Creekside Park and Sheerwood Gateway

Following an engaging three-day design charrette for the Prospect South District in Fort Collins hosted by the City’s Urban Renewal Authority, we’re excited to share preliminary design concepts that PCS Group developed for Creekside Park and Sherwood Gateway. These designs were shaped by many stakeholders, including adjacent businesses, the City, and the community. This vision for the Prospect South District centers on accessibility for all ages and abilities, with a strong emphasis on preservation while strategically enhancing community spaces and the businesses around them.

Creekside Park pays homage to the 1997 Spring Creek Flood. This initial design concept preserves the existing memorial elements on site, including an obelisk marking the historic flood water height and a memorial statue honoring those who lost their lives. The design works around an existing pedestrian bridge and walkway, with enhancements that engage the existing creek and strengthen connections – two core goals of this project.

The design brings people closer to the creek and activates the water’s edge. Site furnishings and gathering areas encourage personal connections to the natural setting, while mature trees are preserved alongside a passive nature trail and flexible lawn. The design also introduces an “ice-cream-in-the-park” concept that leverages the adjacent Dairy Queen, further activating the space. The west side of the park is designed as flex space, with room for events, food trucks, games, and bike parking.

At the Sherwood Gateway, the design promotes connectivity over the Sherwood Lateral Ditch, creating a stronger link from the south side of Creekside Park to existing retail and commercial uses for pedestrians to now easily access. A grand staircase combined with a bisecting ADA ramp, engineered by Olsson, increases accessibility. PCS Group assisted in shaping this into a structural element in the form of intersecting gateway arches that anchor one end of Prospect South District. Painted stair risers further celebrate local art and murals, including an interpretation of a ram horn as a subtle nod to Colorado State University.

We look forward to furthering these ideas with the Design Team and supporting the goal of creating a vibrant destination pedestrian corridor.