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
