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Event Details - Holiday Lighting Ceremony on 11/1

The annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony will take place Friday, November 1, in Old Town Square! 

Live music will be performed on the stage by Space Force in Old Town Square from 5:30-7 p.m., with a short ceremony taking place at 6:30 p.m. before the lights turn on.

The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony takes place in Old Town Square. The event brings thousands of people to Downtown Fort Collins every year, so prepare for limited parking availability and traffic congestion. Additionally, visitors can expect road closures and detours surrounding Old Town Square. 

New! Road Closures in the Area

This year, road closures will be placed on streets surrounding the Old Town Square, including Walnut St. and Linden St. "No Parking" signage will be posted 24 hours before the event, and cars parked in the event area will be towed.

Road Closure Details:

  • Walnut St. and the 200 block of Linden St. closed to vehicles
    • "No parking" starts at 2:00 p.m. - vehicles on street will be towed*
    • Pedestrian-only zone for shopping, dining, and entertainment from 3-8:30 p.m.
  • Mountain Ave. between College Ave. and Remington St. closed starting at 4:30 p.m.

Please follow all posted signage to ensure safety for all attending.

*Cars parked in signed areas will be towed and relocated to Northside Aztlan Community Center, located at 112 E. Willow St. Fort Collins, CO 80524.

>>More Info about the Downtown Holiday Lights Event

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2022 Annual Report#

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The City of Fort Collins Parks & Recreation Department's Annual Report provides insight into the department's community impact and performance in 2022. Parks and Recreation appreciate the support and generosity given by the community and look forward to serving Fort Collins for years to come. 

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ReCreate: Parks & Recreation Master Plan#

Over the last year, staff has been working with a consultant team, stakeholders, and the community to thoroughly assess our system of parks and recreation facilities. The result of this work is an imaginative and comprehensive Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

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The City of Fort Collins Recreation Department chose to initiate its very first operational planning process in January 2014 with the intention of ensuring organizational improvement and effectiveness.

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Anecdotal History of the Recreation Department#

The Anecdotal History of Parks and Recreation was compiled and written by Jean Helburg, retired Recreation Director. She was employed by the City of Fort Collins Recreation Department for 38 years and retired in early 2009.

The document linked below will share the rich history of the Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Department. A general chronological history can be found in Chapters 1-5. Chapter 6 is a recounting of a more detailed history of recreation facilities and therapeutic recreation. Separate chapters are included about Logos and Themes (Ch. 7) and Awards and Recognitions (Ch. 8).

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