article by Anna Rogers | photos by Seth Kroft, Jaime Blotske, and Billings Parks & Recreation

There is something for everyone to do through Billings Parks and Recreation, and there are places for everyone to go and enjoy. Get to know Billings’ parks, trails, and facilities to see how you can “treat yo’self” to some fitness, fun, and community this year.

If you’ve thought Parks and Rec is just a few neighborhood playgrounds for kids to run amok, you’re missing out on some fantastic features. From pickleball to picnicking, swimming to skateboarding, fruit picking to family barbecues, Billings Parks and Rec has a space to bring your hobbies, activities, and events to life.

ACCESSIBLE, SAFE, AND QUALITY SPACES

The Billings Parks and Rec mission is “to provide accessible, safe, and quality parks, facilities, open spaces and recreational opportunities for all.” The fulfillment of this mission comes in many forms – parkland, playgrounds, athletic facilities, trails, pools, and more.

“The Department of Parks, Recreation and Public Lands (PRPL) manages the City’s Parks and Recreation System. Residents and visitors are offered approximately 2,580 acres (approximately 4 square miles) of parkland that includes: 171 Park Areas, 40 playgrounds, 26 restrooms, 29 basketball courts, 19 tennis courts, 29 park shelters, 66 horseshoe pits, over 100 athletic fields (soccer, baseball and softball), six neighborhood centers, 30 miles of paved multi-use trails, three cemeteries in two locations, two outdoor pools, two wading pools, four spray parks, one dog park, batting cage facility, Par 3 golf course (operated by the Exchange City Golf Corporation), and a minor league baseball stadium.”

It's hard to imagine all the spaces and places Billings residents (and their pups!) have available to enjoy fresh air and physical activity every season. These spaces are managed with intention and are meant to be accessible to everyone, with features like toddler splash pads, ADA- accessible trails, specialized courts and fields, and an indoor Community & Senior Center.

DEVELOPED PARKLAND

Billings has 1,100 acres of developed parkland – like Pioneer Park, Castle Rock Park, South Park, Stewart Park, and Amend Park. Developed parks feature shade structures, picnic areas, spray grounds, playgrounds, athletic fields, and irrigated turf grass. Bring the whole family and enjoy a beautiful Billings day!

NATURAL LAND PARKS

There are another 1,100 acres of natural land parks in Billings, such as Phipps Park, Riverfront Park, and Swords Park. Trails, lakes, rivers, and wildlife are a few features that can be enjoyed in these natural land areas. Take a hike at Phipps, stroll around the ponds at Riverfront, or sit and look out over the city and to the mountains at Swords.

TRAILS

Trails are an integral part of life in Billings for many residents, offering opportunities for biking, walking, running, hiking, and commuting. Approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails are constructed from concrete or asphalt. These trails can be plowed throughout the winter for Safe Routes to School and year-round outdoor activity. The newest trail addition is the Skyline Trail along Swords Park, which added 3 miles of new trail!

COURTS & FIELDS

If playing sports is your thing, Billings Parks and Rec has you covered, offering plenty of ball fields to enjoy “America’s Pastime,” disc golf courses, athletics fields, courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and sand volleyball, and a skate park. Some local spots, like multi-use Amend Park, are utilized for YSA soccer, the annual Big Sky Balloon Rally, or simply flying kites with friends!

WATER-RELATED FUN

Billings’ water-related parks and facilities are swimming with activity in the summer months. Rose and South Park Pools average nearly 50,000 visits per summer during June, July, and August. Rose Park Pool includes three waterslides and a zero-entry kiddie pool with new, interactive spray features set to debut in 2025. Throughout our park system, five spray grounds, also called splash pads, provide water fun for younger children at Terry, Castle Rock, South, Highland, and North Parks. Add these fun-filled spots to your summer bucket list!

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Last but certainly not least, Billings Parks and Rec also offers Amend Park Community Garden, which provides an excellent opportunity for families to grow their own fresh produce throughout the spring, summer, and fall. This is the first city- owned community garden in Billings and the first of its kind in the city's Southwest Corridor. The garden provides space, resources, and education to foster community and food security.

KEEPING IT FRESH

In addition to maintaining the wide variety of parks, trails, and facilities that Billings offers residents, Billings Parks and Recreation continually works to improve existing spaces and create new ones.

PARK UPDATES

New post-tension concrete tennis courts recently replaced Pioneer Park's old crumbling asphalt courts. Poly Vista Park received a new asphalt parking lot, an automated irrigation system, and Landon’s Legacy Miracle Field (our community’s first special needs baseball field). The construction of an all-inclusive, accessible playground adjacent to Landon’s Legacy Miracle Field is underway. A new parking lot at Castle Rock Park was completed, and a re-model of the restrooms is ongoing. Gorham Park was updated to a fully automatic irrigation system this past year, and Grandview Park is under construction for the same.

TRAIL UPDATES

New trail development at Lillis Park, Riverfront Park, and Rimrock West will enhance connectivity between parks and adjacent communities. Improvements to new and existing trails managed by Billings Parks and Rec will provide ADA accessibility and an easier surface to maintain for snow removal.

VOLUNTEERS

Billings Parks and Rec wouldn’t be what it is without the help and dedication of volunteer groups that pour into these spaces every year. Volunteer groups can Adopt- a-Park/Trail or contact the Recreation Superintendent about yearly projects and opportunities. There are events throughout the year that highlight keeping parks and trails fresh, like Refresh the Rims and the spring Arbor Day event. The Parks staff will empower and assist to bring these volunteer efforts to life, so reach out to see how you can get involved!

THANK YOU TO THE AMAZING BILLINGS PARKS AND RECREATION STAFF, WHO

BROUGHT THIS ARTICLE TO LIFE

AND WHOSE EFFORTS SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!

Kory Johnson, Recreation Superintendent Cole McQuillan, Parks Superintendent Jake Milliron, Community Outreach

 & Engagement Coordinator 

Originally printed in the March 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Never miss an issue, check out SLM's digital editions here!  

related articles: