Friends Of Missoula Parks Inc

Programs: Friends of missoula parks, inc. (fmp) was formed in 2002 by missoula residents to provide a non-governmental entity to contribute to missoulas park and recreation amenities. Fmp is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that can accept tax-deductible donations. As a non-profit corporation, fmp is also eligible to apply for foundation grants. Since 2002, individual fmp board members have managed projects to enhance missoula park and recreation amenities, including placing bear-proof garbage canisters in several missoula parks; constructing a bridge over rattlesnake creek near the terminus of duncan drive; building and reconstructing pedestrian and bicycle trails on mt. Sentinel; and currently, construction of a bridge and trail connection between the rattlesnake valley and the university of montana (rux). Fmp also serves as a fiscal sponsorship organization for groups wishing to gain non-profit benefits who do not have their own non-profit organization. These fiscal sponsorship agreements allow groups to provide tax benefits to their donors. Groups who have benefitted from sponsorship include friends of fort missoula regional park, the all-abilities playground, and trees for missoula. Fmp is governed by a board of volunteer directors who each serve three-year terms. Fmp board members have been engineers, doctors, housewives, lawyers, scientists, retirees, and educators, among other professions. Friends of missoula parks active projects/sponsorships 20171. Partners in parks (2012 - present). A collaborative effort with the missoula parks & recreation department and the city of missoula to raise funds to support increased demands on parks &recreation services and programs, particularly in the area of recreation for low income children and their families. Project contact, donna gaukler. 2. All-abilities playground (2011 - present). An all-abilities playground effort at mccormick park. Fmp serves as fiscal sponsor for this project and assists with grants. Project contact, jenny montgomery. 3. Rattlesnake/ university connection system (2010 - present). A collaborative effort with the city of missoula to extend the non-motorized trail system and provide a more safe pathway for pedestrians and cyclists between the university footbridge (van buren street footbridge), downtown, and the rattlesnake in two phases. The project is funded by fmp donations and a federal grant secured by fmp. Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2013 and includes a bridge over rattlesnake creek near pine street and the fire station, a trail on land leased to the city by montana rail link, and a new curb for safer pedestrian/bicyclist crossing of broadway. Phase two planning is ongoing. 4. Fort missoula regional park (2006 present). An effort to construct a city/county regional park on approximately 147 acres of land near historic fort missoula. Fmp is the fiscal sponsor on this project and is supporting efforts to move the project forward from design documents. Project contact, john oetinger. 5. Kiwanis park connector trail (2013 present). A collaborative effort with the missoula parks & recreation department, the city of missoula, montana fwp, and montana conservation corps to develop a connection trail along the clark fork river to continue developing the riverfront trail system. Project contact, ross mollenhauer6. Missoula bicycle skills parks project (mbpp) ( 2017 - present). Encompassing two different projects at bellevue park and syringa park, mbpp is a collaborative effort with i ride for tanner and the missoula parks & recreation department to build bike skills parks.