The Missoula County Parks, Trails & Recreation Program frequently partners with community groups and organizations to enhance County parks and other public recreation areas. In these partnerships, the Parks, Trails & Open Lands Program provides planning assistance and funding. In turn, the partner organization matches 25% of total project funds through a combination of project expenses, in-kind donations and volunteer service hours.
$90,000 is available for community-driven projects that improve recreation opportunities on public lands located within Missoula County but outside Missoula city limits. There is no limit on the award amount. The county will reimburse up to 75% of total project costs and will only reimburse actual cash expenses. At least 25% of the total project costs must be provided by the grant recipient. Cash, in-kind donations of materials and services, and volunteer hours are all recognized as match.
Current Application Cycle
The 2026 application cycle is open from Monday, Aug. 25 until 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31.
1:1 Project Consultations
A brief project consultation is required prior to submitting your application. These consultations are designed for those interested in learning more about this program and an opportunity to answer any questions you may have on how to apply, qualifying projects and the award process. Click here to sign up.
2025 Recipients
- Bonner School District: $29,470 for a new play structure and volleyball court.
- Clinton Community Park: $20,000 for construction of a picnic pavilion at the skatepark, which opened in 2023.
- Lolo Community Council: $10,530 for a public winter ice skating rink at West View Park in Lolo.
- Five Valleys Land Trust: $15,000 for improvements to a wheelchair-accessible wetland viewing pavilion, interpretive signage and audio interpretation at the Rock Creek Confluence property in Clinton.
- Scenic Montana Trails: $15,000 for initial surveying and trail alignment for 7.4 miles of a new mountain bike and multi-use trail system in Seeley Lake.