Building Community Beyond the Slopes: BSCO Expands Recreational Spaces
AS BIG SKY GROWS, THE BIG SKY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION (BSCO) continues to meet the needs of its evolving population. “Traditionally, ski town social networks are strung together with lifts, gondolas, and après bar stools,” says Tallie Lancey, BSCO Board Chair. “More people who don’t necessarily ski are moving to Big Sky. BSCO is creating spaces where people can build community through recreation off the ski hill. Life in the mountains can be isolating and BSCO aims to create spaces where you can make friends.”
Here are some highlights:
• Look for a major upgrade to the free racquet sport courts, a renovated and expanded skatepark, a paved pump track, and the addition of a brand new mini-adventure playground at the Big Sky Community Park.
• The pickleball and tennis communities worked with BSCO to raise more than 75 percent of the $1 million renovation cost. The upgraded facility boasts eight pickleball courts, two tennis courts, new surfaces, and improved fencing.
• The Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association helped fund the pump track upgrades in partnership with Lone Mountain Land Company, which donated $50,000, and Dreamland Skateparks led the skatepark renovation. Big Sky Resort Area District supported both, as well as the construction of the mini-adventure playground, which is ADA accessible and includes an area dedicated to toddlers, a zipline, and more.
• BASE, Big Sky’s only community and recreation center accessible to all, continues to expand programming. In addition to childcare services provided to working families, BASE is also growing programs for middle-school aged kids.
• Two new BSCO supported trails, Huff’s Trek and Tanner’s Way, provide multi-use access into the backcountry.
• BSCO expanded winter grooming in the Hummocks and Uplands areas for Nordic skiing and fat biking.
To view the article in Big Sky Life click here
