HomeMy WebLinkAbout15- Support of the Trust for Public Land Grant Application fo the National Endowment for the Arts Mr.Jason Schupbach
National Endowment for the Arts
oRUZZ 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue,NW
Washington,DC 20506
cit September 21,2015
IN Co.
Dear Our Town Panelists,
CITY OF BOZEMA As Mayor of the City of Bozeman, I wish to express our support for The Trust for Public Land
121 North Rouse grant application to the National Endowment for the Arts "Our Town" program for the Story Mill
P.O.Box 1230 Community Park project.
Bozeman,MT 59771
The City of Bozeman is working in partnership with The Trust for Public Land on the design and
Phone: (406)582-2320 development of Story Mill Community Park. We have committed $4.5 million in municipal Trails,
Fax: (406)582-2344 Open Space, and Parks bond funding to the project, which The Trust for Public Land is leveraging
TDD: (406)582-2301 in their philanthropic and private fundraising efforts. Community participation and engagement in
www.bozeman.net the project is significant and ongoing. The park is preliminarily planned to include opportunities for
natural and cultural interpretation, community gathering, a nature sanctuary, new trails and trail
connections, and active recreation. The NEA Our Town funding would ensure the inclusion of the
highest quality art, interpretative and creative placemaking elements, which will tell the incredible
story of the park site's past,present and future.
Mayor
Jeff Krauss The Story Mill site has deep connections to Gallatin Valley's history and agricultural heritage and
includes a portion of the Northern Pacific and Story Mill National Historic District. Standing on the
Deputy Mayor property today, one can catch a glimpse of the valley as it looked over one hundred years ago,
Carson Taylor defined by wild rivers coursing through diverse wetlands, meadows, and woodlands. The site's
remnant wetlands continue to provide an essential haven for a remarkable array of birds and
Commissioners wildlife in an otherwise urbanized environment. Open meadows and mature trees frame sweeping
Cyndy Andrus vistas of the Bridger Mountains, giving visitors an immediate sense of space, quiet, and connection
Chris Mehl to nature, despite an immediate proximity to a major arterial road, Interstate-90 and Historic
I-Ho Polmeroy Downtown Bozeman. The creative placemaking efforts and public art that would be supported by
this grant have been core values of this project from its inception, and will greatly contribute to the
expected long-term value of Story Mill Community Park as an enduring cultural asset for Bozeman
and the greater Gallatin Valley region.
Core Values
Parks help make cities more livable, attractive, and resilient. Beyond the many recreational
Integrity:relic le honest,hard- opportunities it will offer,the Story Mill Community Park will establish a unique sense of place and
working,reliable and
accountable to the public. identity in the Gallatin Valley, improving the quality of life for residents and visitors, while helping
foster healthy connections between our neighborhoods. As such, park development becomes an
Leadership:Take important element in Bozeman's vision for a sustainable and vibrant economy, one in which all
initiative,lead by example,and
be open to innovative ideas. community members can equally share.
Service:Work unselfishly It is an honor to write in support of this application. The City is committed to leveraging every
for our community and its
citizens. dollar of funds invested. Please know that, if awarded, the grant monies will carefully and wisely
Teamwork: Respect support arts and integrated creative placemaking to enrich life in Bozeman.
others,welcome citizen
involvement,and work together Smc rely
to achieve the best result. _ ���j`✓�
Mayor Jeff Krauss
City of Bozeman