With new growth, comes the need for new, authentic public places that provide a genuine sense of community. Twin Silo Park is a 54-acre park centered on McClelland Creek adjacent to Fossil Ridge High School. Historically used for crop production, orchards and sheep grazing, this once agrarian landscape is now enveloped with neighborhoods, schools and high-tech businesses. In a collaborative effort between the City, stakeholders, consultant team and the community, a distinct park environment was created, inspired by the agrarian lifestyle and ethos that is so prevalent along the Rocky Mountain Front Range.
Twin Silo Park is largely defined by the juxtaposition of the natural prairie landscape with the domesticated environments of the classic farm complex. Natural landforms called "coulees", inspired by the creek undulation, erosion and oxbows, create a sculpted set of overlooks and picnic spaces connected by paths, trails and creek crossings. The social heart of the 54-acre park is comprised of an orchard, community garden, harvest room with hydroponic vegetable walls and hops trellis. A restored McClelland Creek connects the gardens, back porch, festival space, creek play, BMX course, dog park, sports facilities, and art installations. Two repurposed silos anchor a custom play environment, the signature feature of the park.
The creek’s prominence commanded it serve as a visual and experiential connector of the park. Active recreation fields, adventure play and sublime gardens and gathering spaces connect to the creek through purposeful grading and salient plantings. In the same way a homestead and its associated, cultivated land were juxtaposed with the natural elements of topography, creeks and vegetation, the structural elements of the park are juxtaposed with naturalistic elements. The intentional intersection of these forms create unexpected and memorable encounters for the visitor.
The project is characterized by enthusiastic resident acceptance following a definitive plan re-orientation in response to neighborhood concerns; early establishment of necessary partnerships to sustain the unique operation and maintenance needs; and a special collaborative established between City of Fort Collins landscape architects and Civitas to develop a cohesive, resilient landscape rooted in food and heritage.
Office: City of Fort Collins Park Planning & Development
Client: City of Fort Collins residents
Contributions: Project director, design, community outreach
Awards
2020 Colorado American Society of Landscape Architects Honor Award
2020 Colorado Parks & Recreation Association Best New Park Design
2018 Grow-N-Explore, Coolest Playgrounds in the Country
