The Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands (PRPL) Department is partnering with the Landon's Legacy Foundation to develop a Miracle League baseball field and an inclusive and accessible playground for children of all abilities. The Miracle League is a national organization dedicated to providing an accessible baseball facility for children with physical limitations to participate and enjoy the game of baseball. The Landon's Legacy Foundation was created by Scott and Marcie Smith to honor their son, Landon. Its mission is to "bridge the gap between our communities' special needs population and their peers through sports and healthy physical play".  Partnering with the foundation is the Billings Kiwanis Organization who are assisting in fundraising efforts.

Two years ago the Foundation met with PRPL to discuss a suitable location for a Miracle Field and inclusive playground.  After reviewing several locations, Poly Vista Park surfaced as a top location to explore.  Since there was not a Council-approved master plan for Poly Vista Park to determine the suitability of the park for these features, it was decided to do a master plan study. Landon's Legacy Foundation donated $66,570 to help fund this study. Billings Kiwanis contributed $27,000 of the donation amount.
 
Poly Vista Park is located South of Arrowhead Elementary School on 38th Street West. During the past 4 months our consultant, Land Design Inc., has been working with PRPL, the Foundation and Billings Kiwanis to develop the master plan for Poly Vista Park. They have reached out to various organizations and groups working with children with special needs, the neighborhood residents, the School District, senior organizations and the general public seeking comments and perspective. Two public meetings were held to present concepts and seek comments. The final plan was presented to the Billings Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Board on August 9th. The Board voted to recommend to Council a public hearing to consider the plan and to adopt the Poly Vista Park Master Plan.  

If Council adopts this plan it will become the guiding document for future development at Poly Vista Park; will provide a location for a Miracle League baseball field in Billings; and will provide information to the Landon's Legacy Foundation and Billings Kiwanis to assist them in their fundraising efforts.   






 

City Council may:

• Approve the park master plan as the guiding document for future development at Poly Vista Park,
• Modify the master plan, or;
• Disapprove the park master plan and provide staff with additional direction.

The Landon's Legacy Foundation donated $66,570 to substantially fund the master plan study. The Billings Kiwanis contributed $27,000 of the donation amount. There will be no additional financial impact for the master plan study. The Landon's Legacy Foundation, along with the Billings Kiwanis, has set a goal to raise $1.5 million to construct the Miracle League Field and the inclusive playground.

Staff and the PRC Board recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing and adopt the Poly Vista Park Master Plan as the governing document for future development of the park.