The Poudre River Trail, a key outdoor recreational feature that has been pieced together over the past 40 years, is gearing up to unveil its final segment. The City of Fort Collins has recently declared that the ultimate stretch of trail, a pathway that will truly connect the community of Northern Colorado, is set to open its paths on Monday, November 25. This last slice of the paved trail stretches southeast from Colorado State University’s Environmental Learning Center to the existing trail at Rigden Reservoir.
According to City of Fort Collins, Greg Oakes, landscape architect and co-project manager for the City of Fort Collins, articulated the community’s anticipation, saying, “I’m proud to be a part of a legacy project like this, and excited for all the benefits it will bring to those who enjoy using the trail.” Oakes’ reflections come as the city prepares to celebrate the near completion of a project that will see a 45-mile long continuous paved multi-use trail from Bellvue to Greeley.
The Poudre River Trail began as disjointed segments before maturing into the regional staple it is today. Its final stages were bolstered by a $2 million grant from the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Connect Initiative Program. Collaborative support from entities including the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, City of Fort Collins, and Colorado Department of Transportation proved critical.
Additional acknowledgments went to Colorado State University and Great Western Railroad (OmniTrax) for their partnership that allowed the City to build the trail across their properties. Senior trails planner and co-project manager Dave 'DK' Kemp told the City of Fort Collins, “Our partnerships provided a unique opportunity to build a city trail on state land and on, and along, a historic, active rail line.” As community members eagerly await the trail’s full usage, a celebratory event is being planned, coordinating with partner organizations, to officially commemorate the completion of the remaining PRT segments in the region.
The trail’s existence is juxtaposed against four decades of public input and expectation, reflecting the consistent priority of residents in Larimer and Weld counties in linking their communities through scenic natural pathways. The trail gravitates around the Cache la Poudre River, allowing residents to experience a connection to nature that is becoming rare as development expands. The completion of the Poudre River Trail assures community members of a lasting accessible outdoor space within their bustling environment.
