Softball, field programming cancelled for summer 2026; Camp Big Sky, skate park, pump track, racket courts and playground to remain open
By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
Construction will continue for Big Sky Community Park renovations this spring and summer, as part of a major facilities overhaul funded in large part by a $6.8 million, voter-approved bond. One notable short-term impact will be the lack of recreation programming on grass fields, which means no softball league for 2026.
Soccer and other field-based activities will also be cancelled due to construction, while certain areas of the park will remain primarily open.
Liv Grubaugh, director of development and communications for the Big Sky Community Organization, added that BSCO is “working diligently” to secure alternative locations such as Len Hill Park and the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink, to provide similar summer activities. BSCO will share updates through its website, newsletters and social media.
“We know how much summer rec leagues mean to our community,” Grubaugh stated in an email to EBS. “For many, these programs are a cherished part of the summer season, so we understand that this summer will feel different—and that may be disappointing.”
Madeleine Feher, CEO of BSCO, also understands the disappointment. However, she is optimistic the fields will be ready for fall programming, and believes the long-term benefits are worth waiting for.
“We are on schedule and on budget, which I’m very proud to be able to say,” Feher said during a presentation at the Feb. 11 Resort Tax meeting. “… We will let you know when you can get on that new [field]. So hang tight, it’s going to be outstanding.”
BSCO broke ground on the athletic fields three months and one day after the $6.8 million Community Park Bond was approved on May 6, 2025.
With drainage and long-term reliability being a primary goal, BSCO hired a soil doctor who recommended letting the excavated ground sit over the course of the winter before a Colorado-based company specializing in high-altitude fields comes in the spring to plant turf.
Once the turf is planted, Feher emphasized the importance of letting the field sit for 60 days. Simply put, don’t jump the fence, even if the grass looks ready for action, she urged. BSCO will make it obvious when the fields are ready for use.
BSCO will also build two new sand volleyball courts, a new basketball court and a new disc golf course this summer. They will open at different times, to be announced by BSCO.
Overall, Big Sky Community Park will still be partially open this summer, including the skate park, pump track, racket courts and Adventure Park playground. However, heavy construction activities may require temporary closures.
In addition to the ongoing park construction, Feher pointed out that BSCO has done “major renovations” already, before voters approved the $6.8 million bond. Dating back to 2023, recent projects include an upgraded skate park and pump track, a new Adventure Park playground and maintenance building featuring BSCO employee housing, and recently, tennis and pickleball court renovations.
Camp Big Sky bathrooms, outdoor community campus
Another improvement will be public restrooms at Camp Big Sky’s area in the park’s east end—for 22 years, the summer child care program has operated using porta potties. Understandably, bathroom upgrades have been a top request from parents.
“It’s time to raise the quality and the level of programming for our children,” Feher said. The building will include outdoor sinks for convenient hand-washing, and a water fill station. It will be ready by July.
Camp Big Sky programming will function as usual this summer.
In the same area, a new “community campus” will offer an “extraordinary” venue for Big Sky gatherings such as events and music beyond BSCO’s own programming, Feher explained. However, the campus construction is not fully covered by the Community Park Bond and will require additional fundraising by BSCO, and permitting is not yet complete.
In addition, BSCO will open its new mountain bike jump line during a community celebration this summer—BSCO hopes to schedule the event in June.
“This is truly a community-built park. The majority of voters that showed up on May 6 made that known that this is something that they wanted, and we’ve been able to deliver on it, and it sure feels great to be able to do that,” Feher said. “… It’s going to be just the cornerstone of our community.”
