History of City Park

In 1907

The City bought 62 acres for a park for $25,080 west of downtown, part of the original Mercer Colony that was purchased by John Sheldon in 1874.  This acreage included Sheldon Lake on West Mulberry and a hill east of the lake made from dredging the lake.

In 1909

Surveying began on the new park property west of town.

In 1911

Staking of drives and parking and some grading began in the park.

In 1912

The town Park Commission officially named the park "City Park".

In 1913

The City purchased Prospect Park to add acreage to City Park.

1919

A 26-space public campground at Oak and Bryan was opened with water faucets and restrooms for campers.

1920

Summer band concerts previously held in Lincoln Park were moved to the Sheldon Lake bandstand.

1921

City Park concessionaire Robert Lampton built the Pavilion (Club Tico) on the north shore of Sheldon Lake.

1923

Mr. Lampton built the community house at Oak and Bryan (pottery studio) for the campers. He lived upstairs.

A major windstorm destroyed the old Prospect Park grandstand.

1925

The Sheldon Lake bandstand was enlarged.

A diving tower was constructed in Sheldon Lake & the swimming area was designated with a barrier.

A warming house was built for skaters on the north shore of the lake, designed with removable walls for summer shade. The concrete steps still remain.

A shower bath house was built at the campground.

1927

16 rental cabins were built by Mr. Lampton west of the canal & campground to accommodate tourists who didn’t want to "rough it" in tents (Fort Collins Auto Camp).

1932

A concrete and stone restroom was built at Grandview Cemetery.

A cannon was installed to honor WW I Veterans.

1935

Mr. Lampton did not renew his concession agreement, and sold his buildings in the park to the City.

1940

City Park Nine Golf Course was Dedicated and opened to the public.

The auto camp closed.

1944

J.W. Norcross converted the second floor of the Pavilion into a roller skating rink.

1948

The roller rink at the Pavilion closed.

City Council designated the use of The Pavilion for Club Tico, an activity club for teens.

1949

Club Tico was moved from the junior high to City Park. The Pavilion was renamed Club Tico.

A pool and separate wader were built in Sheldon Lake.

Moose Lodge built 3 fishing piers along the shore of Sheldon Lake.

1950

The children's train was installed and operated as a private concession.

1952

A pool permanently separate from the lake was built next to Club Tico.

1956

A bathhouse/concession building was constructed at the pool.

1958

The north ball field was improved with backstop, bleachers, and grass.

1964

Steel poles and upgraded lights were installed on the south ball field.

1967

New lights and poles were installed on the north ball field.

1969

The north ball field bleachers were replaced, and concrete dugouts were added to the south field.

1971

Club Tico closed as a youth center after 27 years of operation in . City Park.

1972

Club Tico reopened to senior citizens during the day and to youth evenings and weekends.

1974

The Community House was renovated as a pottery studio and general classroom facility.

1975

A park maintenance shop was opened west of the fire station. The old shop/public restroom by the playground was torn down.

1976

Club Tico was closed, and youth and senior citizen activities were moved to the new Downtown Center.

1980

A fit trail was installed and opened.

1981

A storage facility was built on Mountain Avenue for the historic trolley that runs from City Park to Meldrum St.

1982

Streets were converted to one-way inside the park.

1983

The original ball field concession was torn down and relocated.

1985

The miniature Statue of Liberty was renovated.

1987

The bathhouse/concession at the out- door pool was replaced and opened.

1988

The golf course clubhouse was re- modeled and a cart building added.

1999

Work began to improve the lake shoreline.

2001

The Don and May Wilkins Family Trust funded a boardwalk along the lake's north shore. A new boat rental dock was attached to the boardwalk

2002

City Park Pool was closed and totally replaced with a leisure pool

2003

The renovated City Park Pool reopened

2004

Tennis court lights and scoreboards were replaced. The playground was im- proved with an ADA-approved surface and a new rope structure. The retaining wall on the north side of the lake was replaced.

2006

A double water slide was added at City Park Pool.

2009

Club Tico underwent a major renovation.