COUNTDOWN TO MAY 6 VOTE
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Planning for the Future
Community Park Renovation
Big Sky is at a critical time in history, so let’s shape it together! Now is the time to protect and enhance our beloved Community Park to meet the needs of our growing community, and make it more livable. The proposed Resort Tax Bond will provide critical funding to support our Community Park Renovation. While we have identified a range of potential projects that align with our long-term vision — a healthy, connected and thriving community — final decisions will depend on available funding, community needs and further planning. To date, BSCO has secured $5.8 million in support for the Community Park Renovation through the ALL OUT Campaign. The passage of this bond would allow us to continue making meaningful progress. We appreciate your support as we work to enhance outdoor spaces for everyone in Big Sky to enjoy.
Remaining Park Projects
*Projects are not listed in specific order
Racket Court Parking Lot Paving
Expanding + Modernizing Athletic Fields
Additional Bathrooms
New Sand Volleyball Courts
Rebuild + Improve Disc Golf Course
Add a New Mountain Bike Jump Line
Camp Big Sky Renovation
Preparing For Your Vote
Check your voter registration status
Check your voter mailing address
Make a plan for having your vote counted
Encourage your friends to do the same!
*Note that voter registration ends April 7. Ballots will be mailed April 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Resort Tax Bond?
A resort tax bond is a financing tool used by government entities to fund major infrastructure projects and upgrades. Unlike a school bond, it allows Resort Tax to borrow against future resort tax collections which helps lessen the burden on property owners. This Resort Tax Bond will not increase your property taxes.
What is being done to the athletic fields?
The athletic field renovation will include natural grass fields, with updated grading and enhanced draining efforts. These updates aim to expand the playing seasons and make room for more users on the fields throughout the spring, summer and fall.
What will the financial impact be on athletic leagues?
Park and field rental fees will remain affordable and will not be impacted by the Park Renovation. The Parks District, through BSRAD and assessments, covers a large portion of the maintenance costs associated with the park.
Why do we need public funding?
In most municipalities, parks and recreation facilities are paid for, and maintained, by public funding. The philanthropic landscape in Big Sky is changing and is becoming more challenging. Big Sky is at a critical time in history and we must protect spaces that are open to all community members.
What is the total renovation cost?
The project cost estimate is $12.1 million. However, these original bids did not include the Racket Court Parking Lot Paving, the Tennis Building or Bathrooms near the racket court. The ALL OUT Campaign has raised $5.8 million in gifts and pledges, and this Resort Tax Bond will help bring us closer to completing all of the requested projects.
What happens if the bond doesn't pass?
- No improvements will happen to the athletic fields
- Camp Big Sky will remain as-is
- The Racket Court project (currently under construction) will be completed to allow for playing in summer of 2025. However, the parking lot will not be paved, the tennis building will not be remodeled and no additional bathrooms will be added.
- With the bond, we expect the park projects to be complete by 2027. Without the bond, BSCO will continue philanthropic efforts and hope to have the park projects done in the next 20 years.
Why does Big Sky need this now?
Big Sky is at a critical time in history — the passing of the resort tax bond is essential to the future of our Community Park and the livability of Big Sky. Our current park is already at capacity and this funding will allow for extended playing seasons, expansion of youth and adult leagues and upgraded amenities like parking and bathrooms. Most importantly, it will continue to provide a safe, inclusive and accessible place where people can connect and build relations. This is an investment in the future of Big Sky — protecting and enhancing the places and spaces that bring us together.
How long will the renovation take?
Because we want to minimize the impact to the public, the remaining projects will happen in phases over the next couple of years. For example, if the bond passes on May 6, field grading at the Athletic Fields will start this Fall (2025). The fields will then need to sit through the winter and the remaining work will be completed in the Spring and Summer of 2026. Without the bond, there is no timeline for how long these projects will take to fund and execute.
How do I learn about the other bond projects?
volunteers
acres
of public parks managed by BSCO.
LEARN MORE
miles
of public trails managed by BSCO.
FEATURED TRAILS
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completed + ongoing in the community.
