Foothills Multi-Use Site

  • Project typeMulti-Use Site - Planning
  • Project scheduleProject Startup: April 2026-Present | Finalized Conceptual Framework Plan: Early 2027
VIew of the foothills west of Fort Collins

Summary

In November 2025, the Fort Collins community overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative to support the future use of 164-acres on the site of the former Colorado State University’s Hughes Stadium, now called the Foothills Multi-Use Site. The site will feature a variety of amenities, including a designated natural area, environmental education features, trail connections, a bike park, parkland and more. 

Project Timeline and Next Steps

A project team with representatives from the City of Fort Collins Parks and Natural Areas departments, the City Manager’s Office and the Communications and Public Involvement team is developing a conceptual framework plan for the Foothills Multi-Use Site. This work includes the following tasks:

Planning for near-term management including removal of existing fencing and other materials, temporary signage, vegetation management, and other priorities as identified.

Developing a comprehensive programming list including planned uses and program requirements for each site amenity across the Site.

Inventorying and analyzing existing conditions will influence decisions about where to locate various site amenities and support future development review process(es).

Creating a conceptual framework plan that will identify general areas for each site amenity, access and circulation considerations, and other key attributes that will inform further planning and ultimately guide construction.

Future steps towards development of the site include:

  • Design and Permitting – Each site amenity will need to complete 100% design for the specific area, resulting in more specific cost estimates, internal and external outreach, construction document preparation, and future grant applications.
  • Construction – This will result in the implementation of design and plans for site amenities. When possible, site amenities may be constructed simultaneously to reduce impacts and more efficiently use City resources.
  • Operation and Maintenance Plan Development and Implementation – Each area of the site will need operations and maintenance plans tailored to specific amenities; when possible, these plans need to coordinate with and complement one another.

The City’s project team kicked off initial planning steps in April 2026 and is estimated to finalize a conceptual framework plan for the site in early 2027.

Project Milestones

 

Land Purchase, June 2023

After the Fort Collins community voted to rezone the former Hughes Stadium as Public Open Lands, the City purchased the site from Colorado State University for $12.5 million in June 2023.

Civic Assembly Process and Ballot Vote, 2024-2025

From 2024-2025, the City of Fort Collins used a Civic Assembly process to help determine future plans for the former Hughes Stadium site, bringing together 20 Fort Collins residents chosen through a fair and inclusive selection process to reflect the city’s diverse population.

The assembly’s recommendations to make the space a multi-use site were included as Ballot Question 2H on the November 4, 2025 voter ballot, which passed with overwhelming community support.

FAQs

How was the community involved in determining the site’s future?

Since 2020, the City of Fort Collins has engaged the community in multiple ways to gather input on the future of the Hughes Stadium site. Previous public engagement efforts, detailed on the Future of the Hughes Stadium Site Our City page, provided opportunities for residents to share their perspectives, priorities and concerns about the project.

Who is the City working with to develop a conceptual framework plan ?

The City is also working with the following external partners and consultants to ensure an inclusive, well-informed development process:

  • Bike Park community representatives
  • Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
  • City boards and commissions, as appropriate
  • Civil engineering consultant
  • First People’s Community Center
  • Geotechnical engineering consultant
  • Larimer County Engineering staff
  • Rocky Mountain Raptor Center
  • Traffic engineering consultant
  • And more!

What amenities will be included in the conceptual framework plan?

The site is planned to include the following amenities:

  • Bike and pedestrian access and circulation
  • Bike Park (up to 35 acres)
  • Buffers
  • Conservation campus (education/rehabilitation, up to 30 acres)
  • Other parkland, including community celebration space
  • Natural area (up to 60 acres)
  • Parking
  • Stormwater detention
  • Trails
  • Vehicular access and circulation
  • Other amenities to be determined

What factors are being considered in the planning process?

Before the conceptual framework plan is finalized, the City’s project team will consider numerous factors, including the existing conditions of the site, environmental impacts, Tribal engagement and consultation, accessibility and impact to neighboring properties and roadways.

Location

2011 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO   View Map

Google Map

Department Information

Contact

 

Park Planning and Development

 

970-416-8033

 

ParkPlanning@FortCollins.gov

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