MISSOULA, Mont. – Work on Brennan's Wave, the well-known surf spot on the Clark Fork River, has been temporarily paused due to winter weather conditions. The project, focused on enhancing river accessibility at Caras Park River Access (Caras Terrace), will resume next month, with an expected completion before surf season, which typically spans mid-May to June.

Weather Challenges Force Temporary Construction Halt

City officials had initially hoped to continue work throughout the winter but have determined that cold temperatures and frozen ground make construction impossible at this time.

Nathan McLeod, Associate Director of Planning, Design, & Projects at Missoula Parks and Recreation, addressed the difficulties posed by the weather:

"This proves our point. Nobody wants to be out there right now... Digging holes and trying to pour concrete."

The current conditions prevent the safe pouring of concrete and excavation work, both of which are essential for the project’s next phase.

Improving Accessibility & Protecting the Environment

The Brennan's Wave upgrade isn’t just about improving river access—it's also designed to protect wildlife and reduce erosion caused by unofficial man-made pathways. The improvements include the construction of ADA-compliant ramps, ensuring that the river is accessible to:

• People in wheelchairs
• Individuals with mobility issues
• Families with young children

McLeod emphasized the importance of enhancing accessibility:

"We have a really popular river, people love to go down and float, but it's really hard for a lot of folks in our community to get to the edge of the water. So, this project is all about accessibility. It's bringing an accessible route to people in wheelchairs, people with mobility issues."

Project Timeline & Next Steps

Once work resumes in spring, crews will focus on:

• Finalizing concrete ramps
• Stabilizing the riverbank
• Installing new safety features

Missoula Parks and Recreation expects the project to wrap up before peak summer activity, allowing river-goers to fully enjoy the improvements during the busiest months.

For more information and project updates, visit the Missoula Parks and Recreation website https://www.engagemissoula.com.

Originally reported by Ethan Jamba in Nonstop Local.