Construction to Begin on Story Mill Community Park, Campaign deadline fast approaching

To the joy of the local community, The Trust for Public Land today announced that construction has begun on Story Mill Community Park. The Trust for Public Land has been working in partnership with the City of Bozeman to create the vision and designs for the 60-acre park since 2012.

“Through our partnership with The Trust for Public Land and the generous support and ideas of hundreds of community members of all ages and interests, we have a truly exceptional park design,” said Mitch Overton, Bozeman Parks and Recreation Director. “Now, with construction beginning, we are building a flagship community park that will be enjoyed and cherished for generations.”

Local contractor Langlas and Associates will be leading the construction, which will span most of 2018. The park’s main features will be built this year, and the park will be open by winter. Final details, including landscaping, will complete the project in spring 2019. The Trust for Public Land and City of Bozeman will host a celebration in Story Mill Community Park next summer.

Funding for this project has been unique. The Bozeman community has donated nearly $11 million to the efforts – demonstrating what is truly a grassroots effort. Additionally, $4.5 million was unanimously dedicated from the City of Bozeman’s voter-approved Parks & Trails bond measure.

There are wonderful stories that show this support, including when friends and family rallied together to raise $100,000 to memorialize late conservationist Alex Diekmann. A memorial for Alex will be built at a wheelchair-accessible fishing platform at the confluence of Bozeman Creek and the East Gallatin River.

Main Street and local businesses across Bozeman have also pitched in. Treeline Coffee Roasters created a special “Park Blend” coffee roast, donating proceeds to the effort. Heyday hosted a pop-up park in front of their store in celebration of National PARK(ing) Day last September and donated $3,000 from sales proceeds. This week, Bozeman-based pet product manufacturer West Paw announced a $50,000 commitment to the project, which will be recognized by naming the off-leash dog park in Story Mill Community Park for West Paw.

“At West Paw, we love to support spaces that give people a place to connect and play with their dogs, while building community, said Spencer Williams, Owner and CEO of West Paw. “This partnership with The Trust for Public Land and the Story Mill Community Park was a no brainer for us, we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

Funding for the park is not yet complete, and the deadline is fast approaching. The Trust for Public Land must raise the final $665,000 needed no later than June 30^th to keep the project’s construction on track.

“This project would not be possible without the generosity of the Bozeman community,” said Molly Pickall, Campaign Director for The Trust for Public Land. “We’re 95% of the way there, which is awe-inspiring, and in these final three months, we are asking folks to dig deep and help us across the finish line.”