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Burke Park Bridge Complete

Construction is complete on the new bridge at the base of Peets Hill in Burke Park. GVLT, supporters, and partners hosted a dedication of the bridge before the Downtown Bozeman Christmas Stroll on December 5th.   It was a wonderful event to welcome the trail system’s newest bridge!

The park is one of Bozeman’s most iconic and special places, used by hundreds of bikers, runners, walkers, and dogs every day. It was also one of the first projects undertaken by the Gallatin Valley Land Trust 25 years ago, when our founder, Chris Boyd, spearheaded efforts to protect the private land for public parkland.  Despite its popularity, the entrance to Peets Hill was less than special. The culvert crossing was narrow and made it difficult for users to cross safely. Sediment eroded into the waterway, affecting water quality, degrading habitat, and contributing to upstream flood hazards.

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We have long envisioned the transformation of the entrance of Peets Hill. The new bridge was a way to improve the experience for trail users, mark a 25th anniversary of our trail work, and honor our founder, Chris Boyd.

“Burke Park and Peets Hill are special places for the Bozeman community. This bridge will be a beautiful entrance to a popular park and a symbol for a community that is dedicated to preserving our quality of life”, says Penelope Pierce, Executive Director.

The Artemis Institute generously donated the design for the bridge, creating a crossing that is not only a natural addition to the beauty of the park, but safe for the trail’s many users. Construction was done by local company, MFGR Designs.  A number of generous individuals and business leaders have contributed to make this project possible; Chris Boyd’s family members Brenna Boyd, Dan Boyd and Gabriela Guzman, David Close and Wendy Boyd Close made contributions in his honor, and Downtown Bozeman Partnership, the Recreational Trails Program, Friends of Parks, Wisetail, West Paw Design, Community Food Co-op, Bozeman, Sanderson Stewart, and the City of Bozeman also made generous contributions.