Proposed Depot Park Stage: Whitefish Parks and Recreation Community Engagement Request for Input

Consultation has concluded

The “Comments” platform on this website has been closed due to inappropriate use. This platform was created by the City of Whitefish to inform the community about a public engagement process and to solicit public feedback on consideration of amending the Depot Park Master Plan to allow for additional permanent structures and/or hardscape in Depot Park that could be used for outdoor performances. It has come to our attention that the platform is instead being used by some community members as a forum to debate other citizens’ comments and to spread inaccurate information about the process. This use has led to some citizens expressing reluctance to utilize this platform for public comment. All comments that have been posted to date will be provided to the Park Board for consideration at the October 27^th meeting. Individuals who wish to provide additional public comment can do so in person at the October 27^th Park Board meeting in the City Hall Council Chambers at 6pm or by sending their comments to jbradford@cityofwhitefish.gov or mbutts@cityofwhitefish.gov. We ask that in consideration of public resources and efficiency, citizens make an effort to compose their complete comments into one communication to the Park Board.

This website has been developed to determine if there is community support in exploring a permanent stage or additional hardscaped surface for outdoor performances and events in Depot Park, and if so, to provide all news and resources about the project if it moves forward. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to the right on this webpage for all the details on this project.

The City of Whitefish believes community participation is a critical component of the planning process and understands community members are holders of local knowledge. We invite you to subscribe to this site (located at top right) to receive information which will be provided through website updates, emailed newsletters, any upcoming events and posting of text, and documents.

Along with in-person meetings, participation will be possible through message boards viewable to the public and any surveys we post. In addition to the benefit of allowing users to engage and interact online, the website makes it possible for community members who might not typically attend public meetings or workshops due to job situations, financial constraints, childcare needs or other difficulties, to participate at their convenience.

Consultation has concluded

October 2026 Park Board Update on Depot Park Proposal

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At the October 27, 2026, Park Board meeting, the board unanimously moved to not amend the Depot Park Master Plan but to consider a reenvisioning of the existing gazebo area that is consistent with the existing master plan.
This decision is meant to honor the Depot Park Master Plan but also allow for the current gazebo to be retrofitted or removed and redesigned as an expanded hard surface area and a 24-foot-wide gazebo structure that would serve as an informal covered space for daily activities [gathering/picnicking] and as a small performance space, in accordance with the Depot Park Master Plan.
The Park Board asked the Lions Club to come back to the January 12^th, 2027, Park Board meeting to clarify if they wished to continue to fundraise for this project given the specifications that must be met. Next steps will be determined at this meeting.

At the October 27, 2026, Park Board meeting, the board unanimously moved to not amend the Depot Park Master Plan but to consider a reenvisioning of the existing gazebo area that is consistent with the existing master plan.
This decision is meant to honor the Depot Park Master Plan but also allow for the current gazebo to be retrofitted or removed and redesigned as an expanded hard surface area and a 24-foot-wide gazebo structure that would serve as an informal covered space for daily activities [gathering/picnicking] and as a small performance space, in accordance with the Depot Park Master Plan.
The Park Board asked the Lions Club to come back to the January 12^th, 2027, Park Board meeting to clarify if they wished to continue to fundraise for this project given the specifications that must be met. Next steps will be determined at this meeting.

Consultation has concluded
Public Comment is Closed on this Platform

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The “Comments” platform on this website has been closed due to inappropriate use. This platform was created by the City of Whitefish to inform the community about a public engagement process and to solicit public feedback on consideration of amending the Depot Park Master Plan to allow for additional permanent structures and/or hardscape in Depot Park that could be used for outdoor performances. It has come to our attention that the platform is instead being used by some community members as a forum to debate other citizens’ comments and to spread inaccurate information about the process. This use has led to some citizens expressing reluctance to utilize this platform for public comment. All comments that have been posted to date will be provided to the Park Board for consideration at the October 27^th meeting. Individuals who wish to provide additional public comment can do so in person at the October 27^th Park Board meeting in the City Hall Council Chambers at 6pm or by sending their comments to jbradford@cityofwhitefish.gov or mbutts@cityofwhitefish.gov. We ask that in consideration of public resources and efficiency, citizens make an effort to compose their complete comments into one communication to the Park Board.
The “Comments” platform on this website has been closed due to inappropriate use. This platform was created by the City of Whitefish to inform the community about a public engagement process and to solicit public feedback on consideration of amending the Depot Park Master Plan to allow for additional permanent structures and/or hardscape in Depot Park that could be used for outdoor performances. It has come to our attention that the platform is instead being used by some community members as a forum to debate other citizens’ comments and to spread inaccurate information about the process. This use has led to some citizens expressing reluctance to utilize this platform for public comment. All comments that have been posted to date will be provided to the Park Board for consideration at the October 27^th meeting. Individuals who wish to provide additional public comment can do so in person at the October 27^th Park Board meeting in the City Hall Council Chambers at 6pm or by sending their comments to jbradford@cityofwhitefish.gov or mbutts@cityofwhitefish.gov. We ask that in consideration of public resources and efficiency, citizens make an effort to compose their complete comments into one communication to the Park Board.
Consultation has concluded
October Park Board Meeting Agenda - Proposed Stage at Depot Park

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The October Park Board meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday October 27th @ 6:00 PM as we did not have a quorum for our regularly scheduled meeting on the 13th. At the October 27th meeting, the Park Board of Commissioners will accept further public comment on whether the existing Depot Park Master Plan should be amended to include an additional permanent structure and/or hardscape, and direct city staff on the next step of the process. The park board packet will be available online at https://www.cityofwhitefish.gov/AgendaCenter/Park-Board-8 the Thursday prior to the meeting. Up until the October 27 meeting, public comment can also be provided online at www.engagewhitefish.com . Once you subscribe you will be able to leave a comment.
The October Park Board meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday October 27th @ 6:00 PM as we did not have a quorum for our regularly scheduled meeting on the 13th. At the October 27th meeting, the Park Board of Commissioners will accept further public comment on whether the existing Depot Park Master Plan should be amended to include an additional permanent structure and/or hardscape, and direct city staff on the next step of the process. The park board packet will be available online at https://www.cityofwhitefish.gov/AgendaCenter/Park-Board-8 the Thursday prior to the meeting. Up until the October 27 meeting, public comment can also be provided online at www.engagewhitefish.com . Once you subscribe you will be able to leave a comment.
Consultation has concluded
COMMUNITY MEETING SCHEDULED!

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A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 6PM ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 in the City Council Chambers of the Whitefish City Hall to determine whether the community supports a new permanent stage to host outdoor performances and events in Depot Park.

City staff will be at this meeting to present information, facilitate the meeting, and respond to concerns and questions. Portions of the presentation will include real-time polling so please bring a mobile device!
A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 6PM ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 in the City Council Chambers of the Whitefish City Hall to determine whether the community supports a new permanent stage to host outdoor performances and events in Depot Park.

City staff will be at this meeting to present information, facilitate the meeting, and respond to concerns and questions. Portions of the presentation will include real-time polling so please bring a mobile device!
Consultation has concluded