During extensive public outreach over 90% of citizens commented that if the railroad tracks downtown could be removed the land formerly used by the railroad should be developed into a linear park. That vision is becoming a reality with the tracks to be removed in 2020 and a linear park and trail to be built to span the entire east/west boundaries of the Kalispell Core Area connecting Woodland Park on the east to existing trails on the west side of the Core Area.
August 2, 2019
The Kalispell Trail & Complete Street 30% Design Submittal (draft) was released by Alta Planning + Design on July 31, 2019.
City Staff will be available during the Northwest Montana Fair August 14 thru 16 at the north end of the Expo Building to share information on the TIGER grant Glacier Rail Park and Kalispell Trail project updates. Information on the Glacier Rail Park which was completed in January will be available including drone footage documenting the construction. Additionally, the 30% design plans for the Kalispell Trail will be available for public review and comment. Watch for City Staff sharing this design draft at other community events. The 30% design draft is now available on the City of Kalispell website on the Community Development webpage.
The Kalispell Trail & Complete Street 30% Design Submittal (draft) was released by Alta Planning + Design on July 31, 2019.
City Staff will be available during the Northwest Montana Fair August 14 thru 16 at the north end of the Expo Building to share information on the TIGER grant Glacier Rail Park and Kalispell Trail project updates. Information on the Glacier Rail Park which was completed in January will be available including drone footage documenting the construction. Additionally, the 30% design plans for the Kalispell Trail will be available for public review and comment. Watch for City Staff sharing this design draft at other community events. The 30% design draft is now available on the City of Kalispell website on the Community Development webpage.
April 1, 2019
The Kalispell Trail & Complete Streets Concept Design Report prepared by Alta Planning + Design was presented for the first time to the Kalispell City Council during their March 11, 2019 work session. This document represents a refined concept plan. It has been reviewed by the Trail Crew who has proposed several modifications and additions prior to considering it a final document. It is anticipated this will occur within the next two months. The City will also revisit the complete street portion of the project by submitting a Supplemental Environmental Assessment document analyzing extensions of First, Third, and Fourth Avenues WN, which historically crossed the tracks. This should be complete during the summer of 2019. In terms of the overall project time frame, CHS and Northwest Drywall should be moved out of the Core Area and into their new facilities by this fall. Track removal and trail construction would then begin spring of 2020 with completion in late 2020. Click the image for a link to the concept design report.
The Kalispell Trail & Complete Streets Concept Design Report prepared by Alta Planning + Design was presented for the first time to the Kalispell City Council during their March 11, 2019 work session. This document represents a refined concept plan. It has been reviewed by the Trail Crew who has proposed several modifications and additions prior to considering it a final document. It is anticipated this will occur within the next two months. The City will also revisit the complete street portion of the project by submitting a Supplemental Environmental Assessment document analyzing extensions of First, Third, and Fourth Avenues WN, which historically crossed the tracks. This should be complete during the summer of 2019. In terms of the overall project time frame, CHS and Northwest Drywall should be moved out of the Core Area and into their new facilities by this fall. Track removal and trail construction would then begin spring of 2020 with completion in late 2020. Click the image for a link to the concept design report.
Questions?
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WHAT IS A LINEAR PARK & TRAILLinear parks are parks set in urban or suburban areas. They take on various forms and are often centered on walking paths and trails. In Kalispell’s case, the linear park will revolve around a trail system that utilizes the railroad’s existing layout in Kalispell’s Core Area. The tracks will be removed, providing a natural setting and framework for an urban trail system that will improve both Kalispell’s walkability and bikability.
Removing the tracks also allows for the restoration of original street grids, creating better traffic flow with a wide range of new parking options. The trail system will dramatically increase safe avenues for healthy, non-motorized transportation. In fact, a cyclist could cruise through west and east Kalispell, down to Somers or over to Kila, without ever hitting a road. Parents, too, can feel more comfortable knowing their children are living in a family-friendly setting. |