Ford Park, home to the world-renowned Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. As new opportunities, community needs, and development pressures grew, a master plan for the park was needed to guide future park improvements and prioritize investments.
The master planning effort incorporated feedback from stakeholders, community members and city leaders over a year-long timeframe. The master plan seeks to balance the needs of everyday park users with the significant pressures the park receives from tourists and sports groups. The master plan provides for expanded sports fields, new restrooms and concessions, improved park drop-off and entry, a new maintenance/storage facility and an enhanced Betty Ford Way, a popular pedestrian promenade that connects the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, downtown and parking/drop-off areas. The plan also provides for improved seating areas and landscape buffers, and improved circulation and accessibility. During the master planning process, structured parking options below the park were also explored.
Following completion of the plan, projects were prioritized and phased. The first phase of projects included construction of two large outfield retaining walls, enabling larger sports fields for tournaments, a widened and improved Betty Ford Way, improving accessibility, safety and access to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, a new restroom and concessions facility near the tennis courts, and new park storage and restrooms on the west side of the park.
Office: EDAW/AECOM
Client: Town of Vail
Contributions: Project manager, master planning, community outreach, lead designer, construction documents
