For over 100 years, City Park has been a treasured place for Fort Collins residents. It has evolved considerably over the years – it was once home to a horse racing track, campground, a towering diving platform in Sheldon Lake, and a prime destination for dancing at Club Tico. As Fort Collins residents’ needs have changed, the park has evolved to meet those needs.
In 2019, a master plan for the park was prepared, based on significant resident feedback and involvement, including a community engaged workshop of 30 residents from across the community who worked in groups over several days to develop concepts for the park. The resulting master plan provides a road map for improvements in City Park over the next decade.
The master plan provides for preserving the mature tree canopy, many of which are treasured grand champion trees. A new playground, restroom and picnic pavilions are proposed north of Sheldon Lake, with tennis & pickleball courts located on the west side, co-located with other recreational facilities. The plan envisions a new promenade, xeric gardens, and a depot pavilion, which provides ticketing and boarding space for both the City Park train and historic trolley. An improved Sheldon Lake shore edge provides for a boardwalk and seating areas.
Alternatives prepared for the park were placed on display in an exhibit format in the Carnegie Center for Creativity over several days, providing opportunity for resident feedback. The exhibit was titled “City Park Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”, and included historic photos, a short history video, a place to record your favorite memories in City Park, images of how the park is used today, and alternatives for improving the park, including those prepared by resident workshop participants.
Office: City of Fort Collins Park Planning & Development
Client: Residents of Fort Collins
Contributions: Project director, design, community outreach, resident workshops
