It is no mistake that Fort Collins is fondly referred to as ?Fort Fun?. Recreation excitement is endless in Fort Collins. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, whitewater river rafting on the Cache la Poudre River, hiking, climbing or biking in the Rocky Mountain National Park, a leisure stroll along the more than 20 miles of trails embedded within Fort Collins, a game of golf on one of the five public golf courses, play tennis or racquet ball and enjoy indoor ice skating or swimming at a local recreation facility. There are more than 3,500 acres of natural areas including 44 public parks. The Open Lands Project preserves open areas, wildlife habitats and parks and trails in Larimer County. Funded by the Help Preserve Open Space tax initiative adopted in 1996, the project gas since protected almost 800 acres countywide.

Local Parks
From neighborhood playgrounds to skate parks and dog runs, parks are scattered throughout the city. Some of the larger community parks are:

• CITY PARK, 1500 W. Mulberry Ave. Boasts 85 acres that include ball fields, tennis courts, playground, lake, paddle boats, mini-train, fitness course, community outdoor pool and trolley rides. Visit www.fcgov.com/parks/city-park.php for more information.
• EDORA PARK, 1420 E. Stuart St. Park includes ball fields, tennis courts, disc golf course, BMX track, fitness course, trail access, horseshoe pits, skate park, Edora Pool and Ice Center, playgrounds and picnic areas. Visit www.fcgov.com/parks/edora-park.php for more information.
• FOSSIL CREEK PARK, 5821 S. Lemay Ave. The 100-acre park includes playground, tennis courts, skateboarding, inline skating park, ballfields, basketball court, lake, picnic shelters and dog park. Fossil Creek Park is the fifth community park to open in Fort Collins, and the first to open since Rolland Moore Park, which occurred in 1984. Visit www.fcgov.com/parks/fossil-creek.php for more information.
• GATEWAY NATURAL AREA, 5216 Poudre Canyon Highway or 5 miles from Ted's Place. Just 15 miles from Fort Collins, the City's first mountain park sits at the site of the old water filtration plant, where the North Fork of the Poudre River joins the main stem of the river.
• The hiking trail is rated as moderate to difficult and has an elevation gain of 500 feet. Total elevation for the trail is 5850 feet. It boasts several recreational opportunities including a quarter-mile nature trail and a designated boat launching area. Fishing, picnic shelters, and informational nature kiosks are also available for park goers to enjoy. Pets are allowed if on leash. The fee to park at Gateway is $4 per vehicle, $8 per vehicle with 8-person capacity and greater such as passenger vans, buses and campers. Admission hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day and 8:00 a.m. to sunset the rest of the year.
• Visit www.fcgov.com/parks/gateway-park.php for more information.



• LEE MARTINEZ PARK, 600 N. Sherwood Ave. Park offers ball fields, tennis courts, playground, fitness course, basketball courts, picnic shelter and trail access. The Farm at Lee Martinez has various farm animals, a farm-history museum, working water hand pumps, Silo Store for crafts and novelties, and Children?s Garden. Hayrides and pony rides are seasonal and available with a fee with advanced registration. Admittance to The Farm is free. Visit www.fcgov.com/parks/martinez-park.php for more information.
• ROLLAND MOORE PARK, 2201 S. Shields St. Park includes ball fields, picnic benches and shelters, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, trail access, pond and racquet complex. Visit www.fcgov.com/parks/rolland-moore-park.php for more information.
• SPRING CANYON COMMUNITY PARK, The park boasts 100 acres nestled against the foothills of western Fort Collins. After 20 months of construction, Spring Canyon is ready to show its traditional and unique features. You will find Inspiration Playground (Northern Colorado's first universally accessible playground), a 2+ dog park complete with a lake for our doggie paddling pals and a free-ride course for endless mountain biking fun.
• NORTHSIDE AZTLAN COMMUNITY CENTER SKATEBOARD PARK, Fort Collins' newest skate park is located behind Northside Aztlan Center in Old Heritage Park. The skate park that is a collaborative design created by local and national skaters through the Parks Planning Department touts 20,000 square feet of concrete and a variety of cutting-edge features. The skate park is considered a modified street course with its' rounded corners, four-foot deep U-shaped bowl and the replica of the China Bank in San Francisco.
• EDORA SKATEBOARD PARK, located between the Edora Pool & Ice Center (EPIC) and the ball fields and tennis courts at Edora Park at 1420 E. Stuart St. The 17,500-square-foot concrete facility boasts snake runs, bowls, ramps and rails. The integrated design allows for a seamless flow between park structures, while also catering to varying expertise levels. The park is free and open to the public year-round. Visit www.fcgov.com/parks/skate-parks.php for more information.
• FOSSIL CREEK SKATEBOARD PARK, 5821 S. Lemay Ave. The park is nestled in between the parking lots and playground near the front of Fossil Creek Community Park and offers a variety of steps and ramps to accommodate all skill levels. It includes steps ranging from three to nine high, a three step ramp over water, five grind rails including a three flat three combination, ramps and various platforms ranging from six inches to four feet high. The park is free to the public and open year-round. Visit www.fcgov.com/parks/skate-parks.php for more information.
• DISC GOLF COURSE, 1420 E. Stuart St. at Edora Park. It is an 18-hole Disc Golf Course and is open to the public. However, any person wishing to rent the Disc Golf Course for exclusive use must obtain a Permit from the City's Sports Department at least two weeks prior to the date of the rental. Rental fees are $150.00 per day for non-profit groups, and $180.00 per day for all other groups. A $250.00 refundable damage deposit is also required. With the exception of exclusive use permits, all other use is free to the public and open year round. To obtain a Disc Golf Course Permit please contact the Sports Department office at 221-6660, or stop by the Sports Department at 413 S. Bryan Avenue, located in City Park, behind Fire Station #2.

• CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER, with water rushing east from Rocky Mountain National Park, flows along Highway 14 and is Colorado?s only National Wild and Scenic River. Poudre Canyon is a popular area for whitewater rafting and kayaking, hiking, camping and fishing, especially for brown and rainbow trout. For information, call (877) 444-6777, or visit www.coloradodirectory.com/poudrerivercanyon.
• HORSETOOTH MOUNTAIN PARK, a 2,100-acre Larimer County park located four miles west of Fort Collins, boasts hiking and biking trails and interesting rock formations to climb. A 6.5-mile reservoir offers recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, water skiing, camping, and picnicking with local marinas. Call (970) 679-4570 for more information.
• LORY STATE PARK, extends along the northwest side of Horsetooth Reservoir in Larimer County. Extensive trails offer terrain for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Tour the park by foot, horseback, buggy or hay wagon. The park is open year-round and requires daily $4 vehicle pass. An annual state vehicle pass is $40 and a walk-in pass is $2 per person per day. Call (970) 493-1623 for more information.
• ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, covers 266,960 acres of natural areas including Long?s Peak (14,256 feet) and the highest continuous road in the United States, Trail Ridge Road (12,183 feet). More than three million people visit the park each year, and it is popular for cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain climbing and fishing. Visitors can view wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bear, coyote, bobcat, mountain goat, big horn sheep and moose. For information, call park headquarters at (970) 586, 1206 or the visitors center at (970) 627-3471 or visit www.nps.gov/romo/.

• CITY PARK POOL, 1599 City Park, (970) 484-PO, 1599 City Park, (970) 484-POOL (7665). The outdoor pool, located next to Sheldon Lake, offers a lazy river, shallow water, geysers, large play structure and a play feature. Admission is required per entry, however 10-punch passes are offered for those that frequently visit the pool. Visit www.fcgov.com/recreation/cityparkpoolandtrain.php for more information
• EDORA POOL & ICE CENTER (EPIC), 1801 Riverside Ave., (970) 221-6683. EPIC offers olympic pool, therapy pool, baby pool, locker rooms, ice-skating rink, skate rental and private swim and skate lessons. EPIC also has an exercise room with step-climbers, stationary bikes, rowing machine and weights. Admission is required per entry, however, multiple-admission and group passes can be purchased at a reduced rate. Visit www.fcgov.com/recreation/epic.php for more information.
• ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTERS, 3745 E. Prospect Rd. (West of I-25), (970) 491-1661. Educational opportunities for all ages are available through programs, classes and other environmental activities. Visit www.warnercnr.colostate.edu/elc/ for more information.
• MULBERRY POOL, 424 W. Mulberry St., (970) 221-6657. Pool includes an indoor 25-yard long pool with six lanes, a shallow-water play area and spa, a 1-meter diving board, lessons for all ages and a cardio area. Admission is required per entry, however multiple-admission and group passes can be purchased at a reduced rate. Visit wwww.fcgov.com/recreation/mulberrypool.php for more information.
• NORTHSIDE AZTLAN COMMUNITY CENTER, 112 E. Willow St., (970) 221-6655. This community center offers a gymnasium, game room, computer lab, skate park, shower and locker rooms, kitchen and weight room. Admission is required per entry, however, skate park is free. Visit www.fcgov.com/north for more information.
• THE YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER, 415 E. Monroe, (970) 416-2990. Drop in recreational opportunities that include a climbing wall, a basketball court, a fitness room, a TV/Stereo/game room, a study room with computers and small concession area are offered for youths ages 12-19. Classes are available for ages 1-19. Call for schedule. The Youth Activity Center is typically used for programs. If you would like to inquire about renting the facility, please call Marc Rademacher at 970.221.6309. For program information, please see the Recreator. Visit www.fcgov.com/recreation/youthactivitycenter.php for more information.
• THE POTTERY STUDIO, 1541 W. Oak, (970) 221-6204. Studio features 12 kick wheels, 12 electric wheels (2 handicap accessible), 6 kilns, and work areas for throwing and hand-building. Visit www.fcgov.com/recreation/potterystudio.php for more information.
• FORT COLLINS SENIOR CENTER, 1200 Raintree Dr., (970) 221-6644. Center is for adults (18+) only and features a 25-yard, 4-lane lap pool, 10-person spa, gymnasium, track, multi-use are with stage, classrooms, billiards, craft rooms, kitchen, lounge and media center/library. Admission is required per entry, however multiple-admission passes can be purchased at a reduced rate. Visit www.fcgov.com/recreation/seniorcenter.php for more information.
• THE GARDENS AT SPRING CREEK, 2145 S. Centre Avenue, (970) 221-6881. The Gardens on Spring Creek includes recreational, educational, cultural and environmental opportunities. The Gardens are located on an attractive 18 acre site about ½ mile south of the Hilton Hotel. A prominent feature is an attractive building that initially includes a production greenhouse, a classroom, an entry/display area, offices, and restrooms. A future phase will add a conservatory (for an indoor display garden), a meeting room, and a teaching kitchen. The grounds will eventually include numerous ornamental/theme gardens, extensive fruit and vegetable gardens, and a formal lawn area for social gatherings. The beauty of the site will be enhanced with many refined architectural elements, such as walled gardens, vine-draped arbors, and trellised walkways. Visit www.fcgov.com/horticulture for more information.

• FOSSIL CREEK TRAIL runs through the Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area on south Shields Street. Plans are in place to extend the trail west and north to meet the Spring Creek Trail and east to Fossil Creek Reservoir. New segments will open as rights-of-way are established and construction is completed.
• POUDRE RIVER TRAIL meanders along the Poudre River for 8.35 miles and runs from North Taft Hill Road to East Drake Road. Expansion of this trail is expected during the next several years.
• POWER TRAIL is 2.75 miles of paved trail, which follows the west side of the Union Pacific Railroad south from Edora Park to south of Harmony Road. The trail to Horsetooth Road is completed, but future phases will extend beyond Harmony Road eventually to Loveland?s trail system. Funding is from Conservation Trust (Lottery) revenue.
• SPRING CREEK TRAIL follows Spring Creek through several parks in mid-Fort Collins and extends from West Drake Road to the confluence of Spring Creek and the Poudre River, where it joins the Poudre River Trail. This popular trail, which is 6.6 miles, continues to Spring Canyon Community Park and the Foothills Natural Areas.

• CITY PARK NINE, 411 S. Bryan Ave., (970) 221-6650. Public; 9 holes; par 36; 3,089 total yards.
• COLLINDALE GOLF COURSE, 1441 E. Horsetooth Rd., (970) 221-6651. Public; 18 holes; par 71; 6,509 total yards.
• FORT COLLINS COUNTRY CLUB, 1920 Country Club Rd., (970) 484-9988. Private;18 holes; par 71; 6,924 total yards.
• FOX ACRES COUNTRY CLUB, 3350 Fox Acres Dr., Red Feather Lakes, (970) 881-2510. Private; 18 holes; par 71; 6,363 total yards.
• LINK-N-GREENS GOLF COURSE, 777 E. Lincoln Ave., (970) 221-4818. Public; 18 holes; par 64; 5,012 total yards.
• MAD RUSSIAN GOLF COURSE, 2100 Country Club Pkwy. Milliken, CO 80543, (970) 587-5157. Public; 18 holes; par 69; 5,700 yards
• HIGHLAND MEADOWS GOLF COURSE, 6300 Highland Meadows Pkwy. Windsor, CO 80550, (970) 204-4653. 18 holes; par 71; 7,000+ yards.
• MOUNTAIN VISTA GREENS, 2808 NE Frontage Rd., (970) 482-4847. Public; 9 holes; par 36; 3,500 total yards.
• PTARMIGAN GOLF COURSE, 5416 Vardon Way, (970) 226-6600. Semi-private; 18 holes; par 72; 7,201 total yards.
• SOUTHRIDGE GOLF COURSE, 5750 S. LemayAve., (970) 226-2828. Public; 18 holes; par 71; 6,378 total yards.

• RECREATOR: A guide to recreation programs offered through the City of Fort Collins. Visit www.fcgov.com/recreator/ for a list of programs.
• ENRICH: A guide to recreation programs offered through the City of Fort Collins for people 50 and over. Visit www.fcgov.com/pathways/ for a list of programs.

• ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT: Less than two hours from Fort Collins is located in the Snowy Range.
• BEAVER CREEK, BERTHOUD PASS, BRECKENRIDGE, COPPER MOUNTAIN, KEYSTONE, ARAPAHOE BASIN, LOVELAND, MONARCH, STEAMBOAT, VAIL, WINTER PARK AND MARY JANE: A two to four hour drive from Fort Collins.
• ASPEN HIGHLANDS, ASPEN MOUNTAIN, BUTTERMILK, CRESTED BUTTE, CUCHARA VALLEY RESORT, DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT, POWDERHORN, SNOWMASS, SUNLIGHT, TELLURIDE, WOLF CREEK AND SKI TAMARRON: More than a four hour drive from Fort Collins.