As a resident of the Pleasant View neighborhood in Missoula, I am moved to advocate for our community's access to a fully developed public space. The absence of a properly developed park in our neighborhood is felt deeply by many families, including mine. Pleasant View is a vibrant and growing community, yet we lack the amenities that are readily available in other areas such as 44 Ranch, Greenough Park or McCormick Park. The proposed 2028 Missoula budget reduces the budget for development from $150,000 to $0 and removes the dog off leash  area (DOLA).  We are calling on the city of Missoula to keep the plan agreed by the city and neighborhoods in 2011 and prioritize funding for the phase II development of Pleasant View Park.

Many families have chosen to make Pleasant View their home, attracted by its promise of family-friendly living and community spirit. However, the lack of a developed park limits the opportunities for our children to play and for our families to gather and enjoy the outdoors. Parks play a crucial role in community well-being, providing spaces for exercise, socializing, and events.

Currently, our park is unable to serve its intended purpose due to a shortage of facilities such as picnic areas, multi use sports court, off-leash dog areas, pavilions and pathways. The  Phase II of the park development master planned in 2010 aims to install these needed amenities and transform the park into a beloved community hub. We have seen how well-developed parks in other neighborhoods have enhanced the quality of life, providing a safe and welcoming environment for all residents.

Funding the phase II development of Pleasant View Park will not only benefit our neighborhood but also increase property values, bring communities together, and foster a sense of pride and belonging among residents. According to the Trust for Public Land, parks are instrumental in improving the mental and physical health of individuals and in increasing community cohesion.

We appeal to the city council of Missoula to allocate the necessary funds in the upcoming budget to fully implement the second phase of the Pleasant View Park project. This investment is not a mere expenditure but a step towards equity and inclusivity in our city's neighborhood development strategy.

Please sign this petition to show your support for the Pleasant View community and to urge the city of Missoula to act now. Let us make our voices heard and bring about the change we wish to see, ensuring that every family has access to the joys and benefits of a local, fully equipped park.