Many parks today focus primarily on sports users and play environments. To provide a more inclusive environment for atypical park users, including teens, young singles and the elderly, Dovetail Park incorporates an activity terrace, providing a rich collection of park activities in a series of outdoor rooms. Activity terrace environments include a hammock garden, playground, bocce ball court, ping pong, basketball and cornhole. The terrace is organized with passive areas on the west side, and active areas on the east side. A generous tree lined promenade connects the activity terrace with the rest of the park, including a loop walk, native buffer plantings, a small sled hill and a multi-purpose turf area.
A low seat wall wraps around the edge of playground, providing convenient and shaded seating areas for parents. Park elements are constructed primarily of natural muted wood materials, accented with orange and blue bands of playground surfacing.
The irrigated turf area is limited in scale, significantly reducing the irrigation demands of the park. Rising landforms of native grasses, accented with art pieces inspired by snow fences, create view windows into the park from the street.
Community outreach efforts were conducted virtually, enabling residents to provide feedback on park character, play environments and desired park activities. Residents also were able to view the preferred alternative online, which was presented in an animated video format.
Office: City of Fort Collins Park Planning & Development Department
Client: Residents of Fort Collins
Contributions: Project director, design, community outreach
