HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-23 Public Comment - A. Bills - Please Read. Supporting bozeman parks budget proposalFrom:Allison Bills
To:Agenda
Subject:Please Read. Supporting bozeman parks budget proposal
Date:Tuesday, June 27, 2023 11:57:52 AM
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Dear Bozeman City Commission,
My name is Allison Bills and have been a Montanan, MSU athlete, a mother, a nurse at
Bozeman Health, a coach, and me member of this this town for over 20 years. I want
you to greatly consider a request.
I am writing in to you IN SUPPORTof Parks divisions 2024 cash-in-Lieu of Parkland
budget proposal which includes funding for new sand volleyball courts at Bozeman
Pond.
I am writing to you in support of our athletes. The number of young athletes is growing
tremendously. Having these courts available to our young athletes would give them the
opportunity to grow into a higher level player and give them the opportunity to thrive in
a strong and wonderful sport.
I am writing to you in support of our mothers. Mothers are trying so hard to do the best
job they possibly can. And many times it’s a struggle. So many mothers were once very
active athletes and currently trying to be role models and good mothers all at the same
time. This provides such a positive family atmosphere that is still hard to find day to day
basis in Bozeman. Let mothers have this opportunity to thrive as their own person, as
well as, sharing it with their families.
When we used to play at the Bozeman beach and it USED to be such a beloved time my
life. But now it feels like a completely different place. I have witnessed many accounts
of intoxicated people, homeless people, uncontrolled dogs, trash, and people being
violent toward one another and personally being verbally and physically harassed for
playing on the court. I don’t feel safe bringing my children there any more or exposing
them to that environment.
The Bozeman pond location helps out the families so much so they can have a safe
environment for their children to play. enjoying the sport with their kids while also being
able to let their other children play outside on a playground checks so many boxes in
how a mother can feel good about herself and the way she’s raising her kids.
I am writing to you in support of our coaches.
As a former coach of beginner players up coaching at the Olympic Training Center, I can
tell you that the caliber of coaches that is at the fingertips in this town and is willing to
take on this challenge is unbelievable. Coaches change the lives of so many children.
They give up their time, their energy and their positive influence to these kids. It is one
of the most unselfish things I’ve ever seen. We have a group of incredible coaches that is
willing to do this.
I am writing to you in support of our children.
For the boys and girls who just wanna go play a fun pick up game with their friends. For
the athletes that always feel like they were good at some thing, but never got a shot to try
it. For the athlete who wants to put in the work to improve their game but doesn’t have a
place or the connections to support it. For the athlete who doesn’t want to be excluded
from a private court. And for the kids who just want a safe place to go do something fun
with their friends.
I am writing to you in support of our beloved, Bozeman. Our beautiful Bozeman is
growing tremendously, and we have to do some thing to grow with it. By putting these
courts up, we would be growing a healthy positive sport that would give these kids an
opportunity to put Bozeman as a place where they can train and thrive in a sport that they
love. It would be an amazing feeling to know that the thought of me never having to
uproot my family to a city just to give them an opportunity to train at a high level at a
sport. That high level has the chance to finally be here at our home. And that would be
incredible for our town.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and please consider all the voices that are
asking for this. Please support us as we work to build ourselves, our families, and the
people that make this town amazing.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Allison Bills
Allisonbills.mt@gmail.com
406-270-6610