Delta Park Opening Celebration: A Day of Joy
Five years ago, Delta Park in East Greeley was a sunbaked lot of grass that residents didn't even know was public space. On September 10, over 300 community members gathered to celebrate the park's transformation into a $2.8 million community hub. The diverse Latino and Somali refugee families who call this neighborhood home designed the park. On September 10, we got to celebrate together.
A Day of Unity and Joy
To signal the official opening of the playground, adults formed a human tunnel for kids to run through as they raced toward their new playground for the first time. The air filled with laughter as families explored basketball courts, the splash pad, and green spaces they had helped design.
A local ice cream truck served cold treats while people connected over games and activities provided by Greeley Recreation's Play on the Way. Gloria Galindo, who led the transformative Coffee Chat group process, stood with other group members and spoke about the park's impact on the community. Her words captured the journey from hesitation to empowerment that defined this project.
Diana Frick, Director of Greeley's Culture Parks and Recreation Department, along with Councilmembers Deb Deboutez and Melissa McDonald, addressed the crowd and celebrated this breakthrough model for civic engagement. A model that embraced community voice and involvement in their park design.
Community Partnership in Action
The event brought together the partners who had tables with resources and goodies for attendees to visit. Thanks to our partners at the event:
- Salida del Sol
- Armando Silva
- Natural Areas and Trails
- High Plains Library District
- Sunrise Community Health
- Trust for Public Land
- Mundus Bishop
- Soccer Without Borders
- Lutheran Family Services
A New Model for Civic Engagement
This project proves what's possible when local government meets communities where they are by abandoning traditional outreach methods and building genuine relationships through coffee and conversations.
The result is a space featuring a multilingual welcome sign, amenities chosen by residents and a sense of ownership that has transformed how this community engages with public space.
Delta Park is more than a playground. It's proof that when we listen to communities and honor their voices, we build spaces that truly serve everyone.
View the photo album from the opening celebration in the photos section of the project page.
