Memorandum
REPORT TO:
City Commission
FROM:
Ross Knapper, Park Planner
Addi Jadin, Park Planning and Development Manager
Mitch Overton, Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Adopting the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan
MEETING DATE:
September 15, 2026
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Plan/Report/Study
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider the motion: I move to approve a Resolution Adopting the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
BACKGROUND:
The primary purpose of the Cattail Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan (“Park Master Plan” or “Plan”) is implementation of new guidance for parks and trails as outlined in the 2023 Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Active Transportation Plan (PRAT Plan). Designed across a parkland corridor in 10 existing subdivisions and an undeveloped half-mile gap, the Park Master Plan is a conceptual design with an emphasis on connecting a 3.25-mile shared use path called an Anchor Route, improving ecological function within the corridor, and adding more active and passive recreation options.
The plan is being created in conjunction with ongoing partnership projects including the east-west Raptor Route and Wayfinding Project that the City is working with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) to complete and Branch Out Bozeman’s (BOB) riparian planting projects led by Gallatin Watershed Council (GWC). Investments in this corridor will be amplified by these community partners, collaboration with the City’s Transportation Division, grants, and new developments. The Cattail Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan’s narrative and drawings are intended to supersede prior subdivision by subdivision master plans created at the time of development and the document will guide improvements within the corridor expected to be achievable within approximately 10-15 years. At the Site Plan/construction drawing stage of the project implementation, further refinement will be based on more detailed analysis of existing conditions and additional public input.
Public Engagement:
The Cattail Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan has been in progress for roughly two years and has been discussed at meetings of the Urban Parks and Forestry Board and City Commission during that time. The kickoff was a presentation to City Commission on December 3, 2024. Information was provided on the City's Engage website throughout the process and news posts went out to page subscribers via email. Parks and Recreation held its annual Bike Your Park Day in 2 parks along the corridor in 2024 and 2025 to draw attention to the project and gain input, with art banners created by Mountain Time Arts installed along the pathway to heighten awareness. Parks and Recreation staff presented virtually to the Cattail Creek, West Winds and Harvest Creek Subdivision Home Owners Associations including question and answer sessions in 2026.
The outcome of public engagement has resulted in some changes to the initial proposal. At West Winds, direct access to the larger park of Hunters Way at Flurry Lane was added and emphasis was placed on the retention of multi-purpose fields. Further neighborhood discussions will result in additional refinement during Site Plan / construction drawing creation. Lastly, as stated in the plan introduction, the Park Master Plan’s vision was a direct result of city-wide engagement during the creation of the 2023 Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Active Transportation (PRAT) Plan. This project is the City’s first major step toward implementation of the PRAT Plan.
On August 27, 2026 the Urban Parks and Forestry Board unanimously adopted a Resolution Recommending Adoption of the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan emphasizing the importance of additional and alternative public engagement during future project stages. Parks and Recreation staff intend to do park design workshops, neighborhood surveys, continued outreach with partner organizations, and will use the Parks and Recreation Department website to share information.
More history and information is available on the project webpage (engage.bozeman.net/parkmasterplan).
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:
NA.
ALTERNATIVES:
NA
FISCAL EFFECTS:
NA