FAQs
- Pedestrian-focused environment in and around the park,
- Adding a space for performances,
- Providing expanded programming throughout the year and
- Creating other opportunities for people to gather and spend time in Lincoln Park.
What is happening at Lincoln Park? What are you reimagining?
The City of Greeley is updating Lincoln Park’s master plan. This will guide decisions about the park’s future infrastructure, programs and services. The last master plan for the park was adopted in 1991 and resulted in the layout you see today. With the adoption of a new guiding document, the City will start making changes to the park in Fall 2025.
What’s the purpose of this project and why is this happening now?
Over the last 150 years, Lincoln Park has built a legacy as an invaluable open space for residents. We need to rethink the design, amenities and programming of the park to maximize its potential for the future. Doing this while preserving its natural and historical features is a primary focus of the project.
The recommendations from the Downtown 2032 Master Plan have informed many ideas for park activation, such as:
The planning and design process for Lincoln Park is happening along with other City efforts. These joint efforts seek to address flooding, transportation, parking and downtown economic development. Lincoln Park plays an important role in the vitality of Downtown Greeley. As a key Downtown destination, the park has the potential to become a social gathering space that increases foot traffic to downtown businesses and events. Similarly, expanding the environmental, cultural and health benefits of the park will ensure that Downtown Greeley remains an attractive place for people to live and work.
This City is starting this process now to ensure a successful integration with other goals and initiatives.
How long will this project take?
The planning and design process will take 8-10 months. Any construction to change the park layout could start late summer or fall 2025.
How will the community be involved in this process?
Community input is vital to the success of this project. Since kicking off the project, we’ve received hundreds of comments from residents both at in person events and through online feedback. All these comments will help inform the design and programming for Lincoln Park. We will continue to gather public input through the master planning process and into design. Click here for information on the project timeline or share your ideas for the project.
Additionally, we are working with many different user groups, organizations and city departments that have an interest in the success of this project. Their input is representative of thousands of residents and visitors that will use the park.
Will the park be closed during the 2025 renovation?
When park improvements start in Fall 2025, work areas will be fenced off for safety. Replacing the old irrigation system will require many open trenches, which will encompass most of the park.
How is this project being funded?
Master planning and design phases are funded by the Quality of Life / Imagine Greeley fund. This fund will also pay for a portion of the 2025 construction costs. However, multiple funding sources will likely be required to build out the complete vision for the space. This may include other city departments, as well as public and private donors.
What is happening to the historic landmarks?
In 1996, Lincoln Park was added to the Greeley Historic Register for its significance in the founding and growth of Greeley. The Lincoln Park project team is working closely with the City of Greeley Museums and the Historic Preservation Commission. This joint effort will both preserve the site’s rich history and elevate how we share its stories.
Historic records recount stories of events and park elements no longer present today. The design team will also explore creative ways to bring back these stories so they are not lost.
The historic Pioneer Fountain was built in 1907 in the shape of a large haystack and dedicated to the early pioneers of the era. It was originally built over Greeley’s first artesian well, which provided water to residents for years before going dry. The fountain is now located on the south side of Lincoln Park. The fountain’s faulty pump system and leaking basin require significant repairs. Those repairs will likely be a part of construction in 2025.
Will trees be removed?
The trees are a tremendous asset to the park. The dense tree canopy at Lincoln Park provides shade and contributes to the park’s identity. The design team is working with Greeley's Forestry Division to produce an inventory of every tree in the park. Based on each tree’s species, health and age, the tree inventory plan will recommend which trees should be protected, relocated or replaced. The new park design will strategically reference this plan to ensure that new trees replace any removed trees.
What effects will this project have on traffic and parking.
The City recognizes that this project will have effects beyond the park boundaries. The master plan considers these impacts, looking at the movement of pedestrians, vehicles and multimodal traffic to and from Lincoln Park.
For an urban core, downtown Greeley has a disproportionate amount of land area dedicated to vehicles. This includes surface parking lots, wide roads, high volume traffic streets and on-street parking. The Lincoln Park Master Plan will explore strategies to balance the various mobility needs of residents while creating opportunities for businesses and the park to thrive. This follows the vision outlined in Greeley's 2032 Downtown Plan.