West Riverside Community Park Barn Future

Public Survey

Share your opinion by completing a short survey that will help Missoula County determine the future of the West Riverside Park Barn. The survey will take approximately 1 minute to complete. Only one survey per person. Survey results will be shared in a public hearing meeting. Survey deadline is Oct. 30.

Click here to fill out the survey.

Project Description

Missoula County Parks, Trails and Recreation is seeking public input on the future of the West Riverside Park Rental Barn located at 1305 Haaglund Drive. The barn is currently closed due to structural issues staff discovered in December 2025.

Project Background

West Riverside Park was originally established as a community park in 1977 through the efforts of the Hellgate Lions Club. Following the permanent dissolution of the organization in 2017, Missoula County assumed ownership and management responsibilities for the park.

For many years, the park’s historic red barn has served as a year-round rental facility for community gatherings and events. However, in December 2025, the facility was closed after structural deficiencies were discovered in the floor joist system, rendering the building unsafe for public use.

In coordination with the Missoula County Facilities Department, Parks, Trails and Recreation developed cost estimates to evaluate the repairs necessary to address these structural issues. The estimated cost of the floor system repairs alone is approximately $230,000. In addition, the barn — originally constructed in the 1940s — requires numerous other significant capital improvements, including exterior siding repairs, bathroom renovations and updates to aging mechanical systems. These additional needs further increase the long-term investment required to restore and maintain the facility.

Future Funding Possibilities

While a clear path to securing non-property tax funding for the necessary repairs has not yet been identified, County staff will continue exploring private fundraising opportunities and external grant programs that may help support the project.

Project Timeline

West Riverside Park Community Picnic: Wednesday, July 29, 6-8 p.m.

• Parks, Trails and Recreation staff will be at the picnic to gather input on what should be done with the West Riverside Park Barn.

Bonner Milltown Community Council Meeting: Monday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.

• Parks, Trails and Recreation staff will be at the community council meeting to give department updates and to gather input on what should be done with the West Riverside Park Barn.

Public Comment

Let us know what you think about the future of the West Riverside Park Rental Barn by logging in or creating an account and taking the survey and/or submitting comments below. Follow this project on the right-hand side of this page to be emailed when there are updates.