Ability Montana, City of Bozeman Starts Work Improving Lindley Park Accessibility

BOZEMAN – What started as one resident’s vocal desire to be able to enjoy the Summer Farmer’s Market in Lindley Park in her wheelchair is now starting to become a reality. Ability Montana and the City of Bozeman have teamed up on a project to construct accessible trails in Lindley Park, allowing people with disabilities to be able to safely maneuver independently around the park. Construction on the trails has recently started and is expected to be completed in time for the First Annual Bozeman ADA Celebration, held on Saturday, July 25, to celebrate ADA month and the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Celebration starts with a 5K and Fun Run, with registration for the run available on the website.  
Prior to the start of the trail improvements, people with disabilities, seniors with mobility challenges, parents with strollers, and more had to navigate an uneven mulch surface that had steep grades in certain sections, making it challenging to maneuver without assistance from another person. 

“Projects like this one that increase someone’s access to the park are good for everyone, as they increase everyone’s ability to safely walk through a space,” explained Bozeman Mayor Joey Morrison. “We’re glad that Ability Montana and residents spoke out about the need for this improvement, and that we were able to find ways to make it work. Their input has resulted in a better space for everyone in our community.” 

Ability Montana applied for the City’s Community Grant program, winning $42,000 to complete the project. The final improvements will involve a gravel surface loop in the area close to the road where food trucks line up in the summer. 

“I’m thrilled to see that this part of the park is going to become more accessible to all of us with compromised mobility and also make the park more accessible and easier for all able bodies and vendors as well,” said Liz Ann Kudrna, the resident who first vocalized concerns about the park. “We will all be able to enjoy the many events in the park or just sitting in the trees there if we wish!” 

More information on the Community Grant program is available at https://www.bozemanmt.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/planning-and-development.