Missoula County Awards Grants to Fund Park, Recreation Improvements in Rural Communities
Posted on February 05, 2026
Major improvements are on the horizon for parks and other recreation facilities in Bonner, Clinton, Ninemile, Potomac and Seeley Lake, thanks in part to $90,000 in grants funded through Missoula County Parks, Trails and Recreation.
Six projects will receive funding this year through the Community Parks and Recreation Grants Program:
- Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Trails: $26,985 for improvements to the Nordic Ski Trails beginner trails system, including addition of fill material for trail surfacing, stump removal and site restoration.
- Bonner Playground and Community Park: $25,000 for phase 2 playground improvements, including ADA accessible swings, a volleyball court and other independent play components.
- Clinton Community Park Pavilion: $17,000 for the construction of a universally accessible picnic pavilion and supporting amenities.
- Potomac School District Playground: $11,351.94 for a picnic shelter, ADA accessible picnic tables and a wildlife-resistant trash bin.
- National Conservation Legacy Center Trail System: $6,218.10 for benches, dog waste stations, trash and recycling bins along the museum trail system, which is west of the Missoula airport.
- Ninemile Community Center: $3,444.96 for an on-site storage shed for grounds maintenance and recreational equipment.
"We’re thrilled to receive funding for the continued beginner area development at Seeley Creek! We have long recognized the need for this accessible terrain, but, as a small volunteer organization, are unable to accomplish such tasks without grant funding," said Laurie Shammel, treasurer and grant administrator of the Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Club. “The new area includes ample space for trails, a teaching area and a kids' play park to naturally develop agility on skis. These new trails will be a welcome addition to summer walkers and cyclists as well."
The Community Parks and Recreation Grants Program leverages partnerships with local nonprofits and community groups to maintain county parks and other public recreation areas. In these partnerships, the Parks, Trails and Recreation division provides planning assistance and funding, while the partner organization matches those funds through a combination of project expenses, in-kind donations and volunteer service hours.
"Our department is excited that we can continue offering this funding and partnership opportunity to help our rural communities improve their parks and recreation facilities," said Bethany Gunther, Missoula County Parks, Trails and Recreation specialist. "It’s a great example of how public-private collaboration can lead to real benefits in a community."
Photo: Scenic view of the Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Trails (Courtesy of Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Club)
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