HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-31-26 Public Comment - E. Ladd - Recent Article Reinforces Community & Aquatic Center Need From: Mike Maas
To: Bozeman Public Comment
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL]Recent Article Reinforces Community&Aquatic Center Need
Date: Sunday, May 31,2026 12:40:03 PM
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Eric Ladd<eric@theoutlawpartners.com>
Date: May 31, 2026 at 6:54:38 AM MDT
To: Commission<Commission@bozemanmt.gov>, citymanager@bozeman.net
Cc: Bozeman City Clerks Department
<BozemanClerksDepartment@bozemanmt.gov>, crowley@bozeman.net,
jhenderson@bozeman.net
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Recent Article Reinforces Community& Aquatic
Center Need
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Commissioners and Staff,
Following our recent conversations, I wanted to share this recent article from
Explore Big Sky discussing the City's continued evaluation of a recreation and
swim center:
https://www.explorebigsky.com/bozeman-parks-and-recreation-discusses-the-
possibility-of-a-new-recreation-and-swim-center/171301
What stood out to me is that the article reinforces what many of us have been
discussing: the need for a community and aquatic center in Bozeman is real,
longstanding, and growing.
I fully understand the City's focus on critical priorities such as public safety,
infrastructure, and affordable housing. Those are essential investments and
deserve community support. At the same time, I do not believe we need to view
these priorities as mutually exclusive.
While housing affordability remains an important priority, recent market data
suggests that increased inventory and market normalization are beginning to
provide some relief,whereas the shortage of community recreation and aquatic
facilities continues to grow without a clear market-based solution.
I would also encourage the City to continue exploring federal and state funding
opportunities to help address some of its life safety and infrastructure priorities.
We have recently seen Montana's congressional delegation successfully secure
funding for important public safety and infrastructure projects across the state,
and there may be opportunities to leverage similar resources here.
For more than 20 years, the community has discussed the importance of expanded
recreation and aquatic facilities. Since then, Bozeman's population has nearly
doubled, yet the gap remains. Families, youth sports programs, seniors, and
residents across the valley continue to lack access to amenities commonly found
in communities of similar size.
The question is not whether Bozeman will eventually need a community and
aquatic center. The question is whether now is the time to begin taking
meaningful steps toward making it a reality. Delaying the conversation further
does not reduce the need—it simply increases the future cost and scale of the
challenge.
Great communities do not choose between public safety, housing, and quality of
life. They work toward all three.
Thank you again for your leadership and continued consideration of this
opportunity.
Eric Ladd
Outlaw Partners
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Eric Ladd
Founder& CEO
Outlaw Partners
M: 406-570-0639
outlaw.partners