Assembly Backs Hughes Multi-Use Plan

After weeks of deliberation, a Fort Collins civic assembly has released its final recommendations for the former Hughes Stadium site, calling for a multi-use plan that includes a bike park, natural restoration, outdoor gathering spaces, and dedicated areas for Indigenous cultural use and education.

The 20-member assembly—made up of residents selected through a democratic lottery—met over two weekends in April and May to review proposals, hear from experts, and reach consensus. Any recommendation required at least 75% support to move forward.

Highlights of the final plan include:

A bike park and multi-use trails (89% support)
Restoration of natural areas and habitat (89%)
Outdoor community spaces for events, gardens, and gatherings (95%)
A wildlife rehabilitation center and Indigenous cultural learning center (79–100% support)
Ongoing consultation with Indigenous groups on land use, stewardship, and preservation

While a portion of the site would be designated as a natural area under the plan, a proposal to convert the entire property into a natural area did not receive enough support. In response, a separate group is attempting to circumvent the assembly process by gathering signatures for a November ballot initiative that would mandate full natural area designation—effectively overriding the community-led effort.

This proposed designation would place the entire purchase price ($12 million) and land remediation costs (several million more) on Fort Collins Natural Areas, significantly limiting the department’s ability to purchase and maintain other properties. In addition to straining the Natural Areas budget, the acquisition would reduce recreational opportunities on the site. Despite claims by PATHS, Fort Collins Municipal Code Sec. 23-193 prohibits activities like sledding and disc golf in all designated natural areas. There is also no guarantee that trails would be added to the 160-acre parcel. Of the 49 Fort Collins Natural Areas, only 36 allow bikes, 36 allow dogs, 45 allow hiking, 30 allow horses, and 34 are handicap accessible.

City Council will review the assembly’s recommendations during a May 27 work session and is expected to vote later this summer.

The civic assembly was launched by the city in partnership with several public policy organizations to encourage inclusive, representative decision-making and reduce polarization surrounding the future of the Hughes site.