Caras Park River Access Improvements

Designing Public Access That Respects Flood Protection and River Health

Caras Park sits at the heart of downtown Missoula and plays a central role in how the community connects with the Clark Fork River. Because this is a flagship site within the broader Clark Fork River Restoration and Access Project, Missoula Parks and Recreation aimed to expand public access while respecting riparian health, flood protection infrastructure, and long-term river function.

RESPEC partnered with Missoula Parks and Recreation to move the project from concept to construction-ready design. Our team supported the City in securing U.S. Economic Development Administration grant funding and developed an ADA-compliant river access route from Caras Park down to the ordinary high-water level near the Brennan’s Wave whitewater feature. The work required careful coordination and thoughtful engineering on a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers–certified levee, where any changes must meet strict safety and performance standards.

Design decisions were shaped by the site’s constraints and various permitting agencies’ input. RESPEC delivered construction-level plans, numerous permits, technical specifications, and a federally compliant bid package, balancing durability, sensitive environmental impacts, constructability, and long-term maintenance in a high-use public space.

Providing Inclusive River Access That Strengthens Community Life

With the completed improvements, Caras Park now offers safer, more inclusive river access for residents and visitors of all abilities. The project strengthens riverside connectivity, supports recreation, and reinforces Missoula’s commitment to equitable outdoor spaces, while preserving the river systems that make the place special.