Silver Park in Missoula Montana is a key feature in the City’s riverfront revitalization efforts.  The 14.5 acre park at the historic Saw Mill District boasts many features that balance reclamation, history, environmental impact and park use.  Reclaimed wood awnings pay homage to the site’s saw mill heritage.  The light poles double as methane gas vents from the location’s history of heavy industry.  Stabilized Decomposed Granite trails provide the main transitways for the park visitors.

According to The Missoulian article Construction of Silver Park additions nearly complete; vandalism already a threat, by Rob Chaney, Stabilized Decomposed Granite makes sense for the site. “The trail uses an innovative mix of crushed granite and seed husks (Stabilizer)...So much sawdust remains mixed in the ground from the old lumber mills, it makes the surface prone to shifting and buckling as the seasons change. That would crack traditional sidewalk concrete, and would require constant repairs in asphalt surfaces. The granite-seed husk surface binds together better than gravel, and should only need to be churned up and re-flattened to repair cracks or ground heaves.”

Rarely does the public get to see an aerial view of an entire park.  This unique perspective shows how pathways provide important connections, not only to the scenery and surrounding landscape, but also to the activities located at the park.  

Please enjoy the embedded aerial video provided by davidegg22.