As Kalispell's new Parks and Recreation Master Plan nears final approval, the document prioritizes investing in existing parks before pursuing major expansions or new amenities.  

Kalispell City Council on Monday will review the planning document designed to guide future investments as the city prepares for growth from roughly 33,000 residents today to more than 50,000 by 2045. 

Council meets at 7 p.m. July 27 in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.  

The plan calls for continued investment in the city's 31 developed parks, including safety upgrades, accessibility improvements and the replacement of outdated playground equipment at one or two parks each year.  

An assessment of the city's parks found a range of maintenance and safety issues. The plan found that 18 have playground deficiencies, such as tilted structures or missing components; 15 have irrigation problems; 15 need repairs or fresh paint on tables and benches; and 12 have safety concerns related to inadequate lighting or the presence of homeless people. 

The master plan also highlights four shortcomings in the city's recreation system: limited programming for adults and the absence of an indoor aquatics center, a regional park serving northern Kalispell and dedicated indoor court space.

Short-term priorities identified over the next five years include investing in accessibility at the existing parks, upgrades to the Woodland Water Park and looking at ways to expand access to float the Stillwater River. The plan also recommends a feasibility study for an indoor aquatic center and community recreation center.  

Over the next five to 10 years, the plan calls for renovations to the Woodland Park pond and the creation of master plans for Lawrence Park and the city's aquatic facilities. The plan also recommends acquiring 50 acres of parkland over the next 10 years in underserved and high-growth areas. Beyond that timeframe, it envisions creating a new park in northeast Kalispell.  

The city's west side will eventually see a new park along Ashley Creek. The property owned by the Bibler Family Trust is currently under construction and will be donated to the city. The master plan says the space is poised to become a cornerstone of Kalispell's park system.  

Council last reviewed the master plan in January, when about 60% of it was finished. The document is now 90% complete. The Parks Department hired Washington-based consultant Michael Terrell Landscape Architecture to lead the effort. 

The latest updates include community feedback received through public surveys, stakeholder interviews, focus groups and public meetings, according to a memo from Parks and Recreation Director Chad Fincher.  

The existing master plan was adopted in 2006 and only meant to inform decisions until 2020.  

Council will vote whether to adopt the new-and-improved plan later this summer, according to Fincher.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.