A milestone was recently reached in the planning of the new community center located in southeast Fort Collins with the submission of a major amendment request to the City. The southeast community center is an innovative, multi-use center being planned in partnership by the City of Fort Collins, Poudre River Public Library District and Poudre School District. Each entity brings contributions to the project through financial support or land donation.

“After many months of work, including onsite land assessments, budget discussions, public engagement and focused conversations with various user groups in the community, we are excited to see the new community center beginning to take shape”, said LeAnn Williams, director of recreation at the City of Fort Collins. “This multi-use, intergenerational facility presents a unique opportunity to innovate and design for not only our current community needs and priorities, but those of the future, as well.”

Highlights from the schematic designs include indoor and outdoor aquatics facilities with lap lanes supported through partnership with Poudre School District; an expansive, full-service library; community rooms for innovation and collaboration; a dedicated, licensed childcare area; and traditional recreation spaces, such as a gymnasium and fitness area.

“Throughout the initial planning discussions for this facility, the themes we’ve heard from our community include a desire for more connection, collaboration, and flexibility,” said Diane Lapierre, executive director of Poudre Libraries. “The multi-use community center approach allows us to expand the services we value in our current Council Tree Library building, while opening up a number of new creative makerspace opportunities.”

In the coming weeks, onsite activity will begin with soil and geothermal testing on the land adjacent to Fossil Ridge High School that Poudre School District contributed to the project

As the project continues to move forward, the project team will refine designs and corresponding budget projections to bring to City Council and the Library Board of Trustees later this year. Additionally, an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) will be developed between entities to address the logistics of the site, fair cost sharing, and ongoing facility operations. Construction of the facility is anticipated to begin in 2026, with a completion target date of 2028.

The community center was promised to voters in 2015 as part of the approved Community Capital Improvement Program. Information regarding the project will continue to be shared via the project webpage.