The Poudre River Whitewater Park is a co-created, treasured downtown public space along the Poudre River for all residents and visitors to enjoy. The park appropriately balances the safety, environmental, economic, and recreational needs of community members, creating an enduring legacy for future generations. The park recognizes and celebrates the historic contributions of the Poudre River to agriculture, industry and recreation through interactive and engaging art, sculpture, and interpretation. The native and riparian vegetation throughout the park enrich the visitor experience and promote and demonstrate sustainable strategies including water conservation, integrated stormwater management, and site restoration. The park infuses new economic activity into a formerly industrialized area of the city that has historically suffered from crime, negative behavior, poor wildlife movement, and flooding. The park has been enthusiastically received by community members, businesses, river enthusiasts and environmental advocates alike. Thoughtful and collaborative planning & design efforts, led by City of Fort Collins landscape architects and BHA Design, was followed by an integrated, holistic park design that resulted in renewed trust from residents and stakeholders, with a charge to ultimately complete an interconnected river park system in downtown.
Office: City of Fort Collins Park Planning & Development
Client: Residents of Fort Collins
Contributions: Project director, design, coordination with community advocates and donors
Awards
2022 Colorado Chapter American Society of Landscape Architects Merit Award for Design
2022 Colorado Parks & Recreation Association New Park Design Award
Before and After
