Civic Assembly - May 3, 2025

The City of Fort Collins held a Civic Assembly meeting on May 3, 2025, focused on planning and visioning for the Hughes site, a 164-acre parcel under consideration for various uses including natural area restoration, recreational facilities, and cultural spaces. The assembly discussed the site’s ecological conditions, restoration costs, and compatibility of different uses such as a bike park, natural habitat, indigenous cultural areas, and a wildlife rehabilitation and education center. City staff and design consultants provided insights on site characteristics, potential uses, and funding approaches, emphasizing community involvement and multi-use solutions. Participants engaged in small group discussions to prioritize concepts, major uses, and minor elements, followed by a preliminary voting process to gauge support for various proposals. The meeting also addressed policy constraints related to land use, indigenous access, and environmental protection, setting the stage for further refinement and final recommendations in subsequent sessions.