BSCO to host community input sessions in February to discuss parks and trails plans  

Pushing forward its ‘ALL OUT for Parks & Trails’ campaign, BSCO will engage community in three meetings starting Feb. 13 

EBS STAFF 

In July, the Big Sky Community Organization unveiled its three-year plan to expand and renovate parks and trails and support Big Sky’s recreational and athletic needs.  

In three duplicate community input sessions during February, BSCO hopes to engage the community and gather feedback on proposed plans—including courts for racquet sports, basketball and volleyball, a multi-purpose turf field compatible with adult baseball, a new park in Big Sky’s south fork area and 20 additional miles of trail.  

The feedback-focused, 90-minute Q&A sessions will be held at BASE on the following days: Tuesday, Feb. 13 at noon; Wednesday, Feb. 21 at noon; and Tuesday Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m.  

“Community input is a vital part of this campaign. Learn more and have your voice heard,” a Feb. 6 BSCO press release stated.  

Three outdoor goals 

After completing BASE in 2022, BSCO is now raising money through its “ALL OUT for Parks & Trails” capital campaign to accomplish three outdoor goals to build community through recreation. The first is to enhance, grow and connect Big Sky’s trails, and add 20 miles.  

“Some of our deepest and most memorable connections to this place are tied to our trails network. But with increased usage and pressure come new challenges and needs for investment. The community has also expressed great desire for new and expanded trails that connect people and places in town and surrounding wild spaces while promoting pedestrian and cyclist safety,” the release stated.  

BSCO’s second goal is to improve existing local parks—affordable and accessible magnets for children, families and other residents, according to the release.  

“The time has come for us to create new spaces and make overdue improvements that capture the imagination and meet the needs of the young and young at heart,” the release stated. Financial support is needed, however, for projects including transformations to the existing Big Sky Community Park. 

“Adding a new adventure-based playground for all ages and abilities, expanding the skate park and pump track, improving and enhancing the athletic fields to extend the playing seasons, relocating Camp Big Sky with additional yurts and improved safe play areas, rebuilding the volleyball courts, and improving the park’s heavily utilized bathroom facilities are the goals for this campaign,” the release stated.  

“Beyond these necessary enhancements, BSCO seeks to increase the total number of racquet sport courts, improve the disc golf course, and add more parking.” 

BSCO’s third goal is to create a six-acre, south fork area park.  

“This new park’s location and recreational amenities will make it a Big Sky favorite that complements the upgraded [Big Sky] Community Park features,” the release stated. “Our vision includes a large area for relaxation and play, a shelter for gatherings and picnics, a basketball court, a walking trail, a multi-use sports field, and two children’s playgrounds.”