Rodeo arena and trails groups report steady activity, grants and infrastructure plans
Summary
Rodeo Arena leaders and the Headwaters Trail committee told council they saw solid volunteer support and fundraising, received $187,000 in trail grants for maintenance, and plan power upgrades and improved trail infrastructure including longer bridge designs and new benches.
Two community organizations updated the council on Dec. 10: the Three Forks Rodeo Arena Board and the Headwaters Trail committee.
Three Forks Rodeo Arena Board Chairman Casey Elmose said the arena hosted a very successful high-school rodeo with more than 125 contestants. He reported lower attendance at the NRA rodeo (about 2,400 and 2,700 on Friday and Saturday) than the previous year’s 3,400 and 3,200 figures but said the event remained financially positive after raising some concession prices. Elmose said the board signed a contract for new west-end power (400 amps, expandable to 800 amps), plans to install a dedicated outdoor PA system and is exploring additional bleachers.
Trail chairman Gene Townsend said he secured two grants in 2024 — an $87,000 award plus a $100,000 Gallatin County Open Space grant — totaling $187,000 plus matching funds to pay for trail maintenance and overlays. He said crews resurfaced roughly two miles from the Droulliard fishing access to Kansas Street and completed other repairs. Townsend said the system now includes about 12 miles of paved trails, noted a need for longer bridge spans (MDT designated designs requiring roughly 60–70 feet for the Rae Creek crossing), and plans to add benches and a bicycle maintenance station.
Townsend said he will continue grant work and pursue trail extensions to the west and southwest parts of town and will coordinate with engineers and potential subdivision developers on trail connections.
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