GVLT and City of Bozeman partner to acquire and protect 12-acres on Peets Hill/Burke Park

GVLT recently learned that a 12-acre parcel on the southern end of Peets Hill is for sale. The undeveloped parcel would increase the size of Peets Hill/Burke Park by 30% and includes a well-established spur trail that connects Peets Hill to Kagy Boulevard and the rest of the Main Street to the Mountains Trail system.

GVLT acted swiftly to make an offer on the property within 24 hours of its listing but a strong competing offer from a developer was accepted. GVLT submitted a backup offer and after the original buyer terminated their contract, GVLT’s offer was accepted to purchase the property.

“When opportunities like this arise, we have to be quickly reactive,” said Chet Work, Executive Director of GVLT. “If we missed this opportunity, the property would be developed and the chance to protect Peets Hill’s last piece would vanish forever. Peets Hill is the crown jewel of Bozeman’s park and trail system. We knew we had to move at the same pace as the developers to have a chance to save this special piece of land.”

GVLT has until January to secure the necessary funds, complete due diligence and close on the property. Over the last 30 years GVLT has partnered with the City of Bozeman to stitch together what we know as Peets Hill and Burke Park. For this opportunity, GVLT again turned to the City of Bozeman for help. The two are currently in conversations about funding the acquisition of the property and related improvement and enhancements to the parkland. GVLT has identified two promontories on the property that could serve as established lookouts and locations for educational and interpretive experiences. They have also identified opportunities for additional trail connections and improvements to the existing trail. Once purchased, GVLT would transfer the 12 acres to the City of Bozeman as expanded parkland. If GVLT and the City of Bozeman cannot secure the necessary funding, the property will be listed again on the open market.

“Peets Hill was GVLT’s very first conservation project, more than 30 years ago,” Work said. “Securing this last piece of the community’s central park would bring our mission full circle and allow us to continue expanding and enhancing the Main Street to the Mountains Trail System. Protecting this property for public use would be a victory for all locals and visitors alike.”

City Manager Jeff Mihelich said, “Peets Hill is a community asset and we are excited at the possibility of keeping this great resource for public use. GVLT’s work supports our strategic plan commitment to maintain and expand our interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces. The chance to partner on this project is a terrific opportunity!”

Fundraising for this project has just begun but GVLT is interested in speaking to anyone who may be interested in making leadership level gifts to the acquisition of Peets’ last piece. Interested individuals can contact Justin Barth, justin@gvlt.org. This is the community’s park, the heart to our arteries of trails throughout the town. There is a place for every person in this project. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage!