HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-20 City Commission Packet Materials - A1. Res 5206 Allocation of CIL Funds to BSF Snowmaking Proj
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: City Commission
FROM: Addi Jadin – Parks Planning and Development Manager Mitch Overton – Director of Parks and Recreation
Chuck Winn – Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution 5206 – Allocation of Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland Funds to Bridger Ski Foundation Snowmaking Project at Sunset Hills Cemetery Open Space
MEETING DATE: October 27, 2020
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Action
RECOMMENDATION: Approve Resolution 5206 to allocate $150,000 in cash-in-lieu of
parkland funds for construction of improvements related to snowmaking at Sunset Hills Cemetery
Open Space.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: In consideration of all public input and materials presented by
staff to date, I hereby adopt Resolution 5206 allocating $150,000 from the cash-in-lieu of
parkland fund for construction of improvements related to snowmaking at Sunset Hills Cemetery
Open Space.
BACKGROUND:
Section 38.420.030.F. of the Bozeman Municipal Code (Cash donation in-lieu of land
dedication), states the following:
1. The city must use a cash donation for development or acquisition of parks to serve the
development.
2. The city may use the cash donation to acquire or develop parks or recreational areas
within its jurisdiction or for the purchase of public open space or conservation easements, only if:
a. The park, recreational area, open space or conservation easement is within a reasonably close proximity to the proposed development; and
b. The city commission has formally adopted a citywide park plan that establishes the needs and procedures for use of the cash donation.
Because the recreational skiing area at Sunset Hills Cemetery is not considered a neighborhood
park associated with a specific subdivision or development, but instead operates as a seasonal, special-use park serving the entire community with its accessibility and the programming managed by Bridger Ski Foundation, use of cash-in-lieu of parkland (CILP) funding is
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appropriate per 38.420.030.F.1 and 2. Whereas CILP funding for a neighborhood park is seen to be available for use within its 10-minute walk/half-mile radius; the “development” served by the BSF snowmaking project is the entire community and the source of funding is drawn from the
entire CILP account rather than a specific development’s source of funding. The Parks,
Recreation, Open Space and Trails Plan is the citywide park plan that identifies the needs for such winter recreational amenities and specifically mentions Bridger Ski Foundation as a community partner. The procedures for the use of the donation are further clarified in the CILP grant materials including the webpage and application. The proposal must demonstrate that the
improvements will:
• add to the long-term benefit of the park and surrounding properties;
• reflect the interests of, and have the support of, adjacent property owners;
• comply with the existing park master plan, or if one does not exist or a new or revised park master plan is being proposed, be consistent with the goals of the Parks, Recreation,
Open Space, and Trails (PROST) system-wide Master Plan and the current recreational
needs of the City of Bozeman.
Staff finds that the application does meet these criteria. On July 14, 2016 the Sunset Hills Cemetery Advisory Board voted to support the Bridger Ski Foundation Snowmaking Project. The project is acknowledged in the 2017 Sunset Hills Cemetery Twenty-year Plan. The applicants have coordinated with Parks Division and Cemetery Staff during the permitting and
the ongoing construction of the project. Cross-country skiing in this location of the cemetery grounds has shown to be a non-intrusive recreational use for years and the ability to ensure early and late season activity despite fluctuating climate conditions will have only occasional impact within the ski area. The pump house and underground snowmaking appurtenances have been designed and placed to avoid disruption to the scenic open space and to ensure ongoing
maintenance is feasible.
A detailed description of project cost and funding sources is provided within the application. The total estimated cost of the project is $979,000. The Parks Division has coordinated with Bridger Ski Foundation who is managing the project according to the construction license agreement authorized by the City Commission and signed by the City Manager. If the grant award is
approved, invoices up to $150,000 will be submitted by the applicants for payment to the Parks
Division as they are incurred through completion of the project.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES: None.
ALTERNATIVES: Per Commission.
FISCAL EFFECTS: An allocation of $150,000 amounts to approximately 14.2% of the existing
cash-in-lieu of parkland fund balance. The remaining balance, if Resolution 5206 is approved
would be $908,741.10.
ATTACHMENTS: Resolution 5206 Attachment A – 2020 BSF CILP Application
Report compiled: October 15, 2020
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COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 5206 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA, APPROVING THE ALLOCATION OF CASH-IN-LIEU OF PARKLAND DEDICATION FUNDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SUNSET HILLS CEMETERY FOR SNOWMAKING
WHEREAS, the Bridger Ski Foundation has submitted an application for the use of
cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication funds for construction and installation of snowmaking
equipment and appurtenances including a pump house at Sunset Hills Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, the current balance within the city-wide cash-in-lieu of parkland
dedication fund is $1,058,741.10 per Finance Department and Parks Division records; and
WHEREAS, Section 38.27.030 (F.)(1.) of the Bozeman Municipal Code, (“Cash
Donation in lieu of Land Dedication”) specifies criteria for which these funds may be utilized; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board at their regular meeting of
August 13, 2020 unanimously passed a motion recommending that Commission approve the
allocation of $150,000 from the cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication account to the Bridger Ski
Foundation project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Commission of the City of
Bozeman, Montana,
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Section 1 – Municipal Code Reference
In accordance with Section 38.420.030.F. of the Bozeman Municipal Code, the source
of cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication funding is appropriate for Bridger Ski Foundation
snowmaking improvements at Sunset Hill Cemetery; and
Section 2 – Funding Authorization
The allocation of $150,000.00 from the cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication account is
hereby approved for the Bridger Ski Foundation snowmaking project.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Commission of the City of Bozeman,
Montana, at a regular session thereof held on the 27th day of October, 2020.
___________________________________
CYNDI ANDRUS
Mayor ATTEST:
________________________________________ MIKE MAAS City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________________
GREG SULLIVAN City Attorney
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Cash-in-lieu of Parkland Funds
June 2020
Bridger Ski Foundation
“Sunset Hills Snowmaking and Winter Trail Enhancements”
Sunset Hills is BSF’s most popular in-town venue. More than 550 kids participate in our after-school programs.
Overview
The Bridger Ski Foundation was established in 1936. BSF’s mission is to inspire a lifelong love of
skiing, athletic excellence, and personal growth, and to improve the health and well-being of
our community by maintaining and grooming over 70 kilometers of winter recreation trails.
An estimated 70,000 users enjoy the BSF-groomed trails every winter. Since BSF began
grooming trails in the late 1960s, winter trail use has increased an estimated 5,000%. This boom
in the popularity of our community winter trails, lack of consistent snow, and pressure on area
trails and open space has put a strain on BSF’s capacity to meet the growing demand for a
reliable winter recreation opportunity that is safe, affordable, accessible and fun. The 8-
kilometer Sunset Hills area is the centerpiece of BSF’s 70-kilometer groomed community trail
system. It is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Bozeman, and an important anchor
for winter recreation in Southwest Montana.
BSF is applying for a $150,000 Park Improvement Grant to help cover the cost of constructing
and installing a reliable state-of-the-art snowmaking system that will guarantee snow at Sunset
Hills from early December through late March, ensure uninterrupted access throughout the
winter even during low-snow years, address growing demand, and enhance the livability of
our community.
Bozeman is the fastest growing city of its size in the country and has been for the past three
years. Bozeman is also an active community. Parks, trails, and trailheads all over the valley are
becoming increasingly congested. This project will guarantee snow at our most popular in-town
community Nordic trail so that everyone in our community can get out and recreate in the
winter. Sunset Hills is also the primary location for BSF’s learn-to-ski and higher level after-
school and weekend programs and training venue for the MSU ski team, Montana Endurance
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Academy, and Bridger Biathlon Club. Snowmaking at Sunset Hills will give these programs
certainty and reduce congestion at other parks and trailheads.
This project will not only enhance the livability, but also benefit the physical and mental health,
of our community. Despite the fact that we live in a state with an abundance of national forests
and public lands, most people in our community cannot afford the time, nor do they have the
resources it takes, to enjoy them.
Sunset Hills is centrally located so it is easy for people to get to before and after work and
school, during lunch breaks and on weekends and there is plenty of parking in the lot at
Highland Boulevard and Ellis Street. There are no lines, so it is not crowded, and it is safe with
good lighting. BSF does not charge a mandatory trail fee, so anyone who would like to use the
trails is free to do so.
In addition to being well planned (see attached Community Nordic Trail Feasibility Study), the
Sunset Hills Project will be a buffer against unpredictable weather patterns, allow us to open
the Nordic trails earlier, provide reliable conditions throughout the winter, and keep the trails
open longer. It will ensure that our growing community can ski, sled, and recreate for free every
day of the week, get outside and be healthy, guarantee that kids have easy access to healthy
after-school learn-to-ski programs, and that open space at Sunset Hills is utilized year-
round.
Given the current situation with COVID-19, many people will choose not to take risks or be
uncomfortable travelling out of state for the next couple years if not longer. They will stay
closer to home. As such there will be a greater demand on area trails and greater need for
reliable, convenient and family-friendly alternatives like Sunset Hills.
There is no other park project like this in Bozeman. This project is consistent with the goals of
Bozeman’s PROST plan: “To enhance the quality of life of the City’s citizens through the
provision of high-quality parks, recreation facilities and programs, trails, and open spaces.” This
project serves everyone in our community and supports our City’s slogan, “Bozeman: The Most
Livable Place.”
Describe existing conditions in park
BSF has been responsible for maintaining and grooming the trails at Sunset Hills since the
1960s. We have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into equipment, staff, improving and
maintaining the trails, getting them ready in the fall, grooming them in the winter, and
transitioning them at the end of the spring for summer and fall activities. We have experts on
staff who are dedicated to trail development and maintenance. The BSF Nordic trails
committee is made up of BSF staff, Board members, parents, and community and business
representatives who help set strategic planning for the winter trails and consider use and
management matters that arise from the trails program.
This project is well-planned and was identified as a key economic development project by the
2014 Community Trails Feasibility Study (CTFS), a professionally conducted community master
plan that BSF commissioned with funding from the LOR Foundation. BSF hired the SE Group to
conduct this study which evaluated existing and potential winter trail offerings, and ways that
winter trails can enhance community livability and benefit our local and state economy. One
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component of the CTFS, a 47-question survey that garnered 670 responses, revealed an
overwhelming preference for reliable snow and more frequent grooming at Sunset Hills rather
than adding more groomed trails to the system. Based on the findings of the CTFS, the SE Group
recommended focusing on winter trail enhancements and the construction of snowmaking at
Sunset Hills.
In December 2007 the kids really did try to ski on the grass
at Sunset Hills they were so desperate. 2012 was another low snow year. Skiing at Sunset Hills
(fka Lindley) lasted just 17 days that winter.
More than 30 places in North America use snowmaking to provide guaranteed access to winter
recreation. In ALL cases, snowmaking has proven to be a reliable and popular community
amenity.
Snowmaking at Sunset Hills is entirely feasible and, as noted in the CTFS, more reliable and
affordable than ever before. BSF already has some snowmaking infrastructure in place,
including a well that supplies water at Sunset Hills. BSF made snow from 2005-2010. The old
system became outdated and no longer functions. This project is an upgrade to the old system.
While our primary motivation for this project is to enhance the livability, health and well-being
of our community, we recognize the economic benefits of snowmaking at Sunset Hills will also
positively contribute to the financial health and well-being of our local economy.
With snowmaking at Sunset Hills, BSF will also be able to host more regional and national-
caliber ski races. One two-day regional race at Sunset Hills could generate roughly $200,000 in
non-resident revenue. The economic benefit and tourism draw of senior national races is even
higher. The US National Championships and National Super Tour organizers have expressed
interest in staging races in Bozeman if they have the certainty of snowmaking.
Proposed improvements
BSF is proposing to install a state-of-art snowmaking system at Sunset Hills that will guarantee
winter recreation opportunities and meet the needs and demands of our community for
reliable, consistent, safe and affordable in-town winter recreation and be a safeguard during
low snow years.
BSF is listed as one of the entities partnering with the City on trails development and
maintenance. There is a long-standing relationship in place (PROST page 88). BSF is also listed
as a potential partner for trail development (PROST page 159). This project will develop and
enhance the trails at Sunset Hills so that our community can use and enjoy them year-round.
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There is no in-town park with guaranteed winter recreation in the City at this time. This project
will be a game changer for Bozeman and everyone in our community.
One of Bozeman’s most desirable community characteristics is “access to outdoor amenities
and recreation.” This project will significantly contribute to the quality of life in our community
in numerous ways that the PROST plan envisioned:
Objective 1: Engaging Citizens in Their Community. This project will · Create a sense of
community and · Provide places for people to connect and interact in a shared
environment.
Objective 2: Improving Public Health. This project will · Provide people with contact with
nature, known to confer certain health benefits and enhance well-being. · Engage children
in health-promoting physical activity. · Increase fitness and reduce obesity by providing
physical activity opportunities.
Objective 3: Helping children learn. This project will · Engage children in informal,
experiential learning through play and shared experiences with peers, laying the foundation
for effective formal education.
Objective 4: Creating Safer Neighborhoods. This project will · Provide access to nature
adjacent to residential area to relieve stress, reducing aggression. · Offer gathering places
where neighbors form social ties that produce stronger, safer neighborhoods.
Objective 5: Revitalizing Community. This project will ·Attract investment through
revitalization, including park and recreation improvements.
Objective 9: Promoting Tourism. This project will · Provide sites for special events and
festivals that attract tourists. · Provide sites for sports tournaments, which can be major
sources of tourism and economic benefits, especially for smaller cities.
Objective 10: Implementing Smart Growth. This project will · Strengthen the urban core.
Projected outcome
A $150,000 Park Improvement Grant to put in a snowmaking system at Sunset Hills will allow
BSF to meet the needs and demands of our community for reliable, consistent, safe and
affordable in-town winter recreation and be a safeguard during low snow years.
The anticipated increase in use and income associated with our ability to offer guaranteed
snow at Sunset Hills will be measured with electronic counters at trail access points, the
number of youth and adults participating in our programs, voluntary trail pass sales, and the
number of community events and races that are hosted at Sunset Hills. Our goal is to see an
overall increase in trail use of 50%, an increase in the number of school children involved in
BSF’s after school and weekend programs of 20%, and the number of adults participating in our
programs to increase by 25% within the next five years.
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Thousands of kids have learned to ski at Sunset Hills. Thousands of adults enjoy Sunset Hills too during lunch,
after work, and on weekends.
With guaranteed snow at Sunset Hills we will be able to host more fun community events, as
well as national and international races right in town. The economic benefit of this will be
significant. For example, the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage, which has snowmaking at
their in-town trails, has hosted 25 national ski events that have generated approximately $5.5
million.
BSF was established in 1936 and has been grooming public ski trails for more than 50 years. We
have the experience to achieve project success. This project supports the Bozeman PROST Plan,
aligns with the BSF mission and business model, and is shovel ready. A $150,000 Park
Improvement Grant will be a capstone grant for this project. We anticipate completion by
December 2020.
Proposed time frame for completion
This project is shovel ready. The timeline for the implementation and installation of the Sunset
Hills snowmaking system is as follows:
o Fall 2017 through February 2020 – Finalization of the engineering, construction, City
approval and permitting process, and installation related logistics of the proposed
snowmaking system.
o March – May 2020 – Order all equipment needed and listed for the project.
o June 2020 – Complete fundraising.
o June – July 2020 – Delivery of all equipment.
o May – November 2020 – Construction and installation of snowmaking system,
underground piping, cisterns, and pump house.
o November 2020 – Construction completed, and expenses paid.
o Mid-December 2020 – Snowmaking begins, and Sunset Hills opens to the public.
BSF is responsible for ongoing maintenance, management and funding at Sunset Hills. The
estimated annual cost to maintain and operate the new 8-kilometer snowmaking system is
approximately $5,000 a year for the first two years, and $10,000 a year thereafter. We are
confident that we can cover this cost with an anticipated 25% increase in voluntary trail pass
sales due to improved conditions and awareness that BSF is responsible for providing the
snowmaking at Sunset Hills. The BSF board of directors will allocate funding for Sunset Hills
each year based on the indicated anticipated costs, and in future years on historic and
anticipated costs, at their annual organizational planning and budget meeting in April.
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Cash in Lieu of Parkland Funds Grant Application
June 2020
Bridger Ski Foundation
ATTACHMENT I
Please also see attached
• Site map showing the park and the location of the proposed improvements.
• North arrow orientation and details of the proposed site improvements.
• Describe in detail the recreational needs to be met by the proposed improvements
(activities, passive uses, baseball, playground, tennis, picnic areas, etc.)
This project serves the community at large. Sunset Hills is a special use park, similar to the
Westlake BMX and the new Sports Park, that will be enjoyed by everyone in our community.
Sunset Hills is centrally located across the street from Bozeman Health and the east side softball
fields, adjacent to Lindley Park and Peet’s Hill, a few blocks from Bogert Park and about a mile
from Beall Park. Sunset Hills is heavily used year-round. The City Rec Department uses Sunset
Hills and the Lindley Rec Center year-round for various classes and activities. Area bike clubs,
Bozeman Youth Cycling, and Team Rockford use the trails at Sunset Hills for summer and fall
clinics and fall cyclocross events. Bozeman High School, MSU, and the Bozeman Track Club use
Sunset Hills for cross country, running, and sports training. Individuals, friends, and families
enjoy the trails at Sunset Hills during the spring, summer, and fall to bike, run, hike, walk, stroll,
dog walk, and recreate.
During the winter, Sunset Hills is the most popular and heavily used in-town community Nordic
ski venue. Because of its central location, it is easy for people to get to before and after work
and school, during lunch breaks and on weekends and there is plenty of parking in the lot at
Highland Boulevard and Ellis Street. There are no lines, so it is not crowded, and it is safe with
good lighting. BSF does not charge a mandatory trail fee, so anyone who would like to use the
trails is free to do so.
The Sunset Hills winter trails have been a central part of the BSF partnership with the City of
Bozeman and since the late 1960s. They are also the primary location for BSF’s learn-to-ski and
higher level after-school and weekend programs and an important training venue for the MSU
ski team, Montana Endurance Academy, and Bridger Biathlon Club. Snowmaking at Sunset Hills
will give these programs certainty and reduce congestion at other parks and trailheads. BSF
also has a strong adult and master's program, a learn-to-ski program for the YMCA, and an
exceptional elite team that has developed many world-class skiers and Olympians. Our
programs run, on average, 25 to 30 hours a week. Multiplied by our number of participants, we
have a total engagement of 4,000 to 5,000 hours a week, 45 weeks a year.
Bozeman is the fastest growing city of its size in the country. Bozeman is also an active
community. Parks, trails, and trailheads all over the valley are becoming increasingly congested.
This project will draw more people to Sunset Hills and relieve pressure at other parks and trails.
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The Bridger Ski Foundation has, for over 50 years, given our community a place to recreate for
free in the winter and helped thousands of youth develop fortitude, discipline, camaraderie,
and skills through sports that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. During the winter we
offer recreational, educational, and competitive ski programs. Summer and fall programs
include mountain biking, hiking, running and organized games/sports.
Studies show that physically active children and adults are healthier, happier, and less likely to
suffer from anxiety and depression, thus less likely to incur health care related expenses.
Additional research shows a positive relationship between neighborhood open space and
physical activity and that people in communities with access to abundant open spaces generally
enjoy better health.
• Describe in detail the level of community and neighborhood support for this project:
The Bridger Ski Foundation has raised $708,115 for this project. The total cost of this project is
$979,000. This project is shovel ready. Contractors are in place and ready to begin construction.
They are donating in-kind services and providing most work at cost. BSF has secured a loan to
cover the balance of funding needed for this project ($271,000).
BSF has received donations from individuals ($259,459), foundations ($304,000) businesses
($32,000) and in-kind ($112,656).
A $150,000 Park Improvement Grant will be greatly leveraged with the existing funds that have
been raised ($708,000). BSF intends to raise the balance of funding needed $121,000 with a
public fund raiser, events, and the greater intermountain ski community.
Over the years, in addition to building a strong base of financial support, the Bridger Ski
Foundation has developed solid partnerships that anchor the long-term success of this project.
The Bozeman and Belgrade Chambers of Commerce, Yellowstone Country Montana tourism
region, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
have reviewed and endorsed this project.
BSF also has strong and long-standing partnerships with the following organizations and their
support is critical to the success of this project:
BSF has an MOU/long-term use agreement with the City of Bozeman to make snow and groom
the public trails at Sunset Hills for all to enjoy. The City provides in-kind support for equipment
storage during the winter season, snow plowing, and pre-season trails mowing. BSF maintains
and is solely responsible for the cost of grooming the Sunset Hills trails.
Bozeman Health donates the use of their land at Highland Glen. Highland Glen is adjacent to
and allows BSF to extend its groomed winter trail system an additional 7.5 kilometers from
Sunset Hills. Bozeman Health’s support is in-kind.
BSF works closely with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) to develop year-round community
trails, improve trailhead and road access, and support outdoor recreation. GVLT also allows BSF
to replace the summertime information on their trailhead kiosks at Sunset Hills with winter
information, trail maps, facts, and mileages so when users arrive they have an instant lay of the
land. GVLT’s support is in-kind.
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BSF also partners with the U.S. Forest Service, Bridger Creek Golf Course, Montana State
University, Sacajawea Middle School, Friends of Hyalite, Eagle Mount, Big Sky Wind Drinkers
running club, Bozeman Women's Activity Group, and the Bridger Biathlon Club. These partners
donate in-kind time and resources to help us maintain our winter recreation resources.
Local businesses including Barnard Construction, Bangtail Bike and Ski, C&H Engineering, First
Security Bank, Gallatin Tree Care, Kenyon Noble, Liberty Electric, Martel Construction, Quantum
Composers, REI, Roundhouse Sports, Sime Construction, Simkins Hallin, and Williams Plumbing
have made significant cash and in-kind donations to this project.
Gallatin County recognizes winter grooming and trail efforts as a key recreation benefit for
residents and visitors. The County Roads Department provides plowing services. C&H
Engineering has donated trail engineering, mapping, and design services at no charge because it
recognizes the community and economic benefit of this project.
• Estimated number of users of the proposed park improvement or facility related to this
project:
30,000 estimated user visits.
3,000 estimated users.
84,349 BSF on-line grooming report visits.
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915 Highland Boulevard | Bozeman, MT 59715 | 406-414-5000 | bozemanhealth.org
June 1, 2020
Addi Jadin
Parks Planner and Development Manager
City of Bozeman
814 North Bozeman
Bozeman, MT 59771
To Whom It May Concern,
Bozeman Health is proud to submit this letter in support of the Bridger Ski Foundation's (BSF)
application to the City of Bozeman Cash-in-lieu of Parkland Funds. BSF’s plan to install a snowmaking
system that will guarantee a reliable, consistent skiing experience from mid-December through early
April in Bozeman would be hugely beneficial to the well-being of the entire community as their ski trails
are free and open for anyone’s use.
Bozeman Health enjoys a collaborative partnership with BSF; their ski trail grooming and maintenance
program in Bozeman is a considerable investment in the health of Southwest Montana. Bozeman Health
partners with BSF on our privately-own lands comprising the Highland Glen Nature Preserve (HGNP),
which we opened to the public for winter skiing in 2010. BSF grooms ski trails that are both easily
accessible to all user levels and provide recreational opportunities for the entire community.
Bozeman Health is focused on supporting our partnership with BSF for the furthering of our mission – to
improve community health and quality of life – and having reliable snowmaking ability at Sunset Hills will
directly and positively impact community health and encourages people to live an #outdoorhealthylife.
Research shows a positive relationship between neighborhood open space and physical activity. People
in communities with abundant open spaces generally enjoy better health. BSF is one of the few ski clubs
in the country that does not charge a mandatory trail fee, which means these trails are accessible to a
broad swath of our community, as evidenced by their increasing user numbers.
The consistency of snow conditions that could be achieved with this snowmaking system would
reinforce Bozeman’s reputation as one of the premier Nordic ski communities in the country. Having
quick and easy in-town access to skiing enhances the livability of Bozeman and is a fun, healthy activity
that is accessible to all ages and ability levels. With Sunset Hills located right off the East Main exit,
having substantial parking at the softball complex already in place, and safe pedestrian crossings in use
thanks to our recent installation of stoplights at Highland and Ellis, these trails are accessible to any
community member, regardless of what part of town they live in.
As Southwest Montana’s healthcare provider of choice, we hope you favorably review BSF’s application
as this is an important opportunity to support improve our community’s health and quality of life.
With you in health,
John Hill
President and CEO
Bozeman Health
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June 3, 2020
To: Addi Jadin
Parks Planner and Development Manager
City of Bozeman
814 North Bozeman
Bozeman, MT 59771
Dear Ms. Jadin,
I am writing today in support of the Bridger Ski Foundation’s request for Cash-in-lieu of Parkland Funds
to install a snowmaking system at Sunset Hills that will provide reliable snow for public recreation in
Bozeman. I am the Head Coach of the Montana State University Nordic Ski Team, and a constant
beneficiary of the outstanding ski trails around the greater Bozeman area that BSF grooms and
maintains throughout the winter. The proximity of the Sunset Hills trails to campus, combined with the
quality of surface, makes Montana State University one of the most desirable NCAA ski programs in the
country. Our athletes can get out of class and be on snow training on great trails in less than 20 minutes
due to the community trail resources provided by BSF. While most other institutions must travel over an
hour to the nearest trail system, our student athletes are able to minimize wasted transportation time
and can devote the saved time to increasing their training volume, recovery time, or study time. Beyond
the competitive racing team, I meet with many prospective students every year who decide to come
study and live in Bozeman after learning about the winter resources that BSF provides to our whole
community.
As beneficial as the Sunset Hills trail system is to many MSU athletes and students, the trails are a vital
resource for local community members of all ages, ski abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds. Nordic
skiing is an amazing winter activity for the public and in my five years in Bozeman I have witnessed a
substantial growth each year in the utilization of the trails by every demographic. As people continue to
stream into Bozeman, the need for safe and reliable ski trails is accelerating rapidly and an investment in
snowmaking will extend the opportunities for winter recreating activities right in town. These “shoulder
seasons” can be difficult times for members of our communities to engage in healthy activities,
especially outside in nature with no associated fee, and BSF is aiming to alleviate that issue for anyone
struggling to find time or motivation, especially in early and late winter when outdoor activity options
are limited.
I believe our community from young kids, to elite ski racers, to older life-long enthusiasts relies on the
Bridger Ski Foundation’s dedication to promoting community trails for a year-round healthy lifestyle.
The ease of access to over 70km of trail and quality of maintenance is a huge benefit of living in
Bozeman, and the investment in those trails through a snowmaking system is a worthy cause to support.
Thank You,
Matthew Perry Johnson
Head Nordic Ski Coach
Montana State University
406-994-4118
802-377-0616 c
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Addi Jadin
Parks Planner and Development Manager
City of Bozeman
814 North Bozeman
Bozeman, MT 59771
I am writing in support of Bridger Ski Foundation’s request for cash in lieu of Parklands Funds to support the organizations Legacy Project to install snowmaking at Sunset Hills for cross-country skiing.
I have been involved in cross-country skiing for most of my life either as a competitor, US Ski Team coach, or as national sales and product manager for Fischer skis. These jobs have taken me all over the US and the world and I have seen the value of communities adding snowmaking to their existing trail systems.
Cross-Country skiing is a life long sport in which all age groups are able to participate. The addition of snowmaking at centrally located Sunset Hills will provide a longer and more reliable ski season for the Bozeman community. BSF has a long history of providing no cost groomed trails at Sunset Hills, the addition of snowmaking will only add value to an already great community resource.
There will be an economic benefit to the Bozeman community as well. Those retailers who sell cross-country product will see an increase in sales as the skiing public will know that there will be guaranteed skiing and no risk to purchased that equipment. In addition BSF holds races at Sunset Hills for competitors coming from neighboring states. In the past these events have sometimes been cancelled due to lack of snow. Snowmaking will allow these races to be held and the competitors, coaches, and parents will come to Bozeman to support the local community.
Bozeman provides numerous outdoor activities both summer and winter, one of the many reasons people move here from all over the country. The groomed trail system that is available here in Bozeman is unique for a town this size and Sunset Hills is the center of that system. The course proposed for the snowmaking will offer varied terrain allowing for experts and entry level skiers to enjoy the sport. The addition of snowmaking will only enhance Bozeman’s reputation as an outdoor recreation center and provide for the increasing number of skiers that are using the no fee trail system groomed by the Bridger Ski Foundation for over 50+ years.
The addition of snowmaking will add to the long terms benefits of the parks and surrounding properties. It will provide for a increased use of an already popular winter activity, along with providing a healthy, centrally located area perfect for social distancing for the foreseeable future. I strongly recommend the awarding of the grant to the Bridger Ski Foundation.
Peter Ashley
16 Oasis Trail
Bozeman, Mt 59718
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