A proposed set of improvements to the Davis Gulch/DeFord trailhead parking area ran into significant resistance at the March 23 Helena City Commission meeting, with commissioners and members of the public raising questions about whether paving a parking lot is the right use of open space bond money — and whether the project could forfeit an already-awarded grant if not approved.

Parks staff member Mr. Langather disclosed that a grant of approximately $27,000 has been awarded toward staff construction costs, with the city's required match — paving and painting of parking stalls — estimated at $38,500, for a total project cost of roughly $65,500. Staff noted that three grants were written for this funding cycle but only this one has received an award. Mayor Dean cited the risk of forfeiting that grant in voting against a motion that would have approved only three of the four projects on the table. Staff confirmed that grant deadlines are not immediately pressing, giving the commission time to reconsider.

Commissioner Reid said she accesses trails without driving and questioned whether focusing limited open space funds on 'parking discipline' was a mismatch with the bond's purpose. She also raised concern that the Eagle Scout Trail parking expansion would encroach on an existing trail segment. Commissioner Gustafson echoed those concerns and questioned whether a traffic calming component of the Davis project was more appropriately a Streets Department expenditure.

Public commenter Rob Fryat, a 507 First Street resident who described himself as a founding participant in Helena's original open space bond and the Prickly Pear Land Trust in the 1990s, testified that the existing Davis trail is inaccessible to his handicapped daughter due to large rocks, chunks of asphalt, and cement on the trail surface. He noted the city previously forfeited ISTEA federal funds because the trail failed to meet ADA accessibility standards, and questioned the logic of expanding a parking lot that sits off an unpaved road while the trail itself remains impassable. Katie Kelly of 1600 Livingston Avenue said she was unaware of the listening sessions held for public input on the projects and would have attended.

Commissioners informally directed staff to schedule site visits to the Limekiln and Dump Gulch trailheads — described as similar projects — before bringing the Davis matter back to a future administrative meeting.