Traverse Park is a 6-acre neighborhood park located in the Trail Head neighborhood in northeast Fort Collins. The park site was once the Hartshorn Tree Farm where many of the trees that line historic Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins were grown.
A relic of mature trees from the tree farm provides a framework for the park design; a generous promenade walk parallels this tree row, connecting the restroom, playground and pavilion. A low liner wall, or “activity spine” extends through the park adjacent to the promenade, creating a series of encounters for park visitors, including seating areas, building walls and play elements.
A key feature of the park is a small pump track, which is very popular with teens and adults alike. An oversized neighborhood hammock art piece provides a respite for teens to hang out together. Native grasses and gentle berms envelop the park, significantly reducing irrigation demands.
Neighbors and residents provided significant input on the park over the course of several months at three different neighborhood meetings. As a result, the park has been enthusiastically received.
Office: City of Fort Collins Park Planning & Development
Client: Residents of Fort Collins
Contributions: Project director, Lead designer, community outreach
