Great Falls Park District Number 1 and Projects

During the May 8th election, voters were asked to consider the creation of the Great Falls Park District Number 1 with an assessment amount of $1.5 million annually for the first three years to address over $12.6 million in deferred maintenance and other operational needs. Great Falls voters supported the creation of the Park District. On June 5th the City Commission adopted Resolution 10238 to create Great Falls Park District Number 1.

On behalf of the Park and Recreation staff we would like to thank everyone that contributed in educating the community on the creation of the Park District and to the voters of Great Falls for supporting the continued maintenance of the park system that truly makes Great Falls a great place to live!  

The purpose of creating the park district is to provide certain maintenance, purchasing, and improvement services for City-owned facilities, land, and equipment under the responsibility and care of the City of Great Falls Park and Recreation Department.  Current funding does not allow for adequate maintenance of facilities and parks.  To date there has been minimal funding for capital improvements or major repairs.

Creation of the Park District will help fund the deferred maintenance and it may prevent removal or closure of amenities.

The cost of the proposed improvements for the district is $1.5 million annually for the first three years; the assessment method will be based on taxable value; the estimated 2018 assessment for a property with a 2017 Market Value of $100,000 would be $22.92 per year ($1.91/month).  The amount of the assessment can be adjusted annually and must be set by resolution and adopted by the City Commission.