A comprehensive plan for parks and recreation in Billings, Montana

This plan for parks and recreation in Billings, Montana, is based on community feedback, helping to identify a vision and overarching direction for parks and recreation opportunities for citizens for the next 15 years. As a result of the community visioning, the Parks and Recreation Department realized there was more interest than they had thought in recreation within natural areas. Meanwhile, the budget and staffing analysis allowed officials and the public to see the lack of funding and staff within the natural areas team. This plan is also a full assessment of all aspects of the Billings Parks and Recreation Department, from facilities and activities offered at developed parks to an analysis of natural areas trails.

In a nutshell, this resource offers:

• A description and example of equity mapping, including maps showing the populations served by different parks services, such as pools and parks.
• Analyses of budget use for different natural areas projects, and staff time use on different natural areas projects.

How to use this resource:

• An example of what to include in an in-depth, department-wide assessment.
• An analysis of local demographic trend projections in the context of national recreational trends.
• Examples of questions to ask in a community survey.

Point of contact: Mark Jarvis, Park Planner at the Billings Department of Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands, JarvisM@billingsmt.gov 

Date published: 2017

Citation: City of Billings Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands. Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan. 2017. Billings, MT.

Resource is available online here.