Missoula County approves up to $90,000 in FY26 parks and recreation grants for six projects

Missoula County’s administration meeting on Feb. 5 approved awards totaling up to $90,000 from the FY 2026 community parks and recreation grants program for six projects across the county.

Bethany Hunter, a county staff member presenting the proposal, said the recommended awards would support projects intended to improve safety, access and recreational opportunities. "I am requesting your approval to award up to $90,000 from the FY '26 community parks and recreation grants program," Hunter said.

The recommended awards and intended uses are: $26,985 to the Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Club for improvements to the Nordic ski trail system; $25,000 to Bonner Playground and Community Park for phase 2 playground improvements; $17,000 to Clinton Community Park for construction of a picnic pavilion; $11,351.94 to the Potomac School District playground for a picnic shelter, ADA-accessible picnic tables and a wildlife-resistant trash bin; $6,218.10 to the National Museum of Forest Service History for trail-side amenities including benches, recycling and trash bins, and dog waste stations along the National Conservation Legacy trail system; and $3,444.96 to the 9 Mile Community Center for a new shed to store groundskeeping and recreational equipment.

After the presentation, an unidentified meeting participant moved to approve the slate of awards and another attendee seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote; attendees present responded "Aye." The record does not include a roll-call tally.

Speakers thanked staff for the geographic distribution of awards and briefly discussed arranging a site visit to the funded projects. Hunter said staff would be willing to organize a tour.

The grants were approved at the Feb. 5 meeting; the transcript records no additional conditions or follow-up assignments for the awards in the meeting record.