Consultant presents 90% parks and recreation master plan update to Kalispell council

Mike Terrell, the consultant leading the update to Kalispell’s parks and recreation plan, presented the 90% draft to the city council on July 27, outlining a 20-year strategy for parks, trails, recreation facilities and programs.

Terrell said the previous plan dated to 2006 and that the 2026 draft is intended to guide development, maintenance and program delivery as the city grows (he cited a current population of about 33,000 and a projection near 54,392 by 2045). He described an engagement program that included four open houses, a picnic-in-the-park outreach and a two-month community survey with more than 1,000 participants. "We had over 1000 participants," Terrell said, noting recurring priorities in the responses: better maintenance, more restrooms, improved trail safety, accessibility, and interest in amenities such as splash pads and indoor aquatics.

The plan organizes ten strategic goals, Terrell said, including: proactive asset management and maintenance; universal-access playgrounds and ADA improvements; safety-focused park design and a proposed park ranger/ambassador program; strategic system growth and trail connectivity; expanded inclusive programming; and diversified, sustainable funding mechanisms. He also recommended continued coordination with the school district and other partners to expand program delivery and leverage existing facilities.

Terrell said priority system projects include Woodland Park and Lawrence Park master plans, an aquatic-facility master plan, continued playground replacements systemwide and the Park Line Trail connections. He framed funding options ranging from grants and user fees to special improvement districts and philanthropic partnerships.