Poudre River Restoration Initiative

The below list highlights each time PRRI has presented to or been included in a presentation to the City Council in 2025. Click through to watch meeting recordings, view the agenda packet and supporting documents, learn more about decisions made and see how your input guides the project’s direction.

October 7, 2025
Watch the full council meeting:
City Council meeting - October 7 (external link)
View the agenda, meeting notes and packet:
Council meeting materials (external link)

August 26, 2025

Watch the full council work session:

City Council Work Session - August 26 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet:

Council meeting materials (external link)

August 12, 2025

Watch the full council work session:

City Council Work Session - August 12 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet

Council meeting materials (external link)

May 27, 2025

Watch the full planning commission meeting:

Planning Commission Meeting - May 27 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet:

Planning Commission meeting materials (external link)

February 11, 2025

Watch the full council work session:

City Council work session - February 11 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet:

Council work session materials (external link)

August 20, 2024

Watch the full council meeting:

City Council meeting - August 20 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet:

Council meeting materials (external link)

During the council meeting on October 21, discussions regarding the adoption of the 2026 budget included additional budget amendments and various projects, including the Poudre River Restoration Initiative (PRRI). The council decided to postpone advancing the additional budget request for the PRRI until there is clarity on measures addressing public safety related to flood mitigation, as well as a clear definition of the phases involved.

📺 Watch the full council meeting:

City Council Meeting – Oct 21

📄 View the agenda, meeting notes, and packet:
Council Meeting Materials

PRRI attended the second annual WeldWalls Mural Festival in downtown Greeley in September. Staff members engaged with residents about the nearby river and its relationship to downtown.

On Saturday, September 27, PRRI attended the History Open House on the Spanish Colony at House of Hope & Refuge. The event focused on historic preservation and community heritage. PRRI hosted a table to provide information about the project and gather feedback from residents and attendees.

We've been listening and gathering input from our community and stakeholders, and now we're looking for feedback on the concept itself.

Our first opportunity for public feedback on the concept was an Open House on Thursday, August 14, at the Family FunPlex. We had meaningful conversations with residents across Greeley and neighboring communities about flood risk, trail access, habitat restoration, and the relationship between the river and spaces like Island Grove. Many expressed interest in improving the Poudre River Trail experience as it moves east, emphasizing the importance of balancing flood protection with economic and environmental stewardship.

For those unable to attend, we've posted materials and a survey on Speak Up Greeley. Early responses support nature-based flood mitigation, habitat restoration, and increased public access. We're planning additional pop-up events to bring the concept directly into the community—those opportunities will be posted on Speak Up Greeley.

Illistrative concept of gravel ponds that function as recreation space.

Reimagining the Poudre River Corridor

Public feedback shows strong support for a vision that restores the river's natural function, improves safe access, balances recreation with ecological protection, and reflects Greeley’s identity as a river-based, outdoor-loving community. While perspectives vary, a clear majority of responses reveal a shared desire to treat the river as a community asset worth investing in—through both thoughtful protection and inclusive enhancement. Key themes from the community include:

1. Strong Support for Restoration and Natural River Function

Residents overwhelmingly voiced a desire to restore the natural beauty and health of the river, especially in industrialized or degraded sections. There is clear support for removing old infrastructure, addressing erosion, and reintroducing natural processes.

“The Poudre River is so essential to our community and surrounding wildlife! I want to see it protected and cared for.”

“Restore the riverbanks reinforced by concrete or old cars to their natural state.”

2. Recreation That Respects Nature

People want more places to fish, paddle, bike, walk, and gather, but emphasized that any new recreation should preserve the river’s natural feel and prioritize wildlife. Many called out successful examples from Fort Collins and Windsor, while warning against overdevelopment.

“Recreation and access must be balanced with natural habitat and riparian corridor protection.”

“Don’t make it Disneyland. Maintain natural character as first priority.”

3. Equity, Access, and Comfort Matter

Residents desired safe, inclusive, and family-friendly access, including shaded trails, bathrooms, water stations, better pedestrian crossings, and park features for all ages.

“As someone with small kids, we stopped using the trail for several years because there was no guarantee they could find bathrooms or shelter if a storm rolled in.”

“It’s hot and humid, no coverage from sun for people to take a rest. Now I drive to Ft. Collins or Denver.”

4. Safety and Maintenance Are Priorities

A large portion of comments raised concerns about homelessness, trail safety, and maintenance needs. While many acknowledged the importance of serving vulnerable populations, they also emphasized the need for visible care and public safety.

“The homeless are destroying the river banks… Start there, then think about asking for more money.”

“Please keep park areas safe and clean.”

5. Connect the Corridor to the Community

Improving bike/pedestrian connections to neighborhoods, schools, and downtown was another consistent theme. Many residents want to reach the trail without driving and desire better integration across the region.

“I’d love to ride my bike or run to the trail rather than drive.”

“More access points so it’s not so isolating… Safety is a concern, which is why I don’t go too far.”

6. Recognition That This Is a Long-Term, Worthwhile Investment

Many residents acknowledged the challenges of balancing cost, flood resilience, and development—yet consistently returned to a shared belief: this work is worth doing.

“The most important focus is protecting the water from the many pollutants impacting Weld County.”

“Restoration of the river corridor WILL benefit the health and wellbeing of the Greeley community.”

“Stop treating those areas like industrial parks. Let these ponds become city centers for recreation instead.”

Overall Community Alignment with the Vision

While a small number of respondents expressed skepticism about change or spending, the majority of comments reflect strong community support for a restored, resilient, and inclusive river corridor. The vision to protect nature, provide safe and welcoming spaces, and reconnect residents to the river is well aligned with both public values and the City of Greeley’s strategic priorities.

This feedback reinforces the need for a balanced, transparent, and phased approach that listens to residents, honors the land and water, and builds a river corridor that current and future generations can be proud of.

View the summary report here.

A standing-room-only audience gathered Thursday evening at the LINC Library for the Poudre River Restoration Initiative community meeting. Residents engaged with plans to restore the vital waterway.

The project consultants, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc., set the stage by presenting the foundational reasons and guiding principles behind the planning process. Later this summer, a comprehensive vision for the river corridor’s future will be revealed.

"The level of participation exceeded our expectations," said Victoria Leonhardt, Senior Urban Planner for the City. "The community's passion for preserving this natural resource was evident throughout the evening."

Residents unable to attend can still participate by:

• Watching the recorded presentation on YouTube
• Reviewing the presentation slides (PDF available).

Project leaders emphasized that public feedback remains crucial to developing restoration plans that address both environmental concerns and community needs.

We engaged over 500 community members at events and received 376 survey responses on Speak Up Greeley. Most survey comments show strong interest in the Poudre River corridor and its future.

Key Takeaways

The community wants safe, accessible, inclusive spaces that balance natural areas, recreation, and economic growth.

Main Themes from Community Feedback

Trails and Connectivity

• There is a strong demand for expanded trails with diverse surfaces and natural refuge zones.
• Better connections to neighborhoods, especially underserved areas, for walking, cycling, and other transportation.
• Link Greeley to Fort Collins and Loveland to promote tourism.

Water Access and Activities

• There is interest in safe, accessible, water-based recreation.
• There are concerns about water quality, pollution, and debris.

Nature and Conservation

• There is support for restoring habitats and keeping areas near the riverbanks natural.
• There is a desire for nature-based play areas and parks.

Community Spaces and Activities

• More spaces for groups, peaceful retreats, and events.
• Incorporate local culture in designs.
• Family-friendly features like play structures, pump tracks, and educational spots.

Riverfront Dining and Businesses

• Interest in locally owned cafes, restaurants, and shops to create a vibrant destination.
• Support for food trucks, outdoor dining, and event-friendly areas near access points.

Safety and Infrastructure

• Basics are needed: water fountains, restrooms, shaded areas, and recycling bins.
• Ensure safety with trail lighting, marked crossings, and river safety features like life-saving stations and signage.

The project team will pair this feedback with the field research while meeting with key stakeholders to determine what can be improved and where along the river. Stay tuned for phase 2 of the project and the chance to provide feedback!

The Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed recently hosted an educational day at Signature Bluffs Natural Area along the Poudre River called "Where the Water Flows." The event allowed attendees to explore the unique river ecosystem and learn about upcoming restoration projects to preserve critical natural resources. Participants could learn more about local restoration plans, prescribed fire efforts, and the Poudre River Restoration Initiative.

The event included guided river and wetland walks for all ages, educational booths, and a chance to connect with residents about the PRRI project. It was a crisp autumn morning, and the scenery provided a beautiful backdrop for conversations about Greeley's Poudre River and natural resources.

Thank you to the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed, City of Greeley Natural Areas and Trails, Voices of the Land, and the University of Northern Colorado for joining us at this event!