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 ‘Missoula Parks and Recreation’

Tree Debris Drop Sites Opened; Caution Advised in Parks Due to Tree Hazards

To aid in cleanup efforts after Wednesday’s storm, the City has established six free drop sites for storm-damaged vegetation.... more

Boulevard Trees Need Help to Survive Extreme Summer Heat

If hot summer days are leaving you thirsty, chances are your street trees need some water too.... more

Sheep Return to City Open Space, Some Areas Temporarily Closed to Dogs

The City of Missoula’s wooliest employees are back this summer to help with noxious weed control on City Open Space.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Opens to the Public March 23

Mount Jumbo’s South Zone, which includes the Lincoln Hills Trailhead and all points south of the Saddle Road, will reopen to the public at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23.... more

City Sponsors Christmas Ever-Green Tree Recycling Program

The City of Missoula is hosting its annual Christmas Ever-Green tree recycling program, Dec. 26 to Jan. 14. Residents may drop off cut Christmas trees at three area parks and at Garden City Compost to be recycl... more

Where To Ride A Bike In Missoula?

If you’re someone who enjoys active outdoor recreation, you might want to take your electric bike on a journey to Missoula. Here are some places to check out for your next bike ride:... more

Fort Missoula Regional Park Hosts Old-Fashioned Fall Family Fest on Oct. 16

Fall is here… it’s time for hayrides, apple cider and old-fashioned family fun! Fort Missoula Regional Park invites kids and their families to the 20th Annual Fall Family Fest and Kaboom! Play Day on Saturd... more

Mount Sentinel to Close Friday Due to Fire Danger

Due to significant fire danger and Stage II fire restrictions, open space on Mount Sentinel will be closed for 24 hours this Friday and Saturday.... more

7th Annual Doggie Dash Slated for September 8 at Fort Missoula

By BECKY GOODRICH - Missoula Parks & Recreation invites you and your four-legged friends to the 7th annual Doggie Dash Pet Expo and Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 8, at Fort Missoula Regional Park West.... more

Over 100 Players to Compete in Regional Pickeball Tournament

By BECKY GOODRICH - Over 100 pickleball players from multiple states will be in Missoula this weekend for the fourth annual Montana Open pickleball tournament at Playfair Park.  ... more

Kidsfest 2017 Slated for July 25 at Caras Park

By BECKY GOODRICH - Kids and kids at heart are invited to join Missoula Parks and Recreation for Kidsfest 2017, a free summer celebration at Caras Park.... more

Fall Into Fun With Parks and Recreation

Join Missoula Parks and Recreation for these exciting recreation and aquatics programs. Call 721-PARK to register or stop by Currents Aquatics Center in McCormick Park. ... more

Parks and Recreation Hosts Old-Fashioned Family Fest on Oct. 22

It’s fall—time for hayrides, apple cider and old-fashioned harvest celebrations brought to you by the folks at Missoula Parks and Recreation.... more

Kids, Families Invited to FREE Unplug and Play! Kick-Off Celebration on May 1

Families are invited to the 5th annual Let’s Move! Missoula: Unplug and Play! kick-off celebration on Sunday, May 1, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at McCormick Park. ... more

5th Annual Doggie Dash Fun Run Slated for May 15

Missoula Parks & Rec and Missoula Animal Control invite you and your four-legged buddy to the 5th annual Doggie Dash Pet Expo and Fun Run on Sun. May 15, at Silver Park. ... more

Public Comment Sought on Bike Skills Parks Through April 22

Missoula Parks and Recreation is seeking public comment on draft master plans for two new bike skills parks through Friday, April 22.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Re-Opens March 22

Mount Jumbo’s South Zone, including the Saddle Road and all points south of the road, re-opens to the public on Tuesday, March 22.... more

Mount Jumbo Wildlife Closure Begins December 1

By BECKY GOODRICH-Most of Mount Jumbo closes to recreational use during the winter months to protect wintering elk. Read more about the closures areas.... more

Public Invited to Fort Missoula Regional Park Ground Breaking this Saturday

By BECKY GOODRICH for Missoula Parks and Recreation Citizens are invited to a ground breaking celebration for Fort Missoula Regional Park on Saturday, October 10 at 10 a.m.  Grading and site preparation for... more

Walk With A Doc This Thursday at McCormick Park

Take a step toward better health this Thursday with Missoula Parks and Recreation and Community Medical Center with "Walk With A Doc".... more

Public Invited to Grant Creek Trail Grand Opening This Thursday

FREE icecream for the first 100 people at the grand opening of the Grant Creek Trail--Missoula's newest bicycle-pedestrian trail. The Celebration will be at 5:30 pm , Thursday July 9.... more

Parks and Recreation Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Playground Improvements

Missoula Parks and Rec invites citizens to learn more about and comment on "Operation Playground Build- proposed improvements at 10 city playgrounds.... more

Splash Montana Opens for Lap Swims this Weekend

Due to cool temperatures in this weekend’s weather forecast, Splash Montana waterpark will be open for lap swim only on Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.... more

Sign the Kiddos up for Summer Camp at the Missoula Kids Camp Expo

Come to the 4th Annual Missoula Kids Camp Expo Saturday, Apr. 18th from 1-4 pm. Sign the kids up for camp at one of 20 Missoula summer camp and children’s Activity providers. ... more

Pubic Invited to Open House for Fort Missoula Regional Park

Citizens are invited to an open house to learn more about the plan for Fort Missoula Regional Park (FMRP) on Thursday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m., at the Missoula Children’s Theater.... more

Folf (Disc Golf) in the Parks Starts April 7 at Silver Park

Join Parks and Recreation and the Garden City Flyers for a free, family-friendly round of Disc Golf April 7 at Silver Park.... more

Winter Carnival and Snow Races at Marshall Mountain

Join Missoula Parks & Rec for the first annual Marshall Mountain Winter Carnival and Snowshoe/Ski Races on Sat., Feb. 22 at Marshall Mountain, from 10-4 p.m.... more

Register Now For Frost Fever 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

Join Missoula Parks and Recreation for a wintery fun run/walk along the Riverfront Trail System on Saturday, January 24. Choose from the new 1-mile fun run or the traditional 5K route. ... more

Citizens Encouraged to Recycle Christmas Trees

Missoula Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry Division is inviting citizens to drop off their cut Christmas trees to be recycled into productive mulch. ... more

Mount Jumbo Wildlife Closure Begins December 1

Mount Jumbo's North Zone is closed from December 1 until May 1. Trespassing during the wildlife closure is prohibited and violators may be fined up to $500. ... more

City Accepts $15,000 donation from Little Grizzly Football for youth scholarships

On Sat, Oct. 25, The Cit of Missoula will accept a $15,000 donation from Little Grizzly Sports to fund scholarships to Parks and Rec’s youth flag football program.... more

Over 100 Volunteers Expected for National Public Lands Day Event in Missoula

Missoula Parks and Recreation to host three service projects on Saturday, October 4, as part of national program.... more

Register Now for All-Abilities Playmakers Sports League

Parks and Recreation invites children aged five and up to sign for the new All-Abilities Playmakers sports program for children with and without disabilities.... more

New Fireline Grill Opens at Splash Montana

Splash Montana is proud to announce the ALL NEW Fireline Grill, a mobile kitchen offering fresh, restaurant-quality food options to guests at Splash Montana and in Playfair. ... more

City of Missoula Serious About Fireworks Enforcement

The use of most fireworks in the city of Missoula is illegal, and City leaders are serious about enforcement.... more

Silver Summit: A Playground For Everyone, Makes Fundraising Push for Phase II

By Julie Emnett, Development Director, Child Care Resources It kind of started with a yellow swing. Jenny Montgomery, who is the Owner/Tasting Room Director of Montgomery Distillery, remembers coming to Mi... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Closure Extended to April 7

To protect wintering elk, most of Mount Jumbo’s south zone will remain closed through Sunday, April 6. However, the “L” trail will re-open to the public on Tuesday, April 1. ... more

Winter Survival

By BRUCE AUCHLY - While we can adapt to winter's overdue cold spells, wild animals have three basic strategies for dealing with winter and they are the same each year, no matter the weather.... more

Parks and Recreation to Launch Pilot Program for Special Events on City Open Space

Missoula Parks & Rec is evaluating the impacts of educational programs, fun runs, celebrations and other special events on City open space and invites the public to learn more and comment.... more

City’s Urban Forestry Division to Replace 79 Ailing Street Trees

F.Y.I. - Missoula’s urban forest is getting some much-needed attention as City arborists work with residents to replace 79 dead or dying boulevard trees throughout Missoula.... more

Local Physicians Prescribe a Walk in the Park to Their Patients

Missoula Parks and Recreation and Community Medical Center (CMC) have partnered with Montana State Parks to create a Prescription Trail on Fort Missoula’s walking paths.... more

Fall Fun with Missoula Parks and Recreation

F.Y.I. - Missoula Parks and Recreation’s Fall 2013 Recreation Guide, featuring Currents Aquatics Center, adult sports and much more, is now available online. ... more

Fairy Tale and Super Hero Festival is Saturday July 27

Come to the Fairy Tale and Super Hero Festival at Dragon Hollow Play area on Sat., July 27, from 10am to noon. Kids will enjoy fun, food and activities. The first 450 will receive a Tooth Fairy bag.... more

Kidsfest 2013 Slated for July 30 at Caras Park

Hey Kids! Join Missoula Parks and Recreation for Kidsfest 2013, a free summer celebration for Missoula families at Caras Park on Tuesday, July 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ... more

Weekend Fun with Missoula Parks and Recreation

Join Missoula Parks and Recreation this weekend for a Kids’ Fishing Derby, Splash Montana Water Volleyball league and Adult Night, Open Ropes Course and Skateboard Mentors at MOBASH Skatepark.... more

City Requires Owners to Leash Dogs Near Grazing Sheep on Open Space

The City’s woolliest employees will be back at work this Sunday helping Missoulians rid the North Hills of noxious weeds. Please help protect the herd from off-leash dogs.... more

Missoula Agencies Encourage Families to Unplug and Play

Let's Move Missoula and Unplug and Play Outside-April 21-28. A week-long series of SCREEN-FREE activities for Children including a free Unplug and Play Outside Festival on Apr 21, from 1-4pm.... more

Parks and Recreation Youth Tennis Lessons Starting Soon

FYI - Missoula Parks and Recreation invites kids to try “10-&-Under Tennis,” lessons designed especially for younger children. ... more

Missoula Children and Nature Presents National Public Lands Day

Missoula Children and Nature (MCN) and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks invite kids and families to visit Montana’s newest state park for a day of kid-friendly activities.... more