Fort Missoula Regional Park is a 156-acre community treasure and regional destination that has transformed the city’s recreation capacity while respecting the region’s cultural heritage. The park integrates sports facilities, playgrounds, historical interpretation, and trails into a multi-use space that serves the evolving needs of residents while attracting regional and national events.
Details
Location
Missoula, MT
Partners
City of Missoula
Missoula County
OZ Architect
DJ&A
Associated Construction Engineering
Beaudette Consulting Engineers
Tetra Tech
Baer Design Group
PRS International Sports Turg Consulting
Jackson Contractor Group
Year Completed
2018
Delivery Method
CMAR
Context
Context
This project was a grassroots effort by the community that was decades in the making, but it was the passing of a $42 million bond in 2014 set the vision for Fort Missoula Regional Park as one of the most significant park developments in Missoula’s history The city saw a need for athletic facilities, particularly rectangular sports fields and regulation diamond fields. Located within a historic district, the project required close coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure compliance and sensitivity to the site’s heritage.
Process
Process
Following local efforts to realize the project, the City reached out to regional experts in park and competition athletic facility design, and partnered with local consultants, city and county staff, and a wide range of stakeholders to make the project a reality. TLG worked diligently with city staff to facilitate community-driven decision making to ensure the park reflected public priorities, informed by the expertise of our team.
Solution
Solution
The final design integrates competitive sports fields with a wide array of community amenities into the historic context of the Fort Missoula Campus. In order to attain the community approved financing for the park, the City understood the need to satisfy the desires of many stakeholders with this project, so the team worked with the City to refine and prioritize project needs and goals. The result is a park that delivers regulation sports fields capable of hosting regional and national tournaments, as well as destination playgrounds, dog parks, native prairies, fitness loops, and pavilions. Infrastructure included two public roads and supporting utilities. Every element was designed with both functionality and community experience in mind, creating a balance of active recreation and family gathering spaces.
Impact
Impact
Fort Missoula Regional Park has become one of Missoula’s most valued community assets. The park expanded the city’s capacity to host large tournaments, providing economic benefits and increasing regional visibility. At the local level, the park delivers year-round recreation, gathering spaces, and fitness opportunities, enhancing the community’s quality of life. At completion, the park represented a 25% increase in developed parkland for the city. Its integration of sports, culture, and nature demonstrates how large-scale public investments can create enduring community landmarks.