The City of Bozeman and Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) are teaming up to begin improvements at Burke Park/Peets Hill. Those visiting Peets Hill in the coming week can expect to see machinery and equipment making its way to the southern end of Burke Park where the new 12 acres were conserved as public parkland last January. Beginning the week of May 15, phase 1 will consist of the construction of two overlooks and All Abilities trail improvements on the newly purchased 12 acres.

“We couldn’t be more excited to take this important next step for Peets Hill,” Mitch Overton, Bozeman Parks & Recreation Director, stated. “Through an incredible partnership with GVLT and most importantly, the generosity of our community, we’re now able to create new trails, add fencing and trail signage, and establish three scenic overlooks. This park has a special place in our community’s heart, and this project is going to make it even better.”

The improvements are focused on providing expanded accessibility for everyone to enjoy the park and its views by incorporating principles of Universal Design. This includes building additional locations for seating to help protect native vegetation and creating more trail connections to facilitate users moving through the park to access other trail systems. Burke Park/Peets Hill is a beloved community asset, and so all improvements have been entirely informed by the community.

Over the last year, both GVLT and the City of Bozeman have solicited feedback on Burke Park Master Plan revisions through surveys and public meetings, collecting hundreds of responses and suggestions on how we can better care for Burke Park/Peets Hill. Community feedback clearly defined views of surrounding lands, preservation of native plants and wildflowers, and connectivity to other trails as the top priorities to enhance when making improvements.

“Peets Hill holds so many of our precious memories for those living in and visiting the Valley,” said Adam Johnson, GVLT Trails Program Manager. “It’s so important to us that these park enhancements honor the wishes of the community that fought so hard to protect the park and expand access to everyone.”

The construction area will not require prolonged trail closures, but park users should be mindful of the heavy machinery operating on Peets Hill, keep their ears and eyes open, and keep pets leashed and small children under control when entering posted construction areas.