HRDC, in partnership with the Western Transportation Institute and the City of Bozeman, was recently selected and awarded the opportunity to join Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities, a technical assistance program focused on improving safe and equitable local park access. As part of the program, Bozeman, MT will be among seven diverse communities across the country to receive training and coaching from the Safe Routes Partnership to develop and implement an action plan for improving active travel to local parks and green spaces. The initiative is funded by The JPB Foundation.

Safe Routes to Parks initiatives work to improve safety and security for people walking, bicycling, and rolling to parks and green spaces. This need is especially pronounced in neighborhoods and communities lacking the infrastructure to support safe walking and bicycling. The Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities program aims to remove barriers that make it hard for people to enjoy the physical, social, and mental health benefits that parks offer and proactively work toward ensuring safe, secure access to parks and open spaces. Over the long term, with increased safety and accessibility, Safe Routes to Parks seeks to increase park usage and improve health for people of all ages, races, abilities, and income levels.

The City of Bozeman’s Parks & Recreation Department, in partnership with the City’s Transportation Department, is embarking on an update of the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, & Trails plan as well as developing and implementing the City’s first-ever Active Transportation Plan. These plans will direct the work of the Parks & Recreation Department and Active Transportation planning for the next ten years. As part of the process, community engagement and input are key components of the Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities.

The HRDC is excited to embark on the development of a pilot community liaison program. The goal of the community liaison program is to increase access and engagement for all folks who live, work, or play here in Bozeman. Liaisons will serve as the connector between different typically underrepresented communities who have lacked a voice in the development of the

City’s past planning structure and processes. They will be trained to assist with facilitation, outreach, and data collection and will help develop outreach activities that are culturally and community appropriate. Liaisons will be selected through a short application process, and this position is open to anyone who identifies as part of any community who has been underrepresented in the City of Bozeman. Community liaisons will be contracted to work with staff from the HRDC, the City of Bozeman, as well as WTI. Liaisons will play a key role in bringing more voices and opinions to the City’s planning processes around access to Parks, Open Spaces, Trails, and Active Transportation. Those interested in the position can visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GsdjPQqRtVPpG-05-3Ye0XyRbRsETQdf/view?usp=sharing for more information or to apply. The first review of applicants is June 16, 2021.

About the Safe Routes Partnership

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership advances safe walking and bicycling to and from schools, to improve the health and wellbeing of kids of all races, income levels and abilities, and to foster the creation of healthy communities for everyone. For more information, please visit saferoutespartnership.org.