Building MSO Beach
Playfair Park, nestled in Missoula, Montana, is home to the remarkable MSO Beach facility, featuring six sand volleyball courts. However, the initial condition of these courts left much to be desired. Four of the six courts, constructed in the late 1990s, were made with a "ready-mix" sand product that lacked proper screening. Consequently, these courts were plagued by an abundance of small rocks, making it a challenging task to enjoy a quality game of volleyball. Additionally, the sand coverage fell short, leaving certain areas with a mere 3 inches of sand over a hard-base surface, a far cry from the recommended depth of 14 to 18 inches. This combination of shallow depth and rock density not only diminished the quality of play but also raised safety concerns, resulting in infrequent court use.
In August 2019, Dig Missoula took action by sourcing high-quality screened sand from Donaldson Brothers of Hamilton. They forged a partnership with Missoula Parks and Recreation to initiate the renovation of the first of the four courts. Throughout the summer of 2020, with generous contributions from various sources, including a licensed landscaper, a skid steer, and the Missoula community, they successfully renovated the second court. Come spring of 2021, the remaining two courts received an upgrade, with a total of 15 truckloads of sand added. Once again, the unwavering support of Missoula Parks and Recreation and the local community played a pivotal role in the transformation of MSO Beach, resulting in four high-quality courts suitable for competitive play.
In addition to the improved courts, Dig Missoula also received a generous donation of four high-quality volleyball nets from the Evergreen Region Volleyball Association (ERVA) based in Spokane, Washington. This collaboration and dedication to enhancing the facility have truly turned Playfair Park into a destination for volleyball enthusiasts in Missoula.
Exciting developments unfolded at Playfair Park's MSO Beach in the spring of 2023. Plans were successfully executed to expand the facility by adding two more sand volleyball courts. This expansion project, driven by the growing popularity of the sport and the community's enthusiastic support, aims to provide even more opportunities for players and enthusiasts to enjoy high-quality volleyball experiences. With Dig Missoula, Missoula Parks and Recreation, and the local community continuing their dedicated efforts, these new courts have further cemented Playfair Park's status as a premier destination for sand volleyball in Missoula, Montana. The ongoing commitment to improving the facility ensures that MSO Beach will continue to be a vibrant hub for volleyball enthusiasts of all skill levels.
