A new report analyzing community input on the future of the former Hughes Stadium site shows a clear preference for enhanced recreational facilities—most notably a dedicated bike park—while residents warn against housing and commercial development on the 165-acre property.
The report and data, prepared by the American Public Trust with support from the AI & Democracy Foundation for the City of Fort Collins and the Civic Assembly Information Committee, drew on more than 1,100 responses from residents. Many supporters urged that the “bike park” concept be front and center in plans for the site, calling for a facility modeled after those in Valmont and Berthoud. Respondents argued that such a park would build on Fort Collins’ reputation as a premier destination for cycling, boost regional tourism, and provide a safe, accessible outlet for youth and family recreation.
Alongside the call for a dedicated bike park, survey participants put forward several other preferred uses. Themes from the report included preserving the land as natural open space, establishing a wildlife rehabilitation and learning center, and developing multipurpose recreational trails suited for activities such as hiking, cross-country running, and even sledding. Many saw these proposals as complementary—if space is divided thoughtfully, the site could support both high-intensity recreation and low-impact natural uses.
Yet not all feedback was in favor of intensive development. Several respondents expressed concern that aggressive projects could disrupt the local environment and overwhelm the community. A notable point of opposition was any plan to allow housing or commercial development on the land. “I would be extremely opposed to selling or leasing the land to developers,” one resident noted, reflecting a broader consensus that the site should remain true to the 2021 ballot measure earmarking it for parks, recreation, open lands, and wildlife protection.
In August 20, 2024, the City Council approved, by a 3‑2 vote, the commission of a Civic Assembly to chart the future of the 165‑acre former Hughes Stadium site. This decision built on a 2021 ballot initiative that designated the land for “parks, recreation, and open lands, natural areas, and wildlife rescue and restoration.”
The Civic Assembly, described by city officials as a “civic jury,” consists of 20 Fort Collins residents selected as delegates through a democratic lottery that mailed invitations to 15,000 households.
City officials say the findings will guide the Civic Assembly delegates as they work to balance the strong demand for enhanced recreational amenities with the need to preserve natural habitat and prevent unwanted development.
Over the coming weeks, the delegates will engage in information sessions with experts and community leaders, conduct structured deliberations, and ultimately develop recommendations to be presented directly to the City Council. Officials say this inclusive process is intended to ensure that decisions about the site not only honor the voter mandate for open space but also reflect a broad range of community values and interests.
As deliberations continue, city leaders face the challenge of reconciling competing visions for the Hughes site while honoring the voter mandate to maintain open space. The report’s insights promise to play a critical role in shaping what many believe will be a defining project for Fort Collins’ future.