BOZEMAN, Mont. – The 60-acre Story Mill park is set to open on Saturday, July 20 and it’s not just any park.
This park has been long-awaited by the city of Bozeman.
“We started this project in 2012 it was actually kicked off by the residents of Bozeman when they passed their first-ever parks and trails bond. It was a recognition by the people who live here that as Bozeman grows, our in-town close to home parks and trails have to keep pace because that’s really essential infrastructure to maintain our quality of life,” Trust for Public Lands Project Manager Maddy Pope said.
Seven years in the making and finally the City of Bozeman and the Trust for Public lands are able to open the space to the community.
From the garden to the nature sanctuary, trails and everything else the park as to offer, it’s much more than your typical park.
“This playground is designed with local native animals in mind and so it’s not just a park you would find in another state. I know all the kids of Bozeman are going to be so proud to be here,” City of Bozeman Parks Planning and Development Manager, Addi Jadin said.
The massive park is not just another park in Bozeman, but rather a new community space that was all made possible by the community itself.
“The community is going to love its parks and use its parks if they design their parks. Over the number of years, there were workshops and focus groups and literally, hundreds of people who live here, over 20 local non-profits all brought their expertise and their vision and the park that opens on Saturday is really a reflection of that community input,” Pope said.
The City of Bozeman, Trust for Public Lands and many private donors have made this community dream become a reality.
The grand opening begins on Saturday morning at 9 am.
Parking is limited and the city is encouraging people to walk or bike to the event. Streamline is also running a route every half hour on the blue line from the transfer station downtown to the park for the event.
