Sweet Summertime

Bozeman Parks and Recreation update

Summers are sweet in Bozeman, but they’re relatively short, and with so many amazing activities to take part in (it’s a tough life) you may feel you need a small fortune to complete them all. Fear not, for your Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department is here to help you get the most out of summer.

Get Your Feet Wet
Youth and adult kayak classes take paddlers of all ages from wet exits to safe rolling techniques. Our stand-up-paddleboarding class will give you a smooth stroke and stellar balance by the end of summer, and if you plan on spending a lot of time on the river, take our river rescue class—topics include hydrology, recognizing and avoiding hazards, technical rescue techniques, and other practical skills. Still not pruney enough? Learn to fly fish. Casting techniques, fly selection, knot tying, reading the water, and fish habits are just a few of the things you’ll learn in this class.

Multisport Kids
Get the little guys doing bricks and strategizing about transition station set up during youth (ages 6-12) triathlon training classes, a triathlon clinic, and a kids’ triathlon race. If your offspring prefers jeans to a racing onesie, the little shredder can learn from big shredders in our Youth Skateboarding Program at Kirk Park, one of the top skate parks in the state. Don’t forget the Annual Sweet Pea Children’s Run—it’s a costume-filled classic.

21-and-Over Leagues
Let the grownups have some fun too. Sand volleyball is a great way to hang with friends on a Thursday evening in an entertaining, recreationally competitive atmosphere. If you’d rather kick than spike, the kickball league is a nostalgically good time, and is great for anyone who wants to run the bases but is scared of getting beaned with a baseball.

Something for Everyone
Jam with friends at the Pickin’ in the Park series on the first and third Tuesday evenings of each month throughout summer. Bring lawn chairs, libations, and enjoy musical entertainment at Beall Park as the sun goes down. Wondering what the heck Pickleball is? This fast-paced racquet sport is sweeping the nation—check out a class to see why. Take aim with our ever-expanding archery classes—every section fills up fast, so sign up early. Last but not least, cool off at a reduced rate during Friday Family Swim days at Bogert Pool.

This is just a sampling of what you can take part in this summer with your Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department. Take advantage of it—classes are low-pressure, affordable, and equipment is provided for most offerings. 

Mitch Overton is the director of Bozeman Parks and Recreation.