Greeley is an active, diverse, and growing community. As a City government, we are tasked with providing essential services for our residents and improving the quality of life for everyone here. But to get that done, we need input and participation from residents. A few projects fueled by public participation include the East Greeley Parks Project and revitalizing Greeley’s skateparks.
For the East Greeley Parks Project, the City won a grant from the Urban Land Institute to improve recreational opportunities in the East Memorial neighborhood. The overall goal of the project is to change existing physical, socioeconomic, and environmental barriers to create a stronger, healthier community. In April, more than 250 residents came to Balsam and Delta parks to share their vision for outdoor play with city staff. Comments and suggestions received added to the creation of concepts for the four parks that reflect the ideas of east Greeley residents. The next opportunity for feedback is at the Summer Fun Block Party on July 13 at Balsam Park.
Another project that recently sparked resident enthusiasm is an effort to rejuvenate Greeley’s skateparks. Greeley’s latest parks, trails, and open land master plan process identified a need for more and improved skateparks. Late last year, several public meetings gathered suggestions from local skaters, BMXers, and community members on what features they would like to see in the network of community-designed skateparks at three locations: 3rd Street & 11th Avenue, Centennial Park, and Peak View Park. I am happy to report that construction is underway and the three sites will be completed this fall.
To learn more about both of these projects, please visit playgreeley.com.
These are just two instances where public participation shaped the City in which we live, but there are many ways that you, as a member of the Greeley community, can contribute. Keep an eye on the calendar at greeleygov.com to learn of other public meetings regarding projects you care about. You are also invited to participate in Greeley City Council meetings and to join one of our numerous Boards and Commissions.
As Greeley continues to grow, there will be things that change. But I want those transformations to be ones that residents can embrace, support, and appreciate. We strive to be a City achieving excellence, and we can only do that if we listen to the voices of everyone who lives here.
Roy H. Otto, Greeley City Manager