Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting public comment on potential Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) projects that look to fund outdoor recreation efforts in communities around the state.

LWCF is a federally funded grant program administered by FWP. Approximately $4.5 million in LWCF funding is typically awarded across Montana every two years. Typical projects involve developing, renovating or expanding outdoor recreation areas, including public parks, skate parks, trails, playgrounds, splash pads, playing fields, tennis courts and municipal pools. Eligible applicants include incorporated cities and towns, counties, state agencies and tribal governments.

This year, 19 projects were proposed through a pre-application process, and of those, 15 were selected to move forward to the full application stage. FWP will provide assistance to these applicants to prepare full applications to the National Park Service for final funding consideration.

Community input is an important part of the LWCF process, and FWP would like your feedback. Comments will be accepted through Nov. 27, and can be submitted via email to LWCF Program Manager Olivia Hollis – olivia.hollis@mt.gov.

Proposed Projects Recommended for Full Application

Applicant: Anaconda-Deer Lodge County

Redevelopment of Lincoln Elementary’s playground with an ADA-compliant walking loop, raised garden beds, shaded seating, sports courts and green stormwater infrastructure

Proposed Award: $150,000

Applicant: City-County of Butte-Silver Bow

Replacement of aging playground equipment at Clark Park tot lot to improve safety, accessibility and community use.

Proposed Award: $20,000

Applicant: City of Deer Lodge

Construction of a new ADA-compliant splash pad at Westside Park to expand water-based recreation.

Proposed Award: $75,000

Applicant: City of Great Falls

Rehabilitation of the River’s Edge Trail Caboose Trailhead, including deck replacement with ground-level concrete plaza, ADA improvements and retaining wall.

Proposed Award: $50,000

Applicant: Lewis & Clark County

Renovation of Bill Carson Park playground at the county fairgrounds, replacing outdated equipment with new inclusive equipment while preserving the historic rocket slide.

Proposed Award: $175,000

Applicant: Madison County

Resurfacing and safety improvements to the 0.56-mile Riverside Park walking path in Twin Bridges, enhancing year-round accessibility.

Proposed Award: $100,000

Applicant: City of Red Lodge

Construction of a new four-court tennis complex with fencing, bleachers and storage, to support youth and adult recreation, including high school team use.

Proposed Award: $150,000

Applicant: City of Shelby

Replacement of outdated playground equipment at Bitterroot Park to serve a growing residential area with safer, modern play features.

Proposed Award: $65,000

Applicant: Town of Terry

Renovation of Murn Park playground with new equipment, pavilion, and seating to support inclusive play and community gatherings.

Proposed Award: $92,500

Applicant: City of Bozeman

Development of Bikefill Bike Park and expanded parking at Snowfill Recreation Area, including trails, pump tracks and adaptive bike features.

Proposed Award: $750,000

Applicant: Missoula County

Redevelopment of Marshall Mountain Park’s base area including demolition of outdated structures, new ADA-accessible trailhead and picnic facilities, upgraded water and electrical systems, irrigated event lawn, interpretive signage, adaptive-friendly trails and maintenance shed renovation.

Proposed Award: $838,723

Applicant: City of Belgrade

Construction of a new bike park at Mayfair Meadows Park, including a UCI-compliant asphalt pump track, walking path and pavilion with restrooms.

Proposed Award: $450,000

Applicant: City of Missoula

Phase 1 development of a new neighborhood park on North Scott Street, including site grading, utilities, irrigation, trees, looped trails, open turf, playground (ages 2–12), picnic shelter, dog off-leash area and site furnishings.

Proposed Award: $900,000

Applicant: Town of Columbus

Rehabilitation of the city pool to address structural issues, reduce water loss and extend the facility’s lifespan.

Proposed Award: $297,500

Applicant: Town of Ekalaka

Replacement of the aging community pool with a new facility to provide safe, accessible aquatic recreation.

Proposed Award: $615,000