11/12/2025
A message from our Director, Donna Gaukler, as she celebrates her last day with Parks and Recreation 💌 🎊
Farewell and thank you Missoula!
November 12 is my last day with the City of Missoula Parks and Recreation Department. As I reflect on the more than 34 years of service, 23 years as Director, I am filled with deep gratitude to our community.
Together as a team of employees, partners, and community members we have co-created a shared vision that values our natural environment, prioritizes great public spaces, and caring for each other.
The Parks and Recreation system supports our community in many forms while providing many benefits including a healthier, more resilient environment, and a healthier, more engage community.
It is through these green spaces, trails, and programs we find places for ourselves and our children. It is in these public spaces and programs we celebrate our joys, remember special moments, grow together, and find our own gifts.
There is still so much to do to ensure our long-term vision of access for all to parks, open spaces, arts, culture, education, affordability, housing, clean air and clean water, and connections to each other and the natural environment.
Missoula’s quality of life and our shared commitment to caring deeply about this place and those who live here must be nurtured.
I hope to see you on Missoula’s trails, at festivals in our parks, and when volunteering alongside of you to care for this place and those who live here.
Thank you, Missoula! You have been good for me.
