Master plan will create 3.5-mile north-south trail in west Bozeman
EBS STAFF
Bozeman City Commission announced the adoption of the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Master Plan, marking a major milestone in establishing a plan to connect the parks, trails and natural areas in west Bozeman. The plan provides a framework for a trail from East Valley Center Road to Gallatin Valley Mall, according to a Sept. 16 press release from the city.
“Much like the Gallagator on the east side of town, the Cattail Trail will provide a north-south connection on the west side, providing more opportunities for biking, walking, and recreating,” Mayor Joey Morrison stated in the press release. “We have existing parks and trails in the area, but they aren’t connected. Through this work, we’ll be building new trails and improving existing areas to create a cohesive trail network that everyone can enjoy.”
Approximately 20% of the city’s population lives within a half mile of this corridor. When the project is completed, residents will see new wayfinding signage, new paved and gravel sections of the trail, improved street crossings and new park spaces along the trail. There will also be improvements to the natural habitat, including new trees and riparian zones, and new recreational experiences, such as a dog park, gathering spaces and fitness areas.
The project will be completed in segments. The first segment will be by the West Winds neighborhood, and the City will conduct further engagement to work with surrounding neighbors on the site layout. The earliest the trail might be completed is 2030, but improvements will begin to take shape as early as 2027.
More information on the Cattail Trail plan, including visuals of how the trail could look, can be found online.
