The Urban Parks and Forestry Board voted to recommend adoption of the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan, a comprehensive vision for improvements along a 3.5-mile greenway that serves approximately 12,000 residents on Bozeman's west side. The motion to adopt the resolution passed 5-0, with the board adding language recommending additional and alternative communication to neighborhood organizations during future implementation phases.
The plan, developed over more than two years with landscape architects, city staff, and community partners, establishes a conceptual framework for a connected 10-foot-wide paved pathway, native habitat restoration, recreational amenities, and street improvements. The corridor runs from Davis Pond in the north to Bozeman Pond Park near the mall, spanning subdivisions including Cattail Creek, West Winds, Harvest Creek, and Greenway.
Key Plan Components and Principles
Staff emphasized that the master plan is a high-level conceptual guide, not a detailed construction document. Implementation will occur in phases, with neighborhood-specific engagement required before designs advance to site plan drawings. The plan prioritizes active transportation, water conservation, habitat connectivity, and equitable distribution of park amenities across the city's northwest quadrant.
Major design principles include a meandering pathway that responds to existing conditions without removing trees, conversion of irrigated turf to native vegetation, and clustering recreational elements into "nodes" rather than scattering them along the entire corridor. Staff noted that no pickleball courts are planned, contrary to early conceptual drawings. Multipurpose grass areas will remain for informal recreation.
Public Comment and Board Concerns
Four residents spoke during public comment, expressing concerns about insufficient notification to some homeowner associations, potential impacts from tall grasses and native plantings on adjacent properties, increased pest and disease risks from ticks, and parking and noise issues related to sports courts. Harvest Creek Owners Association formally requested a delay, citing lack of engagement with the 525 homeowners they represent.
Board members questioned how the plan balances citywide equity goals with respect for existing subdivision character and asked staff to clarify what elements are fixed versus subject to future refinement. Staff reiterated that the corridor and anchor route are already established in the 2023 Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation Master Plan; the current resolution addresses design and implementation details.
Board member Matthew Kortan suggested future outreach include the tenants union to reach renters, noting that traditional HOA-based engagement may not reach all stakeholders. Staff committed to exploring additional communication methods.
Next Steps and Implementation
The resolution now goes to the City Commission for adoption, scheduled for September 15, 2026. Once adopted, staff will conduct neighborhood-specific design workshops and stakeholder engagement before advancing to detailed site plans. Initial implementation is expected to focus on West Winds and Greenway subdivisions, with potential phased improvements supported by federal transportation grants, county open lands funding, and parkland dedication funds from new development.
Community Grant Program Amendment
In a second action item, the board approved 5-0 a motion to approve the Park Land Trust 2025 Community Grant Program funding recommendation and authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to initiate grant agreements. The vote included an amendment to a prior grant award to Bridger Ski Foundation, allowing the organization to receive $10,000 in 2025 for trail maintenance and infrastructure work on public land within the city, rather than only Nordic trail grooming. Staff clarified the funding supports ongoing maintenance of permanent snowmaking infrastructure and trail preparation work, not equipment purchases.
Director Updates
In his director update, Mitch Overton announced that Doug Eisenman, former assistant Parks and Cemetery Superintendent, has been selected for the Parks and Cemetery Superintendent position following the retirement of Tom White in March. Bogert Pool closed for the season and will undergo major renovations including plaster shell replacement, gutter system improvements, decking upgrades, and restroom renovations throughout winter and spring. The Westlake BMX Park ribbon cutting is planned for next month. Staff also reminded the board of a public meeting on the urban forest management plan scheduled for Monday, August 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bozeman Public Safety Center.