Bozeman Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting – May 28, 2026

The Bozeman Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on May 28, 2026, to discuss an engagement framework update, receive a detailed presentation on the Cattail Creek Corridor Park and Anchor Route Master Plan, and hear a director’s report. The board approved the previous meeting’s minutes and received written public comments. No formal action was taken on the master plan, which will return for final adoption.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 23, 2026 meeting (7-0).
• The board approved a modification to the agenda, switching items F2 (Cattail Creek Master Plan) and F3 (Director Update) under FYI discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No oral public comments were offered, either in person or via video conference, on non‑agenda items at the start of the meeting.
• One written general public comment was received about the Cattail Creek Master Plan; the writer expressed support and drew comparisons to the existing Galligator anchor route.
• Two additional written public comments were submitted just prior to the meeting and were distributed to the board afterward; these will be included in the official minutes.

Discussion Items

• Engagement Framework Update (F1): Staff read a memo stating that the City of Bozeman is updating its Engage Bozeman public engagement framework to comply with the Montana Land Use Planning Act (SB 382). A survey is open at engage.bozeman.net/framework until June 15, 2026, to gather input on past engagement experiences.
• Cattail Creek Corridor Park and Anchor Route Master Plan (F2): Addie Jaden, Park Planning and Development Manager, presented a draft master plan for a 3.5‑mile shared‑use trail corridor connecting Union Valley Center Drive to Bozeman Pond Park. The plan emphasizes a paved anchor route, improved street crossings, native revegetation (reducing irrigated turf), and clustered active recreation nodes. Key discussion points included:
  • Existing trail segments will be incorporated; the primary route will be paved (8–10 ft wide), while secondary gravel paths may remain.
  • Bridges will be 8‑ft wide to minimize stream disturbance.
  • Implementation will be phased, starting with Westwinds and Greenway Park, funded by cash‑in‑lieu, grants (e.g., Transportation Alternatives via the MPO), and partnerships (Gallatin Watershed Council, HOAs).
  • Safety treatments (bulb‑outs, median crossings, wayfinding) will be coordinated with the transportation department.
  • A “girls’ park node” concept, developed with teenage girls, will inform seating and social features in Westwinds.
  • The draft narrative and drawings will be refined and brought back to the board for final adoption before going to the City Commission.
• Director Update (F3): Mitch provided updates:
  • The June meeting will include the first biannual cemetery update.
  • The splash pad at an unspecified park is expected to open next week (soft opening), with a ribbon‑cutting tentatively set for June 17, 2026.
  • Summer hiring and training are underway.
  • The assistant director attended Parks and Recreation Hill Day in Washington, D.C., advocating for federal funds (LWCF).
  • July is Parks and Recreation Month; outreach is being planned.
  • The first of two bird surveys at Bikeville is scheduled for the upcoming Sunday (weather permitting).

Key Outcomes

• Board approved the April 23, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0).
• Board approved the agenda change to swap items F2 and F3.
• The Cattail Creek Master Plan is still in draft form; staff will incorporate board feedback and bring a revised version for final recommendation to the City Commission at a future meeting.
• The board received written public comments but took no action on them.
• No other votes were taken.