Helena Parks & Recreati on
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HELENA FALL & WINTER 2021 - 2022
Guide Contents Director’s Letter .................................... 2 Helena’s Open Lands and Trails ........... 3 Sasquatch Hunt ....................................... 5 Identifying Animal Tracks ..................... 7 Parks and Urban Forestry .................... 9 Map of Helena’s Parks .......................... 11 Memorial Park Ice Rink ........................ 13 Ice Skating Lessons ............................... 15 Themes Days and Free Events ........... 16 Civic Center ............................................ 17 Cross Country Skiing ............................ 19 Muni’s Sports Grille .............................. 20 Contact Us .............................................. 21
I hope this message finds everyone safe and healthy in what continues to be a challenging time during a global pandemic. The City of Helena Parks, Recreation and Open Lands Department works tirelessly to provide safe public spaces and recreation opportunities while addressing the ever-changing situation of COVID-19. Our focus as a City throughout this pandemic is providing essential city services, limiting community spread and supporting citizens and employees. Parks, open lands and our shared recreation places have proven vital through the pandemic and they’ll be critical this fall and winter as we continue to see our communities need for safe public spaces and recreation opportunities. Parks employees have been thoughtful, creative, resilient and adaptable. Our parks, playgrounds, recreation programs, open lands, golf course, pool, Civic Center, ice rink and city trees are all incredibly valuable and provide much needed resources to the people of Helena.
This season, our community will be able to enjoy a newly constructed
accessible trail on Mount Helena. It offers a wide path for hikers, walkers and wheelers of different abilities with a vista of our beautiful city. There is cross-country skiing at the City Golf Course and outdoor ice skating at Memorial Park Ice Rink and neighborhood parks. The Helena Civic Center remains open as a community venue for events, meetings, important gatherings, and has a large capacity so all events prioritize public health with social distancing.
Our Park Operations and Maintenance Department will be working with
members of the community to provide holiday lights to the Fire Tower, our downtown Walking Mall and Memorial Park Ice Rink. Their efforts provide a comfortable coziness to our community spaces during the winter. May our parks and open lands provide a welcome place in the months ahead to breathe fresh air, enjoy the sun, or hike with your kids and dogs. We are fortunate that the City of Helena has invested in, and supports, outdoor recreation. We know there is a need for more programming and facilities that support our growing community, the sports we love, and our families needs. We are writing a new chapter of parks and recreation management in Helena, and as we embark on this there are opportunities for growth and focus on the places and activities that bring us together and keep us active.
Stay safe, stay well and stay healthy,
Kristi Ponozzo - City of Helena Parks, Recreation & Open Lands Director
Helena’s Open Lands and Trails
Helena’s open lands hold precious scenic, cultural and recreational values. Open lands are a spectacular backdrop for our town and provide citizens with access to a variety of recreation opportunities. The City of Helena currently owns and manages over 1,950 acres of undeveloped parkland, including the popular Mount Helena City Park and several other trail locations. You can learn more about the vision for Helena’s future in the Helena Open Lands Management plan, found on the Helena Parks and Recreation tab of the City of Helena website. You can also find more information about the exciting new ADA accessible trail on Mount Helena. 3
H The new trail is approximately one-half mile in length, is 7ft wide and has an average grade of 6.5%, with the trail gaining approximately 40 feet of elevation over its length. The trail has ADA-compliant carve-outs with benches along the route. The trail has beautiful vistas of Helena and is perfect for walking side-byside with a friend, families with strollers or anyone looking for a less intense walk on open lands. Enjoy cross country skiing here during the winter months! Helena Parks and Recreation worked with the City’s ADA Compliance Committee to ensure Helena’s newest trail is accessible to all citizens. 4
Sasquatch Hunt
Helena’s Open Lands
Trail Every Week. He Moves to A New
Photo Contest
Winners Are Announced Weekly
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Tag Us at: If You Find Him @HelenaParksRecreation
Join the Hunt! Join the Fun!
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Identifying Animal Tracks on Open Lands
Rabbit Tracks
Deer Tracks
Coyote Track-
Fox Tracks 9 77
Squirrel Tracks
Mountain Lion Tracks
Elk Tracks Black Bear Tracks 8
City Parks Helena has 30 parks that include playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, community events, bike and pedestrian trails, dog parks, skate parks and bike jumps. All of our parks and trails are beautifully maintained by Parks Maintenance staff and our Urban Forestry Division. These features are designed and developed so that people of all ages, abilities and incomes can participate in the excellent recreational activities this wonderful city has to offer.
Helena’s Urban Forest Division Helena’s Urban Forest Division is responsible for the care of over 10,000 trees located in the city’s street rights of way, public parks and other city-owned properties. During tree cleanup after a storm, please stay away of damaged trees as there is an elevated risk for tree failure, especially during strong winds. Please refer to the grid on the next page to determine the proper steps to take when dealing with an urban forestry concern. You can also visit the Parks and Recreation tab of the city’s website for more information. 9
Concern:
Refer To:
Phone:
Tree emergency fallen tree or branch blocking the street or sidewalk.
HPD for immediate 911 response to secure the area. HPD will call HP&R for removal.
Witnessing malicious tree damage or removal. Street tree trimming, planting and removal.
HPD while in 911 progress. HPD will call HP&R. Helena Parks and 447-8426 Recreation Urban Forestry.
Tree donations.
Helena Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry.
Park Maintenance.
Helena Parks and 447-8413 Recreation Urban Forestry. Roadway Code 447-8443 Enforcement.
Tree located on private property protruding into street or sidewalk. Sidewalk lifting from tree roots. Tree interfering with high voltage lines. Tree located on private property protruding onto adjacent private property.
Roadway Code Enforcement. Northwestern Energy.
447-8426
447-8443 1-888-4672663
Civil matter Not the city’s jurisdiction.
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City of Helena Parks 1
Mountain View Park
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Janet Park
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Nob Hill Park
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Selma Held Park
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Red Letter Park
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Lincoln Park
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Beattie Park
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6th Ward Garden Park
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Robinson Park
10 Lockey Park 11 Skelton Park 12 Cherry Park 13 Nature Park 14 Memorial Park 15 Crystal Springs
17 Bill Robert’s Golf Course 18 Batch Park 19 Centennial Park 20 Kay McKenna Park 21 Hill Park 22 Women’s Park 23 Firetower Park 24 Pioneer Park 25 Dale Harris Park 26 Northwest Park 27 Barney Park 28 Waukesha Park 29 Cunningham Park 30 Reber Park 31 Mount Helena Park
16 JC Park
City of Helena Playgrounds 1
Mountain View Park
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Selma Held Park
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6th Ward Garden Park
10 Lockey Park 11 Skelton Park 12 Cherry Park 14 Memorial Park
16 JC Park 18 Batch Park 19 Centennial Park 26 Northwest Park 27 Barney Park 28 Waukesha Park 29 Cunningham Park
City of Helena Dog Parks 1 11
Mountain View Park
19 Centennial Park
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3 4 5
7 8
6 12
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15
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13 17
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27
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29 31 30
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Frontier Fun Town
The Memorial Park Ice Rink is a cozy place to rent skates, enjoy hot chocolate and glide the ice under twinkling lights. Call the ice-line: 443-8774 or check Facebook for current conditions.
Parks with Free Ice Rinks: 1800 N Roberts St. Lincoln Cunningham 1234 Floweree St. 1950 Cleveland St. Barney These ice rinks are free to use, in public parks and unattended. They do not have staff, concessions or skate rentals. Rinks are open from dawn to dusk. Please avoid the ice while it is freezing.
Memorial Park Holiday Tree 13
Memorial Park Ice Skating Rink
Memorial Ice Rink Entrance Fee Skate Rentals are Free! Resident Discount Rate: Ages 0-3: FREE
Child & Senior: $2.00
Adult: $2.50
Non-Resident Ice Rink Rates:
Ages 0-3: FREE
Child & Senior: $3.00
Adult: $3.50
Dates are weather dependent: Mid December - Mid February Extended hours over Helena school district winter break. Closed Christmas Day & Open MLK Day. Visit our website at www.Helenamt.gov/Recreation or our Facebook Page for updated information.
Hours are Weather Dependent: Wednesday 4pm - 8pm Thursday 4 PM - 8 PM Friday 4 PM - 8 PM Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM
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Ice Skating Lessons Lesson Dates Wednesday, Thursday & Friday ~ 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm Saturday ~ 11:00am, 11:30am
Group Lessons
Sunday ~ 12:00pm, 12:30pm
Package
$20 Per Lesson 30 mins. instruction 2 hrs. practice time Ages 6 +
Five pack - $100 -One lesson per week OR Camp pack - $100 Private Lessons -Wednesday $30 Per Lesson through Sunday 30 mins. instruction -One lesson daily 2 hrs. practice time Ages 6 +
Registration Lesson Sign ups are exclusively online. www.HelenaMT.Gov/Parks Click the Ice Rink tab and find the registration link. Need Help? 447-8077 15
Ice Rink Theme Days and Free Community Events December -Holiday Tree lighting ceremony -Free hot chocolate on Christmas Eve -Extended hours for Christmas Break: 12/23 - 1/03, 11am-8pm
January -Free Learn to Curl Events -Free Learn Hockey Basics Events -Glow Stick Neon Night and extended hours 1/17, 11am-8pm -Disney’s Frozen Themed Skate and Karaoke, extended hours 1/21, 11am-8pm
February -Valentines Day - Free Hot Chocolate -Open Memorial Day - 2/21, 11am-8pm -Donate to Skate - Closing Weekend More events to be announced. Follow Memorial Park Ice Rink on Facebook for exact dates and times. 16
Coming Soon to your Civic Center
11/6 & 11/13 - Annual Christmas Gift Shows A Civic Center fundraiser that features over 50 vendors. Start your holiday shopping early.
11/15 - An Evening with David Sedaris
With sardonic and incisive social critiques, Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humor writers.
11/20 & 11/21 - Queen City Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker 2/10 - The Fab Four
The ultimate Beatles Tribute.
2/17 - Three Dog Night 5/13 - Jim Brickman in Concert
Jim Brickman will wow the crowd with his uplifting, family-friendly concert.
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How to Buy Tickets ONLINE: You may buy tickets online any time or day through our online Box Office. Tickets that are purchased more than four days before an event will be mailed to patrons. Tickets that are purchased within five days of the event will be held at will call. We encourage all patrons with will call tickets to pick their tickets up prior to the event to avoid long lines. BY PHONE: You may purchase tickets by phone during regular business hours by calling 406-447-8481. Tickets that are purchased more than four days before an event will be mailed to patrons. Tickets that are purchased within five days of the event will be held at will call. We encourage all patrons with will call tickets to pick their tickets up prior to the event to avoid long lines. IN PERSON: If you wish to buy tickets in person, you can come to the Civic Center Box Office during the hours of 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The Box Office is located in the vestibule inside the main entrance, located on the south side of the building.
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Cross Country Skiing Bill Roberts Golf Course
The Last Chance Nordic Ski Club, in partnership with the Helena’s Parks and Recreation Department, grooms approximately four kilometers of skate and classic track on the perimeter of the golf course. The route of the groomed tracks are well maintained and loop together across the rolling terrain. Skiing is free, and all skiers are welcome! Parking for the Golf Course is located at 2201 North Benton Avenue. After your ski, stop in at Muni’s to relax, enjoy a beverage and a bite to eat. If you are snowshoeing, walking your dog or on foot, please avoid the groomed ski tracks as well as the golf course’s tees and greens. For guidelines and a track map visit: www.LCNSC.org 19
muni’ s s p o r t s
g r i l l e
Where great food and sports meet!
BURGERS THE BURGER: Toasted bun and beef ~ $7 Add cheese ~ $0.50 Add bacon ~ $1.50 MUSHROOM SWISS: Toasted bun and beef with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese ~ $10 BBQ BURGER: Toasted bun and beef with American cheese, bacon, onion rings and special barbecue sauce ~ $12
THE BACK NINE PHILLY CHEESE STEAK: Toasted hoagie with steak, Philly cheese sauce, sautéed onions, green peppers and mushrooms or jalapenos upon request ~ $13 BLT: Bacon, lettuce and tomatoes on mayo with toasted bread. (Or make it a wrap!) ~ $10 CHICKEN SANDWICH: Grilled or fried chicken on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato. ~ 14 CHICKEN BACON WRAP: Fried chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and chipotle ranch. ~ $14 CAESAR SALAD: Chopped romaine, croutons and shredded Parmesan cheese ~ $7
APPS & SMALL PLATES Chicken Tenders: ~ $8
Breakfast Burrito: ~ $4
Onion Rings: ~ $5
Wings: ~ $7
Hot Dog: ~ $2
Breakfast Sandwich: ~ $5
Cheese Curds: ~ $6
Jalapeno Poppers: ~ $7
Chips and Queso / Salsa: ~ $6
French Fries: ~ $4 20
C I T Y
C O U N T Y
B U I L D I N G
Where to Find Us Parks and Recreation Main Office: 406-447-8463 HelenaMT.Gov/Parks
We are located at the City County Building Room 405. We encourage the use of email and phone correspondence for facility and park pavilion reservations, program registration and general questions and comments about our department. Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm We prioritize social distancing by serving one patron at a time.
Where to Find Us
Where to Follow Us Facebook.com/HelenaParksRecreation
Instagram.com/HelenaParksRecreation 21
Contact Us Division Title Contact Administration Parks, Kristi Recreation & Ponozzo Open Lands Director
Email kponozzo@helenamt.gov
Phone 4478462
Administration Administrative Jennifer Assistant Schade
jschade@helenamt.gov
4478463
Aquatics and Recreation
Aquatics and Kait Recreation Perrodin Program Manager
kperrodin@helenamt.gov
4478077
Bill Roberts Golf Course
Golf Course Steven Maintenance Link
slink@helenamt.gov
4471572
Civic Center
General Manager
Byron Dike
bdike@helenamt.gov
4478382
Open Lands
Open Lands Manager
Brad
blangsather@helenamt.gov
4478382
Langsather
Parks Operations & Maintenance
Craig Superintendent Marr
cmarr@helenamt.gov
4478485
Parks Operations & Maintenance
Parks Supervisor
pmarron@helenamt.gov
4478413
Urban Forestry
ISA Certified Chris Arborist Daily
cdaly@helenamt.gov
4478426
Parks
Pat Marron
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HELENA PARKS AND RECREATION GUIDE FALL & WINTER 2021 - 2022