ABOUT

The City of Kalispell has the opportunity for a new park on its west side that will serve our growing community and provide treasured open space. The Bibler Family Trust has purchased an approximately 20-acre site, ringed by additional public property, on which to construct a new public park and present it as a gift to the city. The Bibler Legacy Foundation is funding the initial phase of the park and will financially support maintenance.

We are early in design and public input is being considered as we develop the design further. We are grateful to the more than 50 people who attended our Open House at the future park site on September 5, 2024. All of us enjoyed ice cream bars and beautiful weather as we listened to ideas and shared our own. We heard that:

• Many in attendance were neighbors who walked from home to participate
• Kids told us they couldn’t wait to have a new place to play and meet friends
• The community told us they are looking forward to daily running and walking routes
• Having trees and shade is important
• Ashley Creek is an asset and people are excited for it to be a centerpiece of the park

On December 16, 2024, the Kalispell City Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bibler Legacy Foundation. This agreement lays out the plan for cooperation between the two parties.

The expansive views, water, wildlife, history, and proximity to neighborhoods and schools make this special place the foundation for Kalispell’s next great park.

The Bibler Family’s intent is to create a park with safety, accessibility, and historic character at the forefront of design. We want to ensure that it meets the needs of the neighborhood and community, and are getting community organizations, officials, and neighbors involved as we begin the planning process. Working with natural features that already exist on the property, we anticipate playgrounds, walking paths, shade trees, shelters, benches, grass fields, and gardens.