CORTEZ COMMUNITY PARK MASTER PLAN

Client: City of Cortez
Location: Cortez, Colorado
Project Status: 2018: Master Plan Complete; Grant Solicitation and Fundraising Underway
Construction Cost: $2.1 million

During the summer and fall seasons of 2018, the City of Cortez, together with Connect One Design, developed a master plan for a new park at the site of an old high school. A critical component of the master plan was public input. The needs and desires of the community were gathered through a series of open houses, public surveys and conversations with stakeholders. Data from the first open house and public survey was gathered to create two design options. These two concepts were presented at a second open house. The public weighed in on design, aesthetics, programming and layout of elements. Information gathered at this meeting, along with input from city officials and relevant city departments helped Connect One Design to create one cohesive master plan. This master plan was unveiled at the third and final public open house as well as presented to the City Council. Input from these two meetings fostered the development of a more well-rounded and constructible final design.

The final design was a sophisticated blending of multiple design ideas and was rooted in the neighborhood’s identity. Local families, teens, and youth provided invaluable input as to what program elements they would consider successful in the park and even the best relationships between uses. Once completed, Connect One Design created cost estimate tiers and phasing plans to prepare the City of Cortez for grant solicitation and fundraising.