City to Celebrate Bitterroot Trail Lighting with Community Light Parade

The Bitterroot Trail Lighting project will be completed by the end of October. To celebrate, the Missoula Redevelopment Agency, Missoula Parks & Recreation, and the Mayor’s Office invite the community to help “flip the switch” with a light parade along the Bitterroot Trail. 

Approximately 182 lights have been installed along 2.7 miles of the Bitterroot Trail within the urban core. The project enhances public safety, extends the hours that the trail can be used, and complies with the City’s Outdoor Lighting Ordinance to help preserve the night sky. The project spans both Urban Renewal Districts II and III and was a priority in the 9- Year Strategic Exit Plan for Urban Renewal District II.

“Lighting the Bitterroot Trail is an important safety improvement for the people who use the trail regularly, including myself. I believe this investment will encourage more people to use the trail for recreational and commuting purposes. I’m thrilled to see it finished!” said Mayor Andrea Davis. 

The community is invited to gather near the Central Avenue crossing at the northeast corner of Montana Rail Link (MRL) Park on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 6:15 p.m. Mayor Andrea Davis will host a “countdown” to lighting the trail and then lead a bicycle parade along the newly lit trail. Trail users, walkers, runners, and cyclists are invited to wear their best or most creative lights and join the Mayor for a parade of lights down the newly lit trail. We encourage people to reduce waste by utilizing reusable light sources.