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 Trust is providing the initial phase of the park; no tax dollars are being used for design or construction.

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 loved that many in attendance were neighbors who walked from home to participate; and that kids told us they couldn’t wait to have a new place to play and meet friends. The community told us that they are looking forward to including this park in their daily running and walking routes, and that having trees and shade is important.

During the Open House, many attendees commented that Ashley Creek is such an asset and they are excited for it to be the centerpiece of our new park. 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 Trust’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.