Winter Sought Vengeance: Foco Rose to the Challenge

No matter the challenge, Park's Service never fails to deliver

By Jason Pohl

The snow fell and the ice stuck, but it wasn't long before more than 25 miles of paved bike paths and trails were coated with winter's vengeance. Luckily, the City of Fort Collins Park's Service was soon on top of the pending disaster with an army of sweepers, plows, de-icer and sheer manpower.

Crews were up long before the sun, and they worked throughout the day according to Sarah, an Administration Clerk for the city office.

“They worked up to 12-hour shifts to stay ahead of the snow.” She continued, “We make adjustments as needed depending on how bad it gets out there.”

Snow fell on Spring Creek Trail, but it was no match for city crews.

In a city with so many active people, the trail workers' efforts did not go unnoticed.

“They do a great job with the snow. They are so reliable no matter how bad the storm gets,” said Lynn Soukup, 56, a long time Fort Collins resident and frequent user of the trails in town.

The dynamics of this town show just by looking at the range in personalities that frequent these trails.

Mel Amoroso, a 22-year-old student reiterated the quality of the trails. “I went out for a quick five-mile run Monday during the storm, and it had already been cleared. It was easier to run on than the roads.”

Though winter weather always produces an interesting twist in the process of maintaining dozens of natural areas, trails and parks in town, things could always be worse. Some of the hardest parts of working on the public lands in town include the minefield of goose poop, but that eventually goes away by the forces of nature. It is the human aspects that really are troubling.

Fort Collins is relatively tame compared to other cities in the country,” said Craig Foreman, a 25-year employee for the parks service and current Director of Park Planning.

“It always hurts a little bit to see graffiti, cut down trees or vandalized bathrooms or playgrounds, but that is all a part of maintaining any public area,” he continued.

No matter how great the system is there is always room for improvement, and officials realize this.

Foreman elaborated, “We are working hard on moving things along with the expansion of the Poudre River Trail”

He explained that surveying is taking place throughout 2011 to plan the route under Interstate-25. construction on the east side near Timnath is expected to begin in early 2013 with an estimated link up around 2015.

Spring Creek sunset just one day after the storm.

With such an emphasis on fitness and nature among locals, the Fort Collins Park’s Service realizes it has to live up to the demands of residents, and they take pride in what they accomplish.

Perhaps Amoroso summarized it best. “I use the trails almost every day. It's convenient, safe and there is always adventure built in if you know where to look. It is just a great way to unwind after a crazy day.”