Tourism coordinator lays out $2.25 million pilot plan to create downtown event hub in Glendive

Jamie Shanks, tourism coordinator with Eastern Plains Economic Development, presented a detailed plan to the Glendive council for a pilot tourism hub funded by a $2,250,000 Montana Department of Commerce grant.

Shanks said the grant includes $1,250,000 allocated for the first two years and emphasized the project—s focus on amenities to keep highway visitors in town: "We were very blessed to receive this funding," she said, adding that statewide visitation and traffic data show an opportunity to capture passing travelers. She cited an Institute of Recreational Research figure showing approximately 2,250,000 people went by Glendive in 2024.

The proposed site plan calls for a promenade connecting downtown to the river, an event lawn with a permanent band shell, restrooms, wayfinding signs, 19 new parking spaces, food-truck hookups and small 10-by-10 vendor incubator spaces. Shanks said early work will include utility hookups (water, sewer, power) and concrete pads so later features can be added as fundraising and sponsorships allow. The presentation also highlighted public-engagement survey results showing residents prioritized upgraded tourism amenities and business retention.

Shanks outlined near-term priorities: beginning work in the spring/summer construction window, installing the mural on the GTA tower this summer, and using the first $1.25 million of grant funds by next June. She noted some property-ownership questions (state or BNSF) and recommended locating utility tie-ins through the alley to avoid future excavation costs.

The council asked technical questions about equipment access, parking, ADA access to the bridge and long-term maintenance. Shanks said architects and engineers with local ties have been working on the plan; maintenance is expected to be a hybrid public-private model and some features (for example, a stage or fire pit) could be supported through community fundraising or sponsorships.

The mayor asked the project team to bring design guidelines and further information to the next city council meeting. Shanks said the grant requires spending the allocated first tranche by June 2027 but that some fundraising and phased work would extend beyond that date.

Next steps: staff and the project team will finalize details, resolve property and utility questions, and return to the council with recommendations and draft guidelines for formal consideration.