The ArchThe Friends of Stodden Park (FOSP), in coordination with Montana Technological (Montana Tech) and Butte Silver Bow Parks and Recreation, propose to establish formal trailhead access point to the Big Butte Open Space trail system.

The trailhead project aims to create an attractive, accessible and secure entry to one of Butte’s key and closest recreational areas. A defined parking area and historic gateway arch will lead users to the Big Butte Open Space trail system on the western end of the Montana Tech campus, at the western termination of Park Street, at the intersection of Bluebird Trail and Mining Way to the west of Montana Tech’s Natural Resources Building.

The trailhead project will provide Butte citizens and Montana Tech students, families and visitors with a vital trail identifier, access, and parking. A defined, higher profile access point is an important component to increase use, in turn improving health, sense of stewardship, and quality of life. The project will improve an undeveloped dirt parking lot and enhance recent improvements on Montana Tech’s campus as well as the significant investments in the Big Butte Open Space Park by Butte Silver Bow. Moreover, this community icon offers sweeping vistas of our rich mining history to those utilizing the trails. This natural area, relatively untouched by mining, continues to be a natural oasis that helps celebrate and tell our collective community story.

Download the full proposal for detail information about the project.