5 Parks for 5 Adventures in Fort Collins

Sarah Stokoe
Beyond the Oval
Published in
3 min readFeb 7, 2019

If you’re looking for something fun to do outside in the sun, look no further than the parks and natural areas in and around Downtown Fort Collins. There’s something for everyone, so pack up your picnic basket, and head outside!

City Park For birdwatchers and families

Photo by Paul L Dineen via Flickr

Surrounding Sheldon Lake and covering more than 85 acres, City Park is the oldest park maintained by the City of Fort Collins. The area is certified by the Audubon Society and is a hot spot for birdwatchers and fisherman. There’s something to do for everyone with 2 different playgrounds, an outdoor water park, tennis courts, a baseball field, and covered picnic shelters.
Location: 1500 W. Mulberry St.

A disc golf basket — Photo by Michel Curi via Flickr

Edora Park — For something new
If you’ve never played disc golf, head to Edora Park along Spring Creek. The 18 hole course is the only one of its kind in the city. The park also has a public skate park and many other amenities.
Location: 1420 E. Stuart St.

Kingfisher Point Natural Area — for a taste of the wild
This park runs along the scenic Poudre River and offers views of wildlife and nature. Almost a mile of paved trail lies within the natural area, but for those seeking a longer trek, the trail connects to the Poudre Trail, which runs all the way across Fort Collins and into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, ending in Bellvue, Colorado.
Location: 745 S. Timberline Road

The Poudre River in Fort Collins — Photo By Matthew Trump via Wikimedia Commons

Library Park — for history
This park includes the Old Town branch of Poudre River Public Libraries, but there’s learning to be done outside the library as well. The Heritage Courtyard contains jewels of northern Colorado history, including the cabin owned by one of Fort Collins’ first settlers.
Location: 207 Peterson St.

Old Town Library — Photo by Matthew Trump via Wikimedia Commons

Oak Street Plaza Park — for the child at heart
Located in the heart of downtown, this park has no grass or picnic tables, but instead includes interactive water features that kids of all ages can splash around in.
Location: 119 W. Oak St.

Downtown Fort Collins — Photo via Wikimedia Commons

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