, improve public access
to the Stillwater River, and establish the river
as a defining recreational and natural asset for
Kalispell.
Existing Conditions & Opportunities
The Stillwater River is one of Kalispell’s greatest
natural assets, yet public access remains
limited and disconnected. A coordinated
Blueway would create a network of river access
sites connected to parks, trails, neighborhoods,
and regional destinations while protecting
sensitive riparian habitats.
The Blueway presents an opportunity to
expand recreation beyond traditional parks by
providing paddling, floating, fishing, wildlife
viewing, environmental education, and nature-

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based tourism. When integrated with the City’s
trail system and park network, the Blueway
becomes part of a comprehensive outdoor
recreation experience that supports both
residents and visitors.

Partnership Opportunities
Implementation of the Blueway should be
coordinated through partnerships with:
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
• Flathead County Parks & Recreation
• Flathead Valley Community College
Recommended Improvements
• Montana Department of Natural
The Blueway Master Plan should include:
Resources and Conservation
• Public river access and launch facilities for
• Conservation organizations
kayaking, canoes, and paddleboards.
• Flathead Rivers Alliance and paddling
• Designated put-in and take-out locations
organizations
approximately every 5 to 10 miles,
• Local outfitters and tourism
consistent with national water trail
organizations
recommendations.
• Adjacent property owners
• Wayfinding, navigation, safety, and
• Tribal governments
interpretive signage.
• Local schools and environmental
• Accessible launch facilities designed using
education organizations
universal design principles.
• River overlooks, fishing platforms, picnic
Planning and Design Considerations
areas, viewpoints, and environmental
Community Engagement
education areas.
• Engage residents, paddlers, anglers,
• Trail connections linking launch sites with
landowners, conservation
parks, neighborhoods, schools, and the
organizations, and community partners
regional trail network.
through workshops, surveys,
• Habitat restoration and riparian
and public meetings.
enhancement using native vegetation.
• Identify desired launch locations,
• Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection
amenities, programming, and
and cleaning stations.
educational opportunities.
• Digital maps, mobile applications,
• Ensure the Blueway provides
emergency access locations, and
equitable access for families,
educational materials.
beginners, experienced paddlers,
• Long-term monitoring of environmental
anglers, and visitors.
conditions, river use, and facility
• Site Selection
performance.
• Prioritize river segments with stable
flows, scenic character, and minimal
hazards.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

• Select launch locations that minimize
environmental impacts while
maximizing public access.
• Protect riparian buffers and avoid
erosion-prone areas.
• Connect launch sites to parks, trails,
schools, and regional recreation
destinations.
• Evaluate opportunities to connect
with the Flathead River and Whitefish
River to create a regional water trail
network.
Design Principles
• Emphasize non-motorized recreation.
• Utilize low-impact development and
sustainable construction practices.
• Design facilities that accommodate
seasonal water level fluctuations.
• Incorporate universal accessibility
throughout the Blueway.
• Minimize long-term maintenance
requirements through durable
materials and resilient design.
• Preserve and enhance fish habitat,
wildlife corridors, and water quality.

implementation program.
Phase 2 – Initial Implementation
• Improve existing access locations,
including the Leisure Island Boat Ramp and
other priority sites.
• Construct initial launch facilities,
wayfinding, interpretive signage, and visitor
amenities.
• Establish AIS education and inspection
facilities.
• Launch recreation and environmental
education programs.
Phase 3 – System Expansion
• Expand launch facilities throughout the
river corridor.
• Complete trail connections between
Blueway access points and community
parks.
• Continue habitat restoration and
environmental stewardship projects.
• Develop regional Blueway connections with
neighboring communities and waterways.

Performance Measures
Implementation should be evaluated
using measurable performance
indicators, including:
• Development of 5 to 10 miles of
designated Blueway by 2035.
• Increased public access to the river, with a
goal of most river-adjacent residents living
within one mile of a launch site.
• Increased participation in paddling, fishing,
and outdoor recreation.
• Reduced shoreline erosion through
sustainable access improvements.
• Successful prevention and monitoring of
Aquatic Invasive Species.
• Increased environmental education and
stewardship participation.
• Expanded partnerships supporting
Blueway programming and maintenance.

Expected Outcomes
Expanded public access to the Stillwater River.
• ncreased paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing,
and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Implementation Strategy
• Improved connections between parks,
Phase 1 – Planning and Feasibility
trails, neighborhoods, and natural areas.
• Conduct public engagement and
• Enhanced environmental stewardship and
stakeholder outreach.
habitat protection.
• Inventory existing river access sites and
• Increased tourism and outdoor recreationenvironmental conditions.
based economic activity.
• Complete feasibility studies and identify
• Strong partnerships supporting long-term
priority launch locations.
management and programming.
• Develop environmental permitting and
• A signature regional recreation destination
partnership strategies.
that strengthens Kalispell’s identity as an
• Prepare a Blueway Master Plan and phased
outdoor community.
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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Strategic Project Profile 7
Northwest Sports Fields
Vision
Develop the Northwest Sports Fields into
Kalispell’s premier multi-use athletic complex,
providing high-quality fields and community
amenities that support local recreation,
tournaments, community events, and healthy
lifestyles while serving the City’s growing
northwest neighborhoods.

paths, picnic areas, and gathering spaces that
support daily community use beyond organized
athletics.

Recommended Improvements
The master planning process should
evaluate development of:
• Up to eight multi-use athletic fields
designed to accommodate soccer,
Project Purpose
lacrosse, rugby, ultimate frisbee, football,
Prepare a comprehensive master plan and
and other field sports.
phased implementation strategy for the
• Field lighting, irrigation, drainage, and
approximately 68.5-acre Northwest Sports
supporting infrastructure.
Fields property to address the growing
• Accessible playgrounds serving toddlers
demand for athletic fields, expand recreation
and children ages 5–12.
opportunities, and provide a flexible community • A centrally located restroom building with
sports destination that serves residents of all
men’s, women’s, and family restrooms.
ages while supporting regional sports tourism
• Large and small picnic shelters.
and economic development.
• Parking for approximately 240 vehicles,
with opportunities for future expansion.
Existing Conditions & Opportunities
• Internal walking paths and trail
Located at 1389 W. Spring Creek Road, the site
connections linking surrounding
represents one of Kalispell’s most significant
neighborhoods.
opportunities to expand athletic and recreation • Open lawn and flexible event spaces.
facilities. Preliminary grading has already been • Landscaping, shade trees, and gathering
completed, providing an excellent foundation
areas.
for phased development.
• Wayfinding, park signage, and public art
As Kalispell continues to grow, demand for
opportunities.
adult and youth athletic fields continues to
• Space for future recreation amenities as
exceed available capacity. The Northwest
community needs evolve.
Sports Fields provide an opportunity to meet
current and future recreation needs while
Partnership Opportunities
creating a regional destination capable of
Development of the Northwest Sports Fields
hosting tournaments, league play, community
should leverage partnerships to maximize
events, and informal recreation.
community benefit and reduce long-term costs.
The site should also serve as a neighborhood
Potential partners include:
park by incorporating playgrounds, walking
• Kalispell Public Schools

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• Adult and youth sports organizations
• Flathead Valley Community College
• Discover Kalispell
• Local businesses and sponsors
• Flathead Valley Soccer Association
and other user groups
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (trail
and open space connections)
• Community foundations and grant
organizations
Partnerships should also explore opportunities
for tournament operations, shared
programming, sponsorships, and maintenance
support.
Implementation Strategy
Phase 1 – Master Planning and
Infrastructure
• Complete a comprehensive master plan
and public engagement process.
• Confirm recreation programming needs
and field demand.
• Evaluate phasing, operations,
maintenance, and long-term financial
sustainability.
• Finalize site circulation, utilities, drainage,
irrigation, and supporting infrastructure.
• Identify funding opportunities, grants,
sponsorships, and partnership agreements.
Phase 2 – Initial Development
• Construct the first phase of multi-use
athletic fields.
• Develop parking, restroom facilities,
pathways, playgrounds, and picnic shelters.
• Install landscaping, irrigation, lighting, and
site amenities.
• Establish programming for league play and
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

community recreation.
Phase 3 – Full Build-Out
• Complete remaining athletic fields and
supporting infrastructure.
• Expand recreation amenities based on
community demand.
• Develop tournament facilities and eventsupport infrastructure.
• Continue partnerships that support
programming, maintenance, and regional
sports tourism.
Expected Outcomes
• Increased athletic field capacity for youth
and adult recreation.
• Expanded opportunities for tournaments,
leagues, and community events.
• Improved access to recreation facilities in
Northwest Kalispell.
• A flexible community sports complex that
serves organized athletics and everyday
park use.
• Increased tourism and local economic
activity through sports-related events.
• Strong partnerships that leverage funding,
programming, and long-term operations.
• A phased, financially sustainable
implementation strategy that adapts to
future community growth.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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6.3 Quadrant Based Planning
Considerations

Woodland Park Pond Rehabilitation:
Collaborate with Montana Fish Wildlife &
Parks to make the pond viable for fishing.
NW Kalispell – Parks, Needs, Priorities
•
Woodland Park Recreation Building:
• Northwest Park Sport Fields development
Evaluate the potential to upgrade and
• Northridge Park: Investigate acquiring small
develop space for additional year-round
portion of park from Flathead County to
programming as part of the Woodland Park
consolidate ownership and maintenance
Master Planning process.
coordination.
•
Water Trail: Stillwater River Put-In/Takeout
• Add to KIDSPORTS, evaluate additional
in collaboration with Flathead County at
state land.
Leisure Park
• Future School? Collaborate with school
• Neighborhood / Community Park (SW/SE)
district
• Greenbrier Park: Evaluate the possibility of • Leisure Park Natural Area (KPR)
improvements and access.
acquiring adjacent Montana Department of
•
Thompson Field: Resurface tennis courts
Transportation land to expand the park.
and consider adding striping for pickleball
• Sunset Park: Add parking and ADA pathway
courts.
to playground.
SW Kalispell – Parks, Needs, Priorities
• Spring Prairie Tree Park: splash pad
• Ashley Creek and Greenway
NE Kalispell – Parks, Needs, Priorities
• Community Park near Kalispell Ford nob hill • Neighborhood / Community Park (SW/SE)
• Laker and Archie Roe Park: Review MOU
loop area
with Lakers to clarify responsibilities as
• Future School? Collaborating with school
necessary.
district
• Rankin Elementary School: investigate
• Water Trail put in at Flathead Community
opportunity to collaborate with additional
College
land
• Planning for collaboration with Flathead
Community College
• Collaboration with Flathead County on
programming for Hillcrest Park
• Lawrence Park Master Plan
• Lawrence Park: Splash Pad
• Water Trail Stillwater River Put-In
SE Kalispell – Parks, Needs, Priorities
• Woodland Park Master Plan
• Woodland Park Priorities

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•

6.4 Public Engagement

Kalispell’s parks and trails are more than green
spaces—they are the heart of community life.
Yet, many areas remain underutilized: hidden
corners, steep slopes, peripheral lawns, and
seasonal facilities that see low activity despite
their potential. System wide initiatives can
focus on:
• Public Engagement
• Activation of Underutilized Spaces through
innovative programming and addition of key
amenities. For Example:
o Adding pickleball striping to select
tennis courts
o providing recreation outreach to
neighborhood parks.
• Minor Improvements & Placemaking:
o Incorporating public art or themed
playgrounds so that children (and
adults!) associate a park with
a particular element. A moose
or buffalo sculptureor themed play
structure for example. These strategies
use lowcost,high-impact tactics, such
as pop-up events, creative signage,
modular amenities, and resident-led
design to reimagine and repurpose
existing spaces.
By starting small and scaling smart, these
initiatives deliver quick wins while laying the
foundation for long-term transformation—
ensuringevery park, trail, and open space works
harder for the community, today and for
generations to come.
These events are more than ribbon-cuttings:
they are community gatherings where neighbors
meet neighbors, children claim ownership
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

of new spaces, and staff connect directly with
residents. Through storytelling, donor
recognition, and shared play, the celebration
builds trust, pride, and momentum—
transforming a routine upgrade into a visible,
collective victory for Kalispell’ park system.
These initiatives align with the plan’s nine
project outcomes (e.g., equitable access,
health promotion) and four goals (stewardship,
excellence, connectivity, equity), prioritizing
quick-win projects (under $50,000) to build
momentum while larger efforts like Woodland
Park’s master plan advance.
1. Public Engagement Framework: “Dream
Big” Campaign
Public input is central, with over 500 residents
engaged via hybrid methods to identify
underused spaces (e.g., peripheral green
areas in Flathead Valley parks) and co-design
activations. The campaign uses placemaking
principles, community-led redesigns to ensure
initiatives reflect local needs, such as familyfriendly zones or winter pop-ups. This campaign
would build on the Parks and Recreation Plan
engagement process and the city’s existing
community events.

6.5 Trails Recommendations
1. Connection of Parkline to Woodland
Park
To strengthen Kalispell’s trail network,
the Parkline Trail—a central spine of the
city’s recreational infrastructure—must be
seamlessly linked to Woodland Park, a key
recreational hub. This connection will create
a direct, accessible corridor for pedestrians,
cyclists, and wheelchair users, enhancing
access to Woodland Park’s amenities, including
sports fields, playgrounds, and open spaces.
Proposed actions include:
•

•

The Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana
network features a flagship 22.6-mile
paved segment known as the Great
Northern Historical Trail, which connects
the lakeside community of Somers on
Flathead Lake, through downtown Kalispell,
and west to Kila—offering stunning views
of the Swan, Mission, Salish, and Whitefish
mountain ranges, along with five artistic
tunnel murals. This multi-use path, built on
the former Great Northern Railway corridor,
supports year-round activities like walking,
biking, running, cross-country skiing, and
snowshoeing, while providing safe routes to
schools and enhancing local connectivity.

3. Collaborations with Regional Trail
Partners

Successful trail development hinges on robust
with regional stakeholders.
Incorporating greenway buffers with native partnerships
Collaborative efforts will ensure resource
plantings to enhance aesthetics and
sharing, unified planning, and consistent
ecological value while mitigating urban
maintenance standards. Recommended
heat.
actions include:
• Installing wayfinding markers and kiosks to • Participate as appropriate in regional
guide users and highlight park amenities,
trail planning with Flathead County,
ensuring a cohesive experience.
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes,
and local municipalities to align on trail
• From the Core Area Plan: Clean up the
priorities and funding.
slope between the pathway/Parkline
trail and the park, create a new outdoor
• Partnering with organizations like Flathead
amphitheater and easy wayfinding to
Land Trust and local recreation groups (e.g.,
downtown.
Flathead Paddle Club) to co-develop trails
https://www.kalispell.com/
and blue ways, incorporating cultural and
DocumentCenter/View/81/Core-Areaenvironmental expertise.
Plan-PDF
• Pursuing joint grant applications, such as
2. Connections to Regional Trails
Montana FWP Recreational Trails Program
(RTP) and Land & Water Conservation
Kalispell’s trail system must integrate with
Fund (LWCF), to fund cross-jurisdictional
regional networks to promote broader
projects.
recreational and economic benefits. By aligning
with Flathead County’s trail initiatives and the
Crown of the Continent framework, Kalispell
can position itself as a regional outdoor
recreation hub. Strategies include:
•

•

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Extending the Parkline Trail with a
dedicated, ADA-compliant multi-use
path to Woodland Park, featuring smooth
transitions, clear signage, and safe
crossings at major intersections.

with regional trail initiatives.

Developing shared-use trail linkages to
trails at Kalispell’s city limits coordinate

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6.6 Current Projects in Development

community.
The broader park design reflects extensive
Ashley Creek
collaboration with the City, stakeholders, and
The City of Kalispell and the Bibler Family Trust
the public, including input gathered during a
are partnering to create a new community
community open house held on September 5,
park on the city’s west side, providing much2024. Planned amenities include:
needed public open space to serve a growing
• A network of trails supporting walking,
population. Centered around Ashley Creek and
running, and biking, with connections to
framed by expansive natural landscapes, the
the Parkline Trail and the historic Great
approximately 20-acre site is being transformed
Northern Trail
into a welcoming destination for play,
• A range of seating and gathering spaces to
relaxation, recreation, and connection to both
accommodate both small and large groups
nature and local history.
• Shade trees, gardens, and landscape
The Bibler Family Trust acquired the property—
features that provide cooling and comfort
surrounded by additional public lands—and
• Diverse play opportunities for all ages,
is developing the park as a gift to the City.
including both structured and nature-based
The Bibler Legacy Foundation is funding the
elements
initial phase of development and will continue
• Picnic areas and informal gathering spaces
to provide financial support for ongoing
• Native plant restoration and habitat
maintenance, ensuring the park remains a highenhancements
quality community asset for years to come.
• Preservation of Ashley Creek as a central
A defining feature of the park is its large,
and defining feature of the park
inclusive play area, thoughtfully designed to
Currently under construction, the park’s initial
welcome visitors of all abilities. The space
phase is anticipated to be completed in fall
encourages exploration, challenge, and social
2026, with future phases implemented as
interaction through a variety of accessible
additional funding becomes available. With its
and engaging elements. A 15-foot play tower,
combination of scenic views, water access,
accessible via a gently sloped pathway,
wildlife, and proximity to neighborhoods
allows users of all mobility levels to reach
and schools, Ashley Creek Park is poised to
elevated experiences. Custom swing options
become one of Kalispell’s most cherished
accommodate a range of physical and sensory
community spaces and a cornerstone of the
needs, while a dedicated sensory play zone—
city’s park system.
featuring musical instruments and tactile
elements—invites discovery through sound
and touch. Together, these features create a
dynamic and inclusive environment that will
serve as a destination for families across the

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6.8 Park Development Standards

Guidelines for Site Selection and
Development
The Kalispell Parks and Recreation Master
Plan, originally adopted in 2006 and currently
undergoing a comprehensive update as of
September 2025, emphasizes equitable access
to parks and recreation opportunities amid
rapid population growth in Flathead County. Key
principles guiding the plan include proactive
land acquisition, enforcement of development
standards for both quantity (acreage) and
quality (location and design), securing new
funding sources, and expanding trails in
response to high community interest in outdoor
activities. This update, led by consultant
Michael Terrell Landscape Architecture
and projected to conclude in spring 2026,
incorporates public input from summer 2025
events such as open houses and surveys to
refine these principles for the next decade.
As Kalispell continues its rapid growth—
projected to add thousands of residents by
2045—this Master Plan envisions a resilient,
equitable park system that adapts to higherdensity areas. This vision prioritizes compact,
connected green infrastructure within the
developed core of Kalispell, particularly
connected to the Parkline Trail, to offset limited
private spaces and ensure every resident
enjoys a high quality of life through accessible
recreation, nature immersion, and community
vitality.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Higher Density infill – Core Area Plan - https://
www.kalispell.com/DocumentCenter/
View/81/Core-Area-Plan-PDF
• New development and redevelopment
that incorporates parks, landscaped
boulevards, open spaces for casual
public interaction and landscaping
that compliments architecture and the
neighborhood to encourage active use of
the built environment.
• New development or redevelopment that
strives to provide a better built environment
that includes parks, landscaping to
complement the building and surrounding
neighborhood, open spaces for casual
public interaction and landscape
boulevards to break the edge of urban
streets.
• Incorporate amenities into new or
redevelopment projects such as pocket
parks, activity nodes and gathering places.
Strategies:
• Provide sufficient parkland/open space
to meet the needs of the surrounding
neighborhood.
• Develop new parks to accommodate
people of all ages.
• Park improvements should accommodate
the use of the park throughout the day.
Policies:
• Encourage the development or the
redevelopment of park spaces to serve
people’s needs to gather, converse and
enjoy the surroundings.
• Prioritize the development of an open air
amphitheater in Woodland Park.
• Prioritize new parks in high density
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

residential neighborhoods.
Incorporate park and open space
development with the existing rail-trail path
system.
Guidelines for Site Selection and
Development
A core goal is walkability: Every neighborhood
should be served by a park within a 10-minute
walk (approximately 0.5 miles), aligning with
typical service radii for mini and neighborhood
parks (0.25–0.5 miles). This ensures residents,
including those in homeowners’ associations
(HOAs), have convenient access. HOA parks,
which are privately developed and maintained,
must meet minimum neighborhood park
standards (at least 3 acres, with active
and passive features like playgrounds and
pathways) to integrate into the public system
and avoid service gaps.
In higher-density zones (e.g., 10+ units/acre
residential or mixed-use), the focus shifts
from traditional neighborhood parks to urbaninfused, multi-functional spaces that integrate
with streetscapes, trails, and redevelopment.
The Parkline Trail corridor exemplifies
this approach: a 1.7-mile linear greenway
completed in phases through 2025 with a $7.5
million investment, connecting Woodland Park
in the east to Depot Park and onward to Ashley
Creek Park (currently under construction as
a 20-acre public park featuring walking loops
and centered on Ashley Creek). This trail
catalyzes infill housing, retail, and mixed-use
projects while serving as an east-west “spine”
for walkable, trail-oriented neighborhoods.
The performance vision aligns with the
2025 Land Use Plan Housing Element Draft,
•

which promotes infill and redevelopment in
underutilized sites to create compact patterns
with higher-density housing (e.g., apartments,
townhomes, and mixed-use buildings).
Core Principles of the Vision
• Equity and Accessibility: Prioritize walkable
access in dense areas, where private
yards are scarce, to prevent recreation
deserts. Integrate parks into mixed-use
developments for seamless daily use.
• Trail-Centric Connectivity: Leverage
corridors like the Parkline Trail for looped,
multi-use paths linking schools, parks,
housing, and transit—projected to expand
by 5+ miles in high-growth zones by 2030.
• Adaptive, Low-Maintenance Design: Use
modular, urban-style features (e.g., pocket
parks, green roofs) in smaller footprints
(1–5 acres) to maximize amenities while
minimizing upkeep. Emphasize native
plantings, permeable surfaces, and tree
canopies for cooling and stormwater
management.
• Partnerships and Flexibility: Collaborate
with developers for on-site dedications
(e.g., 10–15% of project area as open
space) and HOAs for maintenance.
Allow phased development to respond
to demographic shifts, such as increased
demand from young families or seniors.
• Resilience and Greening: Protect sensitive
areas (e.g., wetlands along trails) and
enhance streetscapes with 50%+ tree
canopy coverage in dense corridors
to combat heat islands and support
biodiversity.

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Level of Service (LOS) Standards for
Higher-Density Areas
LOS measures park adequacy by access,
acreage, and amenities, tailored for density.
In higher-density zones, standards tighten
to account for 2–3x the population pressure
of suburban areas, emphasizing quality over
quantity. The following table outlines proposed
LOS benchmarks, informed by the ongoing
Master Plan update and aligned with national
standards (e.g., NRPA guidelines).

Spotlight: Parkline Trail Corridor as a
Model for Infill and Redevelopment
The Parkline Trail—completed in phases
through 2025 with $7.5 million investment—
stands as Kalispell’s flagship for density-driven
park performance. Spanning 1.7 miles with
plazas, landscaping, and placeholders for
amenities, it has sparked $100M+ in private
investment, including:
• Parkline Towers: 224 luxury units opened
August 2025, oriented to the trail for
resident access to jogging paths and views.
This performance-based LOS framework
• Mixed-Use Infill: Approved projects like 58shifts from rigid acreage quotas to dynamic
unit developments along Stillwater Road
outcomes like 90% walkability coverage,
and condos over former commercial lots,
diverse usage rates, and resilience indicators
blending housing, retail, and offices with
such as tree canopy density, enabling flexible,
trail-facing facades.
data-driven adaptations in higher-density zones • Vibrancy Boost: New restaurants and
through developer partnerships and innovative,
businesses activate the corridor, drawing
compact designs.
20% more foot traffic and supporting
events like Picnic in the Park.
LOS Category
Access &
Walkability

Metric
Standard for Higher-Density Areas (10+ units/acre)
Rationale & Examples
90%
of
residents
within
5-min
walk
(0.25
miles)
to
Offsets
yard
limitations;
e.g., Parkline Trail provides
Distance to
mini/pocket
park
or
trailhead;
10-min
(0.5
miles)
to
full
immediate
access
for
1,000+
new apartment
nearest park/trail neighborhood park.
residents.
4–6 acres total (incl. 1–2 acres local parks + linear
Matches demand surge; recent infill like Parkline
per
Acreage Provision Parkland
Developers contribute 0.5–1
Towers (224 units, opened August 2025) requires ~2
1,000 residents trails/greenways).
acre/100 units.
acres dedication.
8–12 amenities/site (e.g., playgrounds, fitness zones, Urban efficiency; smaller spaces host pop-up
Amenity Diversity Variety per site plazas, EV charging); 70% multi-use (e.g., shared
events, community gardens, and dog areas.
courts for sports/yoga).
active transport; Parkline's expansion ties to
per 1,000 1–2 miles accessible trails (looped, ADA-compliant); Boosts
Trail Connectivity Miles
19.8 miles projected in original plan, now prioritized
residents
100% linkage to schools/parks within 1 mile.
for density.
80%
low-maintenance
features
(native
plants,
Maintenance &
Cost-effective; green streets along Parkline reduce
Upkeep index
permeable paths); annual tree planting: 20/acre in
Resilience
flooding, with partnerships covering 30% of costs.
corridors.
free/low-cost programs; track usage via apps to Adapts to shifts; e.g., multilingual signage and seniorUsage & Equity
Program equity 50%
ensure 20%+ participation from diverse demographics. friendly features in mixed-use nodes.

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

6.9 Summary
Chapter 6 outlines a clear transition from
planning to implementation, establishing a
long-term, flexible roadmap through 2045
for Kalispell’s parks, recreation, trails, and open
space system. Grounded in community input
and data-driven analysis, the chapter defines
how the city will respond to rapid growth
while maintaining high-quality, accessible
recreational opportunities for all of Kalispell’s
residents.
At its core, the chapter emphasizes a balanced
approach: maintaining and reinvesting
in existing assets while strategically
expanding the system to address service
gaps and future demand. Key priorities include
proactive maintenance, modernization of
playgrounds and facilities, equitable park
access, and enhanced connectivity through
trails and blueways. These efforts support
the city’s goal of ensuring at least 80% of
residents live within a 10-minute walk of a
park.
The plan introduces a combination of largescale capital projects and smaller, highimpact “quick-win” initiatives, such as
activating underutilized spaces, expanding
mobile recreation programs, and implementing
placemaking strategies. Major investments—
including master planning for Woodland and
Lawrence Parks, development of Ashley Creek
Park, and expansion of trail and water-based
recreation networks—anchor the long-term
vision.
A strong emphasis is placed on equity,
accessibility, and community
Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

engagement, ensuring that all areas of the
community are served and that facilities are
designed to meet the needs of people of all
ages and abilities. Partnerships with schools,
HOAs, regional agencies, and community
organizations are identified as essential to
maximizing resources, expanding programming,
and achieving shared goals for all of Kalispell’s
residents.
Ultimately, this chapter positions Kalispell to
evolve into a connected, resilient parks
system that supports health, environmental
stewardship, and economic vitality. By aligning
investments with growth trends and community
priorities, the City aims to create a vibrant
network of parks and recreation opportunities
that enhances quality of life and strengthens
community identity for all of Kalispell’s
residents for generations to come.

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

CHAPTER

How Do We Get There

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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CHAPTER 7: HOW WILL WE GET THERE?
7.0 Introduction
This Parks and Recreation Master Plan for
the City of Kalispell establishes a community-driven vision to guide the enhancement
and expansion of the city’s parks, recreation
facilities, and open spaces over the next
decade and beyond. Grounded in robust
public engagement, demographic and level-of-service analyses, and comprehensive
facility assessments, the plan identifies
priority projects, programs, and policies that
promote equitable access, environmental
stewardship, and a system that reflects
Kalispell’s distinct character and continued
growth.
Realizing this vision requires more than
aspiration—it requires coordinated, sustained action. This chapter outlines the
strategies and tools needed to move from
planning to implementation, focusing on
how the City will fund, deliver, operate, and
maintain the recommended improvements.
Central to this effort is the role of strategic
partnerships with community stakeholders—including residents, schools, nonprofit
organizations, businesses, and regional
agencies—in shaping, supporting, and
advancing shared priorities. Successful implementation will depend on aligning these
partnerships with available resources while

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remaining responsive to changing conditions and emerging opportunities.

community partners—will guide evaluation, ensure
alignment, and inform timely action.

Sustainable funding is fundamental to implementation. Each budget cycle provides
an opportunity to advance the plan through
targeted investments that reflect community priorities. To support long-term success,
Kalispell Parks and Recreation will pursue a
diversified funding approach that integrates
public funding, grants, private investment,
and user-based revenues, reducing reliance
on any single source. Strategic partnerships
with community stakeholders will be equally critical—leveraging local knowledge,
shared resources, and coordinated investments to expand capacity, distribute costs,
and maximize community benefit.

Through disciplined investment, strong partnerships
with community stakeholders, and adaptive management, Kalispell is well-positioned to implement this
plan and cultivate a high-quality parks and recreation
system—one that enhances community well-being,
supports economic vitality, and preserves the city’s
natural assets for generations to come.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
The guiding principle is: Maintain what we have,
grow where needed, and partner to deliver.

Implementation will be dynamic rather
than fixed. Factors such as development
patterns, grant availability, land acquisition
opportunities, and economic conditions
will shape the timing and sequencing of
projects. While the strategic project list in
Chapter 5 provides a clear framework for
decision-making, the plan is designed to
remain flexible. When unexpected opportunities arise, the plan’s goals and policies—
supported by ongoing collaboration with

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

7.1 Funding Strategies
7.1.1 Maintenance First: General
Fund Priority
The highest priority is the ongoing maintenance
and operation of existing parks and facilities.
The General Fund should serve as the primary
funding source for operations and maintenance
(O&M), with an emphasis on preventative
maintenance and timely lifecycle replacement
before considering system expansion.
This commitment should explicitly include
essential park amenities such as restrooms,
playgrounds, and accessibility features. Restrooms must be kept clean, safe, and fully
functional, with regular servicing and upgrades
to meet public health standards. Playgrounds
should receive routine inspections, repairs,
and equipment replacement to ensure safety
and usability for children of all ages. Accessibility improvements—such as ADA-compliant
paths, entrances, restrooms, seating, and play
structures—should be prioritized to ensure all
community members can fully use and enjoy
park facilities.
By focusing resources on maintaining these
core elements, the system can provide a safe,
inclusive, and high-quality experience while
protecting existing investments and extending
the useful life of park assets.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

7.1.2 Parks-in-Lieu Funding

outdoor aquatic facilities. The program requires
a minimum 50 percent non-federal match (1:1
Parks-in-lieu funding ensures new development
match). Because LWCF is a reimbursement
contributes to park system expansion. These
program, the City must commit matching funds
funds should primarily support land acquisition
before construction begins and document
and capital improvements in growth areas, with
eligible expenditures for reimbursement. Eligilimited use for maintenance where allowed.
ble matching contributions may include local
capital funds, impact fees, donations, eligible
in-kind services, volunteer labor, donated ma7.1.3 Grants for Targeted Projects
terials, and other qualifying non-federal funding
7.1.3 Grants for Targeted Projects
sources. The next round of funding is scheduled
for 2027. Additional information can be found at
Grant funding should be pursued strategically
https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/
to accelerate implementation of high-priority
capital projects while leveraging local investland-and-water-conservation-fund
ment. Rather than pursuing grants opportunisFor trail-related improvements, the Montana
tically, the City should maintain a portfolio of
Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides
grant-ready projects that are identified in this
funding for new trail construction, trail rehabilplan, prioritized within the Capital Improveitation, trailheads, trail bridges, maintenance
ment Program, and supported through public
equipment, trail accessibility improvements,
engagement. Projects that have completed
and trail education and safety projects. RTP
planning, preliminary design, cost estimating,
and environmental review are significantly more grants may fund up to 80 percent of eligible
competitive and can be advanced quickly when project costs, requiring applicants to provide a
minimum 20 percent local match. The required
funding opportunities become available.
match may consist of cash contributions, staff
The Montana Land and Water Conservation
labor, donated professional services, equipFund (LWCF) is one of the City’s most imment use, materials, and documented volunportant funding sources for park acquisition,
teer labor, provided the match is guaranteed at
development, and major renovations. Adminis- the time of application and directly supports
tered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), the proposed project. Additional information
LWCF provides matching grants for outdoor
can be found at https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/
recreation facilities such as neighborhood and
grant-programs/recreational-trails
community parks, playgrounds, sports fields,
Successful grant applications consistently
trails, picnic areas, river access sites, and

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demonstrate that a project is well planned,
broadly supported, financially feasible, and
ready to proceed. Projects identified in an adopted parks and recreation plan and supported
by documented public engagement are typically •
more competitive because they clearly demonstrate community need and long-term commitment. Grant reviewers also favor projects
that expand recreation opportunities, improve
•
accessibility, connect regional trail systems,
protect natural resources, and leverage partnerships or multiple funding sources.
Grant Application Strategies
To maximize grant success, the City should:
•

•

•

•

Maintain a grant-ready project list that
includes conceptual plans, preliminary
engineering, environmental review, cost
estimates, and phased implementation
strategies.

•

•

Identify matching funds early through the
Capital Improvement Program, park impact
fees, local appropriations, private donations, sponsorships, and eligible in-kind
•
contributions.
Complete planning before construction
funding, including master plans, feasibility
studies, and conceptual design, so projects
are ready when grant cycles open.
Document community support through

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surveys, public meetings, stakeholder outreach, City Council adoption, and partnerships with community organizations.

grants, Montana Department of Commerce
programs, Transportation Alternatives, Safe
Routes to School, federal transportation and
infrastructure programs, private foundations,
Develop realistic project budgets with
corporate sponsorships, and regional partneraccurate construction cost estimates,
ships. Continued community engagement and
contingency allowances, and long-term op- public feedback regarding community priorities
erations and maintenance considerations. will bolster Kalispell’s grant prospects. A diversified funding strategy will improve the City’s
Build strong partnerships with Flathead
County, school districts, nonprofit organiza- ability to implement both major capital projects
tions, recreation groups, neighboring juris- and smaller neighborhood improvements while
dictions, and regional trail organizations to reducing reliance on any single grant program.
By maintaining a portfolio of well-planned,
increase project impact and demonstrate
community-supported, and financially prepared
broad community benefit.
projects, Kalispell will be well positioned to
Leverage multiple funding sources by com- compete successfully for future grant opporbining local funds with state, federal, foun- tunities and accelerate implementation of this
dation, and private grants when allowable
Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Plan.
to reduce local financial burden.
Potential Timeline for Strategic Projects Grant
Prioritize projects that improve accessibil- Applications:
ity, equity, sustainability, and connectivity,
2027-28 – Replace one playground with a fully
as these objectives align closely with
current state and federal recreation funding inclusive playground.
priorities.
2029 – Construct a splash pad in a community
Monitor annual grant cycles and maintain
relationships with Montana Fish, Wildlife &
Parks grant managers to understand evolving priorities and strengthen future applications.

or neighborhood park.

2029-31 – Master Plan and develop Phase I of
the NW Fields.
2033 – Develop pickleball courts

Beyond LWCF and RTP, the City should continue pursuing other funding opportunities including Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recreation

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

7.1.4 Special Improvement District
(SID)
A Special Improvement District (SID) is a
powerful and flexible funding mechanism that
allows communities to finance large-scale
public recreation facilities—such as community
recreation centers, aquatic facilities, indoor
sports complexes, and athletic fields—by
distributing costs among the properties that directly benefit from those improvements. Rather
than relying solely on citywide taxes, SIDs align
funding responsibility with those who receive
measurable value, such as increased property
desirability, improved access to amenities, and
enhanced quality of life.
In Kalispell, the use of SIDs for recreation infrastructure is not only viable but explicitly authorized under Montana Code Annotated (MCA)
7-12-4102(2)(b), which permits municipalities
to create SIDs for the purpose of “acquiring by
purchase or building and constructing municipal swimming pools and other recreation
facilities.” This statutory authority gives the City
Council discretion to pursue these projects
when they determine that public interest or
convenience warrants such investment.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Importantly, SIDs are a voter-optional financing
tool, meaning they can be formed either through
direct property owner consent or through a formal public process that allows for protest. This
structure provides flexibility while ensuring that
affected stakeholders have a meaningful voice
in the decision.

ongoing maintenance and operational costs
under MCA 7-12-4102(2)(k). This is particularly
critical for recreation facilities such as pools,
synthetic turf fields, and indoor courts, where
lifecycle costs are substantial and ongoing
upkeep is essential to preserving community
value.

Key Advantages of a SID Approach

Flexible Geographic Boundaries

Benefit-Based Assessments

SID boundaries can be tailored to include all
properties that benefit from the improvement,
even if they lie outside city limits. In such cases,
formation requires adherence to a 40 percent
protest threshold for affected property owners
outside municipal boundaries, ensuring equitable participation while expanding the potential
funding base.

Costs are distributed proportionally among
properties within the district based on the level
of benefit received. This may be determined
by factors such as proximity to the facility,
anticipated usage, or projected increases in
property value. This approach ensures fairness
by avoiding a blanket tax burden on the entire
community.
Long-Term Financing Capacity

Many communities utilize a pre-existing boundary, such as school district to define the Special
Improvement District. In the case of Kalispell,
this could be advantageous to align the city’s
recreational needs with potential partnerships
with the school district.

SIDs can issue bonds or warrants to finance
capital improvements, typically over a period of
20 to 30 years. This allows for the development
of major facilities without requiring large upfront Two Pathways to Create a SID
payments, making projects more financially
feasible and spreading costs across genera1. 100% Consent Petition (Expedited
tions of users.
Process)
Inclusion of Operations and Maintenance

Beyond initial construction, SIDs may also fund

This approach requires unanimous
agreement from all property own-

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ers within the proposed district. It is
the fastest and most straightforward
pathway, avoiding protest periods and
extensive procedural steps. It is best
suited for smaller, clearly defined areas
with strong support—such as new
residential developments adjacent to a
planned recreation facility.

•

Define the Benefit Zone
•

Identify and map the geographic area
that will receive measurable benefit—
often within a 1–2 mile radius for neighborhood-scale facilities, or broader for
regional assets.

•

Estimate Project Costs and Assessments

•

Develop clear, itemized cost projections and translate them into understandable per-parcel or per-property
assessments to ensure transparency.

•

Implement a Comprehensive Outreach
Campaign

•

Engage stakeholders through town
halls, direct mail, digital platforms, and
one-on-one outreach to build awareness, address concerns, and demonstrate value.

•

Select the Appropriate Formation
Pathway

•

Use the 100% consent petition method

2. Council Resolution of Intention (Standard Process)

In this more common approach, the
City Council initiates SID formation
through a formal resolution following a
public hearing process. Property owners are then given an opportunity to protest. If more than 50 percent of affected property owners (by area or number,
depending on structure) object, the SID
cannot proceed. This pathway requires
robust public engagement and clear
communication of benefits to ensure
community support.

Recommended Strategy for Kalispell
•

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07

To successfully implement SIDs for
recreation investments, Kalispell
should take a structured and transparent approach:
Validate Community Demand

141

Conduct surveys, feasibility studies,
and analyze recreation usage data
to confirm need and prioritize facility
types.

for pilot or small-scale projects with
strong support, and the resolution of
intention process for larger or citywide
facilities.
Conclusion
Special Improvement Districts offer Kalispell
a legally sound, equitable, and sustainable
financing strategy for developing high-demand
recreation infrastructure without overburdening the general tax base. By aligning costs with
benefits, enabling long-term financing, and incorporating maintenance funding, SIDs provide
a comprehensive solution for both building and
sustaining community assets.
When strategically combined with other funding
sources—such as grants, impact fees, partnerships, and philanthropic contributions—SIDs
can play a critical role in closing funding gaps
and advancing transformative recreation projects that enhance livability, economic vitality,
and community well-being.

7.1.1 Blended Funding Approach

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Implementation requires a combination of
General Fund, parks-in-lieu, grants, SID, and
partnerships.

Reinvestment including pond rehabilitation,
trail improvements, and facility upgrades.

7.4.2 Lawrence Park Master Plan
7.2 Partnerships and Collaboration
Partnerships expand capacity, reduce costs,
and accelerate implementation. Key partners
include schools, public agencies, nonprofits,
private entities, and developers.

7.3 Strategic Implementation Framework
7.3.1 Maintenance Investment
Framework
Implement a Parks Asset Management Program to track assets, prioritize maintenance,
and guide budgeting decisions.

7.3.2 Phased Implementation
Phase 1: Foundation (maintenance, planning,
partnerships). Phase 2: Expansion (new parks
and facilities). Phase 3: Optimization (connectivity and programming).

7.4 Priority Planning and Capital Projects
7.4.1 Woodland Park Master Plan

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Comprehensive planning focused on community needs, amenities, and phased improvements.

7.4.3 Community Recreation Center
Concept includes indoor courts and flexible
event space, funded primarily through a SID
and supported by partnerships.

7.4.4 Water Trail Project
Development of river access points, safety
infrastructure, and environmental enhancements supported by grants and partnerships.

7.5 Recreation Programs and Service
Delivery

7.5.2 Mobile Recreation Program
The City should develop a mobile recreation
program to deliver services directly to neighborhood parks, increasing access in underserved
areas.
Key components include:
- Mobile recreation vehicles equipped with
program supplies
- Rotating programming schedules across
neighborhood parks
- Focus on youth, families, and underserved
communities
Funding Strategy:
- Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and
community organizations
- Sponsorship opportunities with local businesses for vehicles and equipment
- Grants targeting youth engagement, health,
and equity initiatives

7.5.1 Maintain Existing Self-Supporting Programs
The City should maintain and expand existing
community-based recreation programs that
are financially self-supporting. These programs
provide essential services without placing additional strain on the General Fund and should
continue to be evaluated for sustainability and
community benefit.

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

CHAPTER

Administration and
Management

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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CHAPTER 8: ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
This chapter provides strategic guidance for
building and maintaining park infrastructure to
support long-term community health, engagement, equity, and quality of life. The recommendations are grounded in the community
input, data analysis, and industry best practices utilized throughout the Plan’s development,
ensuring alignment with the needs and aspirations of Kalispell’s residents. As the city anticipates growth from roughly 33,000 to over
50,000 residents, the Parks and Recreation
Department must adapt to meet increasing
demands while maintaining high standards of
service and accessibility.
Implementation of these recommendations
will require innovative funding strategies,
cross-sector partnerships, and resource-efficient operations. With available land becoming scarcer and rising maintenance costs;
it will be essential to implement strategic
collaboration, creative financing, and modernized practices to sustain and expand the
park system. This chapter outlines actionable steps across administration, financing,
acquisition, maintenance, programming,
and partnerships to ensure Kalispell’s parks
remain a cornerstone of community vitality for
decades to come.

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8.1 Staffing Projections for a Growing Community
As Kalispell’s population grows, the Parks and
Recreation Department must scale its staffing
capacity to maintain service levels, ensure
safety, and deliver high-quality programming.
Current staffing levels are insufficient to meet
existing demands, and projected population
growth to 54,000 will further strain resources.
Using benchmarks from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and peer
city comparisons, the City should aim for
staffing levels that satisfy both maintenance
and improvement needs, seen in Figure X.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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Staffing increases should align incrementally
with capital improvements, added park acreage, and program expansion; not solely population increases, to ensure sustainable growth
departmentally.

Short-Term Staffing

•

To address immediate service demands and
prepare for future growth, Kalispell should prioritize the following staffing additions within the
•
next five years:

Technician: To support site plan review of
development plans and conduct re-foresta•
tion/tree replacement planning. Position
could be supported in part by plan review
fees and the Urban Forestry department.
1–2 Pilot Program Park Rangers: Estab- •
lish a test park ranger program focused on
safety, enforcement, and visitor engagement. Potentially volunteers initially.

Park and Trail Ambassador Program:
Park ambassadors could provide a friendly
visible presence in parks and trails, assist
visitors, promote safe and responsible
recreation, and communicate issues to
park staff while helping build community
stewardship.

•

2–3 Maintenance Technicians: Specializing in a particular trade/category of work
to support upkeep of existing parks and
new facilities. Plumber/irrigation technician.

•

1–2 Additional Program Coordinators:
Focused on adult, cultural, senior program- Mid- and Long-Term Staffing
ming to diversify offerings.
As Kalispell approaches 50,000+ residents
1 Grant Writer/Volunteer Coordinator: and adds new parks, trails, and community
facilities, staffing should continue to scale with
To support grant applications and budget
service demands. Long-term priorities include:
support and coordinate volunteers.

•

•

•

1 GIS/Data Technician: To support asset •
management, park planning, and data-driven decisions. This position could be a
shared position with the planning department, utilizing shared assets and expertise,
supporting all departments within the City
of Kalispell.
•
Landscape/Urban Forestry Planning

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source-efficient landscaping initiatives.
Aquatics center maintenance lead: To
plan and implement aquatic center yearround routine and major repairs.
Full-Time Volunteer/Community
Engagement Coordinator and Grant
Writer: To expand volunteer programs,
community partnerships and prepare grant
applications.

•

IT/Technology Support: For automated
equipment, smart irrigation, and facility
booking systems. This position could also
support security systems, cameras and
access control.

•

Expanded Ranger Program and Seasonal Staff: To meet peak seasonal demands and ensure safety across expanded
parkland.

These roles will support Kalispell’s vision of a
sustainable, accessible, and vibrant park system. For instance, specialized technicians will
Additional Maintenance Crew Leads:
maintain drought-tolerant landscapes, while IT
To manage growing teams and complex
park systems. A sports field lead that would support will enable modern technologies like
smart irrigation, reducing operational costs and
be responsible for maintenance at Ashenvironmental impact.
ley Creek Park, KYAC and the future adult
complex.
These staffing projections serve multiple purAdditional Specialized Horticulture/
Irrigation Technicians: To support re-

poses:

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

•

•

•

Budget Planning: Guides departmental
growth plans and informs annual budget
allocations.
Grant Applications: Provides data to
support applications for funding, such as
the Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant
Program.
Job Description Development: Informs
the creation of organizational charts and
detailed job descriptions.

The Kalispell Parks & Trails Ambassador
Program would serve as a friendly and knowledgeable presence throughout the city’s trail
corridors and parklands.
Primary goals:
1. Educate: Encourage responsible trail use,
proper etiquette, and environmental stewardship.

Rangers
•

Focus: Kalispell’s trail network (e.g., Rails
to Trails, Lone Pine area connectors, Woodland Park trails)

•

Responsibilities:
• Engage with users about trail etiquette
(e.g., “yield to horses and hikers,” “avoid
muddy trails”)

2. Support: Provide basic assistance and
information to trail and park users.

3. Report: Identify and communicate mainteCapital Improvement Planning: Articnance, safety, and environmental issues to
ulates operational impacts of new parks
City staff.
and trail segments, ensuring alignment with
staffing capacity.
4. Promote: Strengthen community connection to Kalispell’s parks, trails, and natural
By integrating these projections into strategic
areas.
planning, Kalispell can ensure its Parks and
Recreation Department is equipped to meet
Program Structure
both current and future demands.
The program would operate under Kalispell
Kalispell Parks & Trails Ambassador ProParks and Recreation Department, in coorgram
dination with community partners such as Flathead County, local trail user groups (e.g.,
Program Vision
Foy’s to Blacktail Trails, Rails to Trails of
NW Montana), and Kalispell Police DeTo create a community-supported volunteer
partment.
program that enhances the user experience,
safety, and sustainability of Kalispell’s park and
Two Volunteer Divisions
trail systems through education, stewardship,
and positive engagement.
1. Trail Ambassadors

• Report maintenance or safety issues
to Parks staf

•

Purpose and Goals

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

•

Modeled after Boise’s Ridge to Rivers Trail

• Support wayfinding and route
information
• Assist with trailhead events and
educational outreach
2. Park Ambassadors
•

Modeled after Boise’s Greenbelt Ambassadors

•

Focus: Urban parks, waterfront areas, and
high-use pathways (e.g., Great Northern
Historical Trail, Woodland Park, Lawrence
Park, Kalispell Parkline)

•

Responsibilities:
• Provide friendly assistance and directions
to visitors

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08

shirt)

• Offer basic first aid, minor bike repair
tools, and communication support

•
• Serve as “eyes and ears” for City staff and
•
local law enforcement to enhance safety
and responsiveness
•
Volunteer Season
•
•

Basic first aid kit
Optional bike repair tools (for Parkline/
Greenbelt Ambassadors)

Partnerships:
•

•

Trail map set and City contact list

Active Season: April 1 – October 31 (peak Program Coordination
park and trail use months)
Managed by:
Kalispell Parks & Recreation Department, with
Optional Winter Patrol: Limited voldesignated staff liaison.
unteers may assist with groomed trail
areas (e.g., cross-country ski or snowshoe
routes) if conditions and staffing allow.

siveness for maintenance and planning.

Kalispell Police Department (for safety
coordination)

Training and Equipment

Provides volunteer opportunities for
outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and civic-minded residents.

Implementation Steps
1. Program Development (Year 1)
•

Establish administrative framework and
partnerships

•

Develop volunteer handbook, training materials, and branding

•

Launch pilot with small ambassador group
(6–10 volunteers)

2. Program Expansion (Year 2–3)

Training topics:

•

Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana

•

•

•

Local outdoor recreation organizations and
nonprofits

Evaluate pilot outcomes and public feedback

•

Expand to additional trails and park sites

•

Volunteer coordination through existing City •
volunteer systems

•
•

Trail etiquette and environmental stewardship
Conflict resolution and communication
Safety awareness and emergency procedures

Formalize reporting system integrated with
Parks maintenance and GIS

Community Benefits

3. Ongoing Operations (Year 4+)

•

Local ecology, wildlife awareness, and
cultural/historic site sensitivity

•

Enhances user experience and sense of
safety on trails and in parks.

•

Annual volunteer recruitment and training
cycle

•

Reporting and documentation procedures

•

Builds community ownership and
stewardship of local public spaces.

•

Host ambassador appreciation and community engagement events

•

Increases data collection and respon-

•

Track program metrics (hours volunteered,

Provided equipment:
•

Ambassador identification (vest, badge, or

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149

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

incidents reported, users assisted, etc.)
Funding and Support
•

City Parks and Recreation Budget:
Core program management and materials.

•

Partnership Grants: Seek funding from
Flathead County, Montana Fish, Wildlife &
Parks, or community foundations.

•

Corporate/Community Sponsors: Local outdoor businesses or service organizations could “adopt” trail segments or supply enhancing customer service, and ensuring
equipment.
responsible use of public resources.
These additions will address current gaps in
service delivery while laying the foundation for Organizational Development and Operational Efficiency
future expansion. For example, the GIS/Data
Technician will enable proactive asset tracking, To improve oversight and long-term planning,
reducing long-term maintenance costs, while
the City should strengthen administrative systhe Recreation Superintendent will streamline tems that support efficient management of park
program development to meet community
assets and facilities.
needs.
Implement Asset Management Software

8.2 Parks Department Organizational InitiaWith an existing GIS-based inventory of park
tives
Effective administration is essential to maintaining a high-quality park system. As Kalispell
grows, the Parks and Recreation Department
must strengthen its organizational structure,
empower staff, and expand community engagement to provide efficient services and responsive park management. The following initiatives
focus on improving operational efficiency,

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

capital funding needs
•

Prioritize preventative maintenance and
repairs

Formalize City Facilities Maintenance
Management
Evaluate current staffing and responsibilities for
maintenance of City-owned facilities, including
City Hall, Fire Stations, and other municipal
buildings. The City should consider establishing
a Facilities Manager responsible for:

assets, the City should implement an integrated
•
asset management system to:

Coordinating building maintenance and
repairs

•

Track maintenance schedules and lifecycle
costs

•

•

Improve data-driven decision-making for
operations and maintenance

Planning long-term capital replacement
schedules

•

•

Clearly document future maintenance and

Improving operational efficiency across City
facilities

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Centralized oversight would reduce duplication
of effort and improve long-term planning.
Align Site Plan Review with Parks and
Urban Forestry

ed to parks, recreation, conservation, trails, and Staff Empowerment and Innovation
urban forestry. Key actions include:
A motivated workforce is essential to deliver• Coordinating grant applications across City ing high-quality park services. The City should
departments
encourage staff-led innovation and continuous
improvement.
• Maintaining a list of priority park projects
that are grant-ready
Innovation and Pilot Projects

Improve coordination between the Parks and
Planning departments by integrating landscape
and urban forestry review into the development
•
permitting process. This could include:
•
•
•

Adding a staff position responsible for urban forestry planning and site plan review
Funding the position partially through site
review or permit fees
Including the position on the City’s Site
Development Review Committee

This approach ensures consistent landscape
and tree preservation standards while supporting cost recovery through development review
fees.
Grant Development and Funding Initiatives

Partnering with nonprofits and regional
agencies to strengthen grant competitiveness

Potential funding sources include recreation
grants, trail and conservation programs, urban
forestry funding, and public health or active
transportation initiatives.
Leverage Partnerships and Community
Support
Explore opportunities to combine grant funding
with community and private support, including:
•

Public-private partnerships for recreation
facilities

•

Sponsorships or donations for park amenities

To support park development and maintenance,
the Parks Department should actively pursue
external funding and strategic partnerships that • Partnerships with foundations and nonprofit organizations
supplement local resources.
Proactive funding efforts can accelerate park
Expand Grant Pursuit
improvements while reducing reliance on local
Develop a coordinated strategy to identify and
tax funding.
pursue federal, state, and regional grants relat-

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Create opportunities for staff to test new ideas
that improve operations or services, such as:
•

Energy-efficient maintenance practices

•

Water conservation strategies

•

New recreation programming

•

Maintenance technologies

Continuous Improvement
Regular feedback sessions and performance
reviews should encourage staff to identify inefficiencies and propose solutions that improve
operations and reduce costs.
Staff Training and Professional Development
Ongoing training ensures staff remain current
with industry standards, safety requirements,
and evolving technologies.
Key training areas include:
•

Advanced irrigation system management
for water conservation

•

Aquatic facility operations, including life-

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

guard and pool system certification

Public Engagement and Customer Service •

A public gift catalog supporting park donations

Community engagement ensures parks reflect
resident needs while improving the visitor expe- Parks and Recreation Advocacy Board
rience.
The City should establish a five-member
• OSHA compliance related to outdoor
Parks and Recreation Advocacy Board to
Expand Community Outreach
working conditions such as extreme heat,
strengthen community input and support longwildfire smoke, and air quality
term planning.
Leadership should continue monitoring industry
Continue engagement through:
The board would:
trends to ensure staff receive training needed to
maintain safe and effective park operations.
• Community open houses and presentations
• Provide feedback on park programs and
services
Landscape and Urban Forestry Site Plan
• Outreach at community events
Review
• Public input opportunities for park planning • Advise on long-range planning and capital
improvements
The City should establish a coordinated landImprove Park Information and Wayfinding
scape and urban forestry review process for
• Represent diverse community perspectives
development projects as part of the Site Devel- Enhance accessibility through:
opment Review Committee.
• Advocate for recreation opportunities and
• Updated park maps
park investments
Responsibilities should include:
• GIS-integrated park information on the City Members should reflect a range of demograph• Ensuring compliance with landscape and
website
ics, including youth, seniors, and underserved
urban forestry standards
• Clear and consistent park and trail signage populations. The board may also assist in identifying partnerships and funding opportunities
• Reviewing planting plans for appropriate
for future park and recreation facilities.
Expand
Volunteer
and
Stewardship
Prospecies selection and placement
grams
• Evaluating tree inventories and protection
8.3 Standardized Park Rules and Use PoliEncourage community participation
measures
cies
through:
• Promoting tree preservation and long-term
Currently non-existent within the Kalispell
• Adopt-a-Park programs
canopy goals
parks system are standardized park rules which
are accessible and effective at promoting com• Integrating green infrastructure and storm- • Volunteer events and park improvement
munity safety. Adoption of standardized rules
projects
water management practices
will enhance safety and reduce conflicts, en•

Certified Playground Safety Inspector
(CPSI) certification

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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suring parks remain welcoming for all residents. Diversified Funding Strategy
For example, clear drone operational / flight
policies can prevent disruptions while support- The City should consider:
ing recreational use.
• Formation of a Regional Park District
and Dedicated Park Maintenance
Standardized park rules are important to such a
District: These districts will provide stable,
vast parks system for the following reasons:
dedicated funding for park operations and
• Consistent Park Rules and Enforcemaintenance, reducing competition with
ment Procedures: Address issues such
other city services.
as illegal dumping, encampments, drug
• Refer an Open Space Acquisition Bond
and alcohol use, drone operation, filming
to Voters: This bond will support proactive
permits, and event use.
land acquisition, preserving open spaces
• Accessibility and Clarity: Post clear
before development pressures increase
signage in parks, provide online access to
costs.
rules, and implement equitable enforce• Reassess Public-Private Agreements:
ment practices to avoid disproportionate
Ensure partnerships, such as those with
impacts on any community group.
local businesses or nonprofits, provide fair
• Recognizable and Meaningful Park
returns to the City while supporting park
Management: Widespread visibility and
goals.
recognition of park standards will promote
These strategies will create a robust financial
feelings of safety and acceptable uses
amongst residents, encouraging community framework. Need to review the options of financing that are currently available in Montana.
accountability.

The City should:
•

Develop a Comprehensive Maintenance Management Plan: Define tasks,
schedules, and cost projections to streamline operations and prioritize resources.

•

Monitor Facilities Monthly: Use an asset
health matrix to track the condition of park
infrastructure, identifying maintenance
needs early.

•

Establish a Deferred Maintenance
Fund: Allocate funds for long-term needs,
such as irrigation upgrades, drainage improvements, and ADA compliance.

•

Create Separate Budgets: Designate
budgets for beautification zones and special-use facilities like the Kalispell Youth
Athletic Complex (KYAC).

•

Expand Volunteer Maintenance Initiatives: Promote programs like Adopt-a-Park
to leverage community support for routine
upkeep.

8.4 Financing and Budgeting

8.5 Ongoing Maintenance

•

Sustainable funding is critical to support park
expansion, maintenance, and programming.
Kalispell must diversify its revenue streams to
reduce reliance on general funds and address
rising costs. The following strategies will ensure
long-term financial stability.

Effective maintenance is critical to preserve
park quality and safety. Kalispell must adopt
sustainable practices, modernize equipment,
and plan for long-term needs to manage its
growing park system.

Increase Maintenance Budgets Proportionally: Ensure budgets grow with
new parkland to maintain service levels.

•

Evaluate park facilities for maintenance requirements: Neighborhood and
Community

Sustainable Maintenance Practices

These practices will extend the lifespan of

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Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

park assets and reduce costs. For example, a
Deferred Maintenance Fund can prevent costly
emergency repairs by addressing issues proactively.

These measures will conserve resources and
enhance ecological benefits. For instance, it
could be possible to reduce maintained turf by
20% by focusing on turf that is actively used.

Resource-Efficient Landscape Management

Equipment Modernization

To improve efficiency and sustainability, the
To reduce environmental impact and costs, the City should:
City should:
• Evaluate and Prioritize Investments:
• Conduct a Citywide Landscape ReFocus on automated/GPS-guided mowing
view: Identify turf and irrigation areas
and striping systems.
that can be reduced or converted without
• Pilot Emerging Technologies: Test
impacting programming.
innovations in turf care, snow removal, and
• Prioritize Low-Use Turf Transitions:
custodial operations to identify cost-effecConvert to native or drought-tolerant
tive solutions.
plantings, pollinator habitats, or no-mow/
• Seek Grant Funding and Partnerships:
low-maintenance zones.
Leverage programs like the EPA’s Clean Cit• Install Smart Irrigation Technologies:
ies grants to support equipment upgrades.
Use moisture sensors and controllers in
Modern equipment will reduce labor and fuel
priority areas to optimize water usage.
costs while lowering emissions. For example,
• Autonomous mowing and field stripbattery-electric mowers can cut operational
ing: Evaluate the implementation of auton- costs by 20–25% compared to gas-powered
omous mowing and field striping technolo- models.
gies to reduce labor costs.
Cost Recovery Models and Targets
• Evaluate irrigation coverage: Determine
To balance affordability and financial sustainif there are some portions of parks that do
ability, the City should:
not need to be watered and maintained.
Phased implementation of irrigation chang- • Define a Tiered Cost Recovery Stratees coupled with maintenance / mowing
gy: Review existing cost recovery strategies
strategies can reduce routine maintenance.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

and evaluate the program to distinguish between fully subsidized community benefits
(e.g., free events) and partially or fully feebased services (e.g., facility rentals). The
department has an established program
that should be periodically reviewed.
•

•

Set Data-Informed Cost Recovery
Targets: Review established goals for recreation programming, facility rentals, and
events/permits based on market analysis
and community needs.
Review Targets Annually: Adjust goals
to reflect changing costs and priorities,
ensuring alignment with equity and access
objectives.

•

Expand Scholarships and Discounts:
Ensure pricing structures support opportunities for low-income residents and families. Explore opportunities for partnerships
to fund scholarships.

•

Review Revenue Goals Annually:
Adjust targets by program area to reflect
demand and operational costs.

•

Develop a sponsorship program and
guidelines: A sponsorship program would
be designed to effectively market local
and national businesses while positively
impacting the Kalispell community through
supporting essential Parks programs, services, and facilities. Program and guidelines

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should highlight the facility or complex’s
mission, community impact, and audience
demographics to show brands the benefits
of association
Volunteer Involvement
Kalispell has a long-standing tradition of community volunteerism that has played a vital role
in the development of the city’s parks, including
the creation of Lions Park and Woodland Park.
This legacy of civic engagement serves as a
strong foundation for future park improvements
and supports the long-term sustainability of the
park system. Continued community involvement will remain essential in enhancing park
amenities, fostering stewardship, and strengthening the connection between residents and
their public spaces. To leverage community
support, the City should:
•

•

•

Expand Volunteer Opportunities:
Promote volunteer patrols, neighborhood
grants, and Adopt-a-Park programs.

•

Park Friends: Revitalizing Friends of
Lawerence Park, establish a Friends of
Woodland Park. Potential for a Kalispell
Parks Foundation. Forming a Park Friends
group can be the next step after forming
an “Adopt A Park” program. Park Friends
groups: fundraise for park improvements,
host events to activate the park (e.g.
concerts, art festivals, or holiday events),
help set the vision for the park’s future and
continue with their routine caretaking help

8.7 Recreation Programming
Recreation programs are vital to fostering
community engagement, health, and social
cohesion. Kalispell must expand and diversify
its offerings to meet the needs of all residents,
with a focus on inclusivity and innovation. The
Kalispell Recreation program is a driving force
in the community and should continue to take
a leadership role in delivery of recreational programs through collaborations and partnerships.

General Programming Enhancements
Offer Volunteer Roles: Engage residents
in city events, youth programs, and cleanup The City should:
days to build community ownership.
• Expand Offerings: Increase programs in
outdoor education, cultural arts, and teen/
Develop an adopt-a-park program for
senior activities to appeal to diverse intergroups to commit to volunteer efforts to
ests. Review survey results to inform this.
care for a park at least once a year. This
effort could include: Trash and graffiti clean
• Host Community Events: Leverage the
ups, weeding, trail maintenance, wildfire
success of Picnic in the Park and expand
risk reduction.

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additional community events. Woodland
Park concert series, organize First Saturday
Park Walks, naturalist hikes, and children’s
scavenger hunts to encourage park use,
parks and recreation departments visibility
and community bonding.
•

Consider a mobile recreation program:
Utilizing a van or truck that travels to different neighborhoods, providing free, supervised recreational activities and resources
like sports equipment, art supplies, games,
and educational programs, often in areas
lacking accessible traditional recreation facilities. The core goal is to bring fun, fitness,
and enrichment opportunities directly to
residents, especially children, to promote
active lifestyles, community engagement,
and creative play in a convenient and engaging format. A mobile recreation program
can deliver services to HOA parks that are
essentially filling the role of neighborhood
parks in many cases.

These programs will strengthen community ties
and promote healthy lifestyles. For example,
naturalist hikes can educate residents about
local ecosystems, fostering environmental
stewardship.
Age-Group Specific Programming
To address specific demographic needs, the
City should:

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

•

Develop Teen-Focused Spaces: Create
skateparks, BMX trails, and freestyle bike areas
to engage teens and reduce vandalism.

•

Create Youth-Oriented Social Spaces:
Offer mentorship or job training programs in
dedicated park areas to support youth development.

•

Coordinate with Flathead County Senior
Center: Develop a comprehensive senior
strategy, including fitness classes, social
events, and accessible park amenities.

These targeted programs will ensure parks serve
all age groups. For instance, an additional skatepark can provide a safe outlet for teens in areas of
growth, reducing conflicts in other park areas.
Volunteers can reduce maintenance costs and
strengthen community ties. For instance, Adopta-Park programs in cities like Missoula, MT, have
saved thousands in labor costs annually.
Program Revenue and Affordability
To ensure financial sustainability and equity, the
City should:
•

•

Implement Tiered Pricing: Offer affordable options for low-income residents while
charging market rates for premium services.
Expand Scholarship Programs: Provide
financial assistance for qualifying families to
access programs and facilities.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

•

Create Revenue-Generating Programs:
Develop sponsorship opportunities and feebased events to offset costs. For example, a
new sponsorship for the Dan Johns Kalispell
Youth Athletic Complex with new sign where
revenue goes to the Parks Department for a
KYAC capital improvement fund. Dan Johns
Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex by Kalispell
Car Dealer. Does the MOU support this?

•

Review Revenue Goals Annually: Adjust
targets by program area to reflect demand and
operational costs.

•

Develop a sponsorship program and
guidelines: A sponsorship program would
be designed to effectively market local and
national businesses while positively impacting
the Kalispell community through supporting
essential Parks programs, services, and facilities. Program and guidelines should highlight
the facility or complex’s mission, community
impact, and audience demographics to show
brands the benefits of association

This approach will balance revenue generation
with accessibility, ensuring all residents can participate in park programs.

8.8 Strategic Partnerships
Partnerships across sectors are critical for Kalispell to maximize resources, strengthen programming, and ensure equitable access to parks and
recreation opportunities. By building intentional

collaborations with schools, public
agencies, internal departments, and
private and nonprofit partners, the City
can expand its reach and deliver more
efficient, connected, and inclusive
services.
A key opportunity lies in strengthening partnerships with the Kalispell
School District. Shared-use agreements should be expanded to allow
greater community access to school
facilities such as fields, gyms, and
recreation spaces, reducing the need
for duplicative infrastructure. These
efforts should prioritize underserved
areas—particularly the Northwest and
Southwest Quadrants, including areas
around Rankin Elementary—to improve
equitable access to recreation. Moving
forward, Kalispell Parks should pursue
an updated partnership agreement with
the School District that initially focuses
on after-school programming, shared
facility use, and operations and maintenance efficiencies for existing assets.
Over time, this collaboration can evolve
to include joint planning for new parks
associated with future schools, establishing clear public-use hours, and improving pedestrian and bicycle connections to school sites. These coordinated
efforts will better leverage community

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Move 2040 Transportation Plan, especially the
resources and expand access to programs,
particularly in neighborhoods that currently lack Bicycle and Pedestrian System Analysis, which
identifies key projects related to mobility and
adequate services.
Safe Routes to Schools.
Beyond schools, collaboration with pubIn addition, the City should undertake a comlic agencies is essential to support regional
prehensive review and update of its landscape
connectivity and coordinated growth. The City
and urban forestry development requirements.
should continue to work closely with Flathead
County, Evergreen, and neighboring municipal- Clear, current, and well-aligned standards will
help streamline the development review proities to develop regional trail systems, explore
cess, clarify expectations for developers and
joint maintenance agreements, and align longdesigners, and ensure consistent implementaterm growth planning efforts. By streamlining
tion of tree protection, planting, and green infrathese regional partnerships and aligning park
structure practices. Regular updates to these
development with broader county-wide stratrequirements will improve transparency, reduce
project delays, and support broader goals
egies, Kalispell can avoid fragmented planning
related to sustainability, climate resilience, and
and ensure a more cohesive system of parks
overall urban livability. Strong internal coordiand trails. For example, a coordinated regional
nation will ultimately reduce costs and improve
trail network could connect Kalispell to surproject outcomes—for instance, aligning park
rounding communities, enhancing recreation
opportunities while also supporting tourism and drainage improvements with Public Works
projects can help prevent flooding and reduce
economic development.
redundant investments.
Equally important is strong coordination across
Finally, partnerships with nonprofit organizaCity departments. Parks planning should be
closely aligned with Public Works, Community tions and the private sector offer significant
Development, and Utilities to ensure that infra- opportunities to expand programs and funding.
structure investments are efficient, accessible, The City should actively engage homeowners
and mutually supportive. Regular cross-depart- associations, local businesses, health organizations, conservation groups, and agricultural
mental meetings can help maintain alignment
partners to enhance recreational offerings
on shared priorities such as ADA accessibility
and community events. These relationships
improvements, stormwater management,
can be leveraged to increase volunteerism,
and capital project coordination. In particular,
Kalispell Parks should actively engage with the secure sponsorships, and support program

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delivery. There is also an opportunity to work
with local civic groups to help fund priority park
improvements such as splash pads, shelters,
and playground replacements. By clearly
communicating a list of priority projects along
with estimated costs, the City can better align
community fundraising efforts with identified
needs. Initiatives such as Rails-to-Trails partnerships further demonstrate how collaborative
efforts can transform infrastructure into valuable community assets.
Together, these partnerships will amplify
available resources, expand programming, and
create a more connected and resilient parks
system. By working collaboratively across
sectors, Kalispell can deliver high-quality recreation opportunities that are accessible to all
residents while supporting long-term community growth and well-being.

Strategic Path Forward
Kalispell’s park system is a reflection of its
community values—health, equity, and connection. To support the city’s growth and
aspirations, the Parks and Recreation Department must take a strategic, forward-thinking
approach. By empowering staff, standardizing
rules, diversifying funding, expanding programs,
fostering community engagement, and building
partnerships, Kalispell can ensure its parks
remain vibrant and accessible. Investments in
resource-efficient landscapes, modern equip-

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

ment, and sound cost recovery models will further
enhance sustainability and resilience. Through
thoughtful stewardship and innovation, Kalispell’s
parks will continue to serve as a cornerstone of
community life for generations to come.
hood parks in many cases.
These programs will strengthen community ties and
promote healthy lifestyles. For example, naturalist
hikes can educate residents about local ecosystems, fostering environmental stewardship.
Age-Group Specific Programming
To address specific demographic needs, the City
should:
•

Develop Teen-Focused Spaces: Create
skateparks, BMX trails, and freestyle bike areas
to engage teens and reduce vandalism.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan 2026

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