By Daniel Bierschwale EBS COLUMNIST
Big Sky’s landscape tells a story of adventure, resilience and community. From our winding trails to our open green spaces, these public places define not just where we live but how we live. They are where we gather, where we connect and where we find balance amid the demands of a rapidly growing region.
These spaces don’t exist by accident. Behind every park bench, every maintained trail, every thriving community event in a public space is an investment—one made by and for the people who call Big Sky home.
Public parks and open spaces aren’t just nice to have; they are essential infrastructure. They improve public health, boost local economies and build social cohesion. Study after study has shown that well-maintained parks increase property values, attract businesses and enhance tourism—all of which feed directly back into the local economy.
Beyond the financial return, parks and open spaces play a vital role in mental and physical well-being. Access to outdoor recreation reduces stress, encourages active lifestyles and strengthens our collective resilience. In a community like Big Sky, where the outdoors is an integral part of our identity, ensuring that everyone—residents, visitors and future generations—has access to public spaces is an investment in the community’s long-term success.
The reality is that quality parks, trails and gathering spaces don’t fund themselves. While private donations and nonprofit initiatives play an important role, public investment remains the backbone of a sustainable system. Resort tax dollars, state and federal grants, and strategic partnerships all help ensure that Big Sky’s public spaces are not just preserved but enhanced to meet the needs of a growing population.
Historically, Big Sky’s resort tax has played a crucial role in supporting public space initiatives. From funding new trails to improving park infrastructure, resort tax revenues allow the community to reinvest in itself. The impact is visible across town—in our parks, along our river access points, and in the continued expansion of recreation areas that serve a diverse range of users.
Public spaces are more than just recreation areas; they are the foundation of civic life. When we invest in parks, we invest in places where farmers markets thrive, where concerts bring people together, and where families create lifelong memories. In an era where social connection is more important than ever, these spaces provide neutral ground—places that belong to everyone and bring people from all walks of life together.
This sense of belonging is particularly important in Big Sky, where rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges. As new residents arrive, parks and public spaces serve as a bridge, reinforcing community identity and providing shared experiences that connect longtime locals with newcomers.
Looking ahead, the demand for high-quality public spaces will only increase. A growing population means more strain on existing infrastructure, making it critical to proactively fund and develop parks that serve both today’s residents and future generations. Strategic public investment allows us to do more than simply maintain what we already have—it enables us to dream bigger.
Cities that have prioritized park investments have seen notable economic and social benefits. According to the Trust for Public Land, in 2023, the 100 most populous U.S. cities collectively invested $11.2 billion in their park systems, marking an increase from $9.7 billion in 2022 and reaching the highest level of investment since before the 2007 Great Recession, even when adjusted for inflation.
Moreover, cities like Boise, ID; Plano, TX; Minneapolis, MN; Atlanta, GA; and Boston, MA have demonstrated that higher park investment correlates with economic growth. As of 2021, these cities invested between two to seven times more per acre in their parks compared to the national average. This substantial investment has attracted a diverse workforce, spurred job growth, and stimulated real estate development, underscoring the multifaceted returns of funding public spaces.
By committing to long-term planning and leveraging diverse funding sources, we can ensure that our parks, trails, and gathering places continue to enrich our lives and support a high quality of life.
The story of Big Sky has always been one of stewardship—of the land, of our economy, and of our community values. Investing in public spaces is a natural extension of that legacy. By prioritizing public funding for parks and gathering spaces, we are making a choice: to build a community that is not only sustainable but vibrant, welcoming and resilient.
After all, the best investments are the ones that future generations will thank us for. And there’s no better place to make that investment than in the places where we come together, where we play, and where we create the memories that define life in Big Sky.
That’s “The Big Sky Way.”
Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.
