The results of a new Parks & Trails survey was presented on Monday night at the Billings City Council's work session, highlighting public use and opinion of city park lands.

The City of Billings currently has some 41 acres of park land, which makes up roughly 10 percent of all city land.

A new scientific survey yielded over 900 responses out of the 6,000 surveys sent to Billings residents and showed that most park lands are used most for passive recreation, special events, and fitness for adults.

The survey also indicated the top needs are picnic tables, connected walking and nature trails, and wildlife preservation.

Billings Mayor Ron Tussing was pleased with the survey and told us the new information will serve the city well in planning developments and maintenance for park lands.

The survey will also include two additional segments. The parks department will conduct a youth survey once school starts and an online survey will be made available for anyone in the community who want to take part and offer their input.

(from August 3, 2009)

The Billings City Council hopes to come out of its work session Monday with a better idea of how to manage its parks and trail system.

The Council will get to see the results of a survey which asked 6,000 Billings residents how they use Billings park lands.

Right now, the city maintains as many as 41 acres of park lands, roughly 10% of all city land - which include cemeteries, trails, parks, community centers, and public pools.

Billings Chamber President and CEO, John Brewer, says developing of the city's parks also effects the development of the community.

"There's something for everyone in our parks system. So, our hope as the chamber is to perpetuate the quality of life and the value of our parks so that when we're looking at businesses relocating here, as well as families relocating, that we continue to propel the value of the parks forward and make them a better place," said Brewer.