Helena Parks and Recreation

05/26/2026

Last Chance Splash provides quality swim lessons with small class sizes and Red Cross Certified Instructors. Classes are 30 mins long, four days a week for two weeks. Cost is $50 for the entire session.
Private Lessons are one-on-one with an instructor for 30 minutes. Cost is $25 per class. We have classes with open availability. Register here: https://secure.rec1.com/MT/helena-mt/catalog
Questions or need help? 406-447-8077

04/27/2026

Today, Monday, April 27, contract crews will begin tree felling, pruning and slash piling operations in Helena’s Mt. Ascension Natural Park. Crews will begin working in Unit #4 with no impact anticipated to occur for recreationalists using the nearby Archery Range Trail. Toward the end of the week, the CRW Resources workers will initiate operations in the eastern portion of Unit #3. Signs alerting trail users to the ongoing forestry operations and areas/trails segments that may have temporary closures will be present at multiple entrance points to the Bompart Hill portion of Mt. Ascension Natural Park.

This project is supported by a grant from the Montana Forest Action Plan Program of the Montana DNRC with funding from the State of Montana Fire Suppression Fund.

04/27/2026

Registration for Last Chance Splash Swim Lessons and Kay’s Kids Summer Camp opens Friday, May 1st at 7:00am.

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH REGISTRATION
1.) Set up your family account before May 1st to streamline the sign up process:

https://secure.rec1.com/MT/helena-mt/catalog

Log in with Email > Sign up > Create a New Account. You’ll set up the account under your name and then add your children and other family members by clicking the add member button.

2.) View the Parks and Recreation website to see dates and times for swim lessons. Our website can help you determine what level of swim lesson your child should be at. There are four different swim sessions, each session is 8 lessons, four days a week for two weeks. We have morning, afternoon and evening classes. You can see what levels are offered at what times.

https://www.helenamt.gov/Departments/Parks-Recreation-and-Open-Lands/Last-Chance-Splash/Lessons

3.) The City’s Summer Camp Program, Kay’s Kids is offered for children ages 6-9. When checking out you must select each week of camp you’d like your child to attend. If you’d like them to attend all 9 weeks, select all 9 weeks. If you’d like to waive the $25 per week fee, you can do so at checkout. See more information about Kay’s Kids Summer Camp on our website:

https://www.helenamt.gov/Departments/Parks-Recreation-and-Open-Lands/Free-Summer-Camp

4.) Familiarize yourself with the registration site:

https://secure.rec1.com/MT/helena-mt/catalog

04/21/2026

Click to read our Parks and Recreation Guide: https://isu.pub/3l36ONS

04/10/2026

Check out everything Helena Parks and Recreation has to offer this summer! Swim lessons, golf programs, open lands projects, summer camps, free programs in the parks and more!

A guide to Helena Montana's Parks and Recreation Department services and offerings.

04/06/2026

Apply to be a Temp Recreation Leader this summer!

03/27/2026

Become a lifeguard this summer at Last Chance Splash Waterpark and Pool - Click the button below for a job description and online application.

03/17/2026

The Helena Open Lands Division will conduct prescribed burn operations tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17 on the north face of Mount Helena, adjacent to the Westridge Heights subdivision. All prescribed burning activities are weather dependent and subject to change.

03/11/2026

The National Weather Service is predicting a significant wind event starting late Wednesday (3/11) through Thursday evening (3/12), with expected snow through Saturday.

High winds increase the likelihood of falling trees and large branches, which can be extremely dangerous both around town and in our open lands. The City urges residents to use extreme caution when out and about and to consider delaying or postponing travel and outdoor recreation.

Reporting Damaged Trees:
• For trees blocking the road or impacting power lines, please call 9-1-1 dispatch.
• After the storm has passed, please report hanging branches or damaged boulevard trees through the My Helena App or call (406) 447-8426.
• After the storm has passed, down trees across trails in the City’s open land parks should be reported to the Asst. Open Lands Manager at [email protected].

Thank you and stay safe.

02/20/2026

Memorial Ice Rink is Open!
Friday, Feb. 20th – 4pm – 8pm
Saturday, Feb. 21 – 11am – 8pm
Sunday, Feb. 22nd – 12pm – 6pm
Admission:
Children / Seniors: $2
Adults: $3
Skate Rentals are FREE!
We have a concession stand with warm food and drinks open on the patio.