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THE PEOPLE'S GARDEN AT METRAPARK

MetraPark and MontanaFair are always looking for partners to help increase awareness and educational opportunities in agriculture for the community!

The People's Garden is funded in part by Big Sky Economic Development's Space2Place grant program.

People's Garden Plans

This space is truly up-and-coming! For seventy years, this soil sat beneath the Sandstone Building. Today, we are transforming it into a thriving, educational garden and we are ready to invite the community to help shape what it becomes. Looking ahead to 2026, The People’s Garden is entering an exciting new phase.

The long-term vision includes three distinct areas:

A Montana Staple Crops section highlighting the commodities that drive our state’s economy, featuring the crops you see growing along highways and across our fields.
A Native & Pollinator section focused on species that support Montana ecosystems and beneficial insects.
An expanded Adopt-A-Bed section open to community members and groups who want hands-on involvement in growing food, flowers, and agricultural knowledge.

Adopt-A-Bed Program

For 2026, we are officially expanding our Adopt-A-Bed Program as part of The People’s Garden. Community members, families, schools, FFA chapters, Master Gardeners, businesses, and organizations are invited to adopt and care for a garden bed throughout the growing season.

If you're interested in participating, join us for one of our Planning & Orientation Meetings:

• March 7 at 3:00 PM

• May 9 at 9:00 AM

Location: 4H Building on the MetraPark Grounds

These meetings will cover garden expectations, timelines, planting guidance, and how we’ll work together to keep the garden healthy, welcoming, and MontanaFair-ready. Bed space is limited and participation requires attendance at one meeting, submission of the interest form, signed program guidelines, and approval!

Not ready to commit to a full season? You can still be part of the project! Join us during Garden Volunteer Days, currently planned for May 23 and May 30, to help plant, prep, and bring the garden to life.

To stay in the loop about Adopt-A-Bed, volunteer days, or other garden opportunities, please contact Kaitlyn Skelton: kskelton@metrapark.com

History of the People's Garden

Previously known as Montana's Harvest Haven, the People's Garden at MetraPark is a community garden project initiated in early 2023, measuring 220’ x 72’ to be developed in stages.

We are proud to have been chosen as a recipient of the Big Sky Economic Development's Space2Place grant program to make our People's Garden come to life in 2025! Thanks to our wonderful partners for their time, support, and dedication.

In 2026, The People’s Garden is transitioning to full community activation. With expanded programming, the garden is becoming a signature agricultural feature of the MontanaFair experience. Garden days in the spring bring volunteers together to plant and care for growing crops. During MontanaFair, the garden becomes a space where visitors can explore, ask questions, and see horticulture in action.

The hope is that this space can benefit community members from across the county, with opportunities for agriculture and horticulture education as well as skill building.

Promote Ag!

MetraPark/MontanaFair's Community Partners:
We are proud to be chosen as a recipient of the Big Sky Economic Development's Space2Place grant program!
*MSU Extension-Yellowstone County
*Agri-Organics
*Grandpa's Farm
*Western Sugar Cooperative
*Molson Coors
*Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council
*Township Road Farm
*Abundant Montana
*SustainaBillings
*Billings Parks and Rec
*Yellowstone Valley Electric Coop
*Beartooth Resource Conservation & Development
*Billings Chamber Agriculture Committee

Growth of Heritage Park

Heritage Park is the main community hub on Metra grounds with planter boxes lining the walkway through Heritage Park which are planted with various flowers, vegetables, and roma tomato plants. Various fruit trees have also been added along the barrier of the adjacent garden to add shade, education, and complete the beautification of the area.

The team will continue to improve this area and projects that increase community engagement such as the People's Garden offering products for a garden swap, programming during the annual MontanaFair and a future farm to table dinner. This area creates a great opportunity for visitors at the MontanaFair to stroll through the park and garden to learn more about agriculture, and the history of the fair and grounds. We are thankful to our partners and excited to showcase Heritage Park and The People's Garden funded in part by Big Sky Economic Development's Space2Place grant program.

Roma Row

While roaming through Heritage Park, you'll be guided by rows of flowers and roma tomato plants donated by local community members. The planter boxes that house them have been designed to help beautify the grounds, as well as offer agricultural growth and education.

Questions or Contact

For questions specifically about The People’s Garden or the Adopt-A-Bed Program, please contact:

Kaitlyn Skelton

People’s Garden Coordinator at MetraPark

AgCorps AmeriCorps Member

kskelton@metrapark.com

We encourage anyone who is curious, whether you're ready to adopt a bed, volunteer for a day, or simply learn more, to reach out and be part of this growing effort.