The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Posts Tagged ‘City of Missoula Parks and Recreation’

Public Invited to Marshall Mountain Celebration September 12

Missoula Parks and Recreation invites residents to tour the new Marshall Mountain Park on Sunday, September 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.... more

Avalanche Danger on Mount Jumbo!

Avalanche danger is present on Mount Jumbo, public urged to stay off the mountain.... more

Mount JumboNorth Zone to Remain Closed until May 15

By BECKY GOODRICH - Parks and Recreation, in consultation with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, has extended the winter wildlife closure for Mount Jumbo’s North Zone.... more

27th Annual Run for the Trees Slated For April 20th

By BECKY GOODRICH - Celebrate National Arbor Month with a fun walk or run along the Riverfront trail system.... more

Fort Missoula Regional Park Hosts Old-Fashioned Fall Family Fest on Oct 20

By BECKY GOODRICH - Fort Missoula Regional Park invites kids and their families to the 18th Annual Fall Family Fest and Kaboom! Play Day on Saturday, October 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.... more

Stage II Fire Restrictions to Begin Friday on City Open Space

By BECKY GOODRICH - Stage II fire restrictions will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday 8/10, on City of Missoula open space and conservation lands, including Mount Sentinel, the North Hills, Mount Jumbo.... more

Over 140 Players Break in New Fort Missoula Regional Park Pickleball Courts

By BECKY GOODRICH - Over 140 pickleball players, ranging in age from 17 to 84, will compete in Missoula this weekend at the fifth annual Montana Open pickleball tournament.... more

Kidsfest 2018 Slated for July 24 at Caras Park

Join us for Kidsfest 2018, a free summer celebration for Missoula families at Caras Park on Tuesday, July 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.... more

Fort Missoula Regional Park Phase 2 Grand Opening Slated for July 26

By BECKY GOODRICH - The public is invited to the Fort Missoula Regional Park Phase II Grand Opening celebration on Thursday, July 26, 2018 from 6 to 10 p.m. ... more

Sheep Return to City Open Space, Pet Owners Required to Leash Dogs Near Herd

By BECKY GOODRICH - Visitors to City open space are reminded: leash your dog when hiking near grazing sheep this summer.... more

Splash Montana Water Park Opens This Weekend, Opens Daily June 11

By BECKY GOODRICH - Splash Montana opens on Sat., June 4. The facility will be open Sat. and Sun., June 4 and 5 from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., and will begin daily operation on Sat., June 11.... more

City Council Approves 12 New Playgrounds

The City Council unanimously approved the purchase and installation of of new playground equipment for 12 playgrounds throughout Missoula.... more

Walk With a Doc This Thursday

Walk with a Doc this Thursday--it's a free program to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages. Brought to you by Missoula Parks & Rec and Community Medical Center. Learn more.... more

Recreation Program Cancellations and Currents Aquatics Center Closure

Due to severe weather conditions, Parks and Recreation and Currents Aquatics Center announce the following schedule changes. Please check local media or the City of Missoula website for updates.... more

Missoula Parks & Rec Offers President’s Day Camp and Preschool Programs

Sign up now for these exciting Parks & Rec programs: Winter Olympics Day Camp for President's Day, Super Sprouts Sports Skills for Ages 3-5, Sports & Wellness Play Time for Preschoolers & Parents.... more

Elite Runners to Participate in the Missoula Mile on Sept. 8

F.Y.I. - The region’s fastest runners will step to the starting line of Run Wild Missoula’s Missoula Mile on Sunday, September 8 during Sunday Streets Missoula. ... more

Local Businesses Help City Replace Damaged Trees

F.Y.I. - Missoula Parks and Recreation plans to partner with NorthWestern Energy, Lowes Home Improvement and Montana Ace Hardware to replace about a dozen young boulevard trees that were destroyed by vandals.... more

Splash Montana Opens June 8

F.Y.I. - Splash Montana, Parks and Recreation’s outdoor waterpark in Playfair Park, will open for the 2014 season on Saturday, June 8 from 11:30 a.m to 8 p.m. ... more

Missoula Parks & Recreation Presents: Run for the Trees and Doggie Dash

F.Y.I. - Missoula Parks and Rec presents Run for the Trees 5k/1 mile Fun Run/Walk on Saturday April 13th and the Doggie Dash 5k/1 Mile Fun Run/Walk & Doggie Expo on May 5th. ... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Re-Opened March 15

F.Y.I. - To protect wintering elk and mule deer, much of Mount Jumbo is closed to recreational use during winter months. The Saddle Road and all points south of the road re-opened to the public on Friday, March... more

REGISTER NOW for Missoula Parks and Rec’s NEW Sports & Fitness Programs

F.Y.I. - REGISTER NOW for the all new sports and fitness programs at Missoula Parks & Rec's Sports and Wellness Center, located at 1515 Fairview, inside City Life Community Center. NO membership is required. ... more

City of Missoula Receives Grant for Accessible Playground in McCormick Park

On Thursday, January 17, Mayor John Engen accepted a $150,000 grant from the Morris and Helen Silver Foundation to begin construction of a new, universally-accessible playground in McCormick Park.... more