Why Willow Bend Park in Loveland is About to Be Your New Favorite Spot

Loveland, Colorado, is getting a brand-new park, and honestly, it’s kind of a big deal. Willow Bend Park isn’t just any park—it’s set to be the city’s first with a universal access playground (see my blog about Universal Design for more information). Per the City of Loveland’s website, “The goal of a universally designed play environment is to provide all users with sensory-rich and engaging play opportunities in a barrier-free environment.” This is a place where no one feels left out, and that's something worth getting excited about.

A Playground Like No Other

Based on the design layout, the City of Loveland has been really intentional in following the Equitable and Flexibility in Use principles of Universal Design. You can see how the climbing structure has access to the main level through firm surface hills versus ladders with many options for interactive play. They chose a Merry-Go-All with seated and standing options, and Sky Run Zip track for parallel play options. From wheelchair-friendly equipment to sensory-friendly spaces, this playground is making sure that everyone gets to join in on the fun. It’s not just a win for Loveland; it’s a win for all of Northern Colorado, which doesn’t have many spaces like this.

Proposed Design of Playground from City of Loveland

The movement to create playgrounds like this is growing across Colorado, as highlighted in this Colorado Sun article including Berthoud and Colorado Springs. Towns big and small are realizing how important it is to provide spaces where kids of all abilities can play together. Willow Bend is Loveland’s contribution to that effort, and it’s going to make a huge difference for the kids and families in NoCo.

More Than Just a Playground

Willow Bend Park isn’t just about the playground—it’s got something for everyone. The park spans 160 acres, including trails, an accessible fishing pier, and a huge natural area for those who love being outdoors. The natural area will preserve the riparian corridor and will have over 130 acres of habitat for birds, mammals, and reptiles along the Big Thompson River wetland. The trail will consist of a paved hard surface path as well as an unpaved loop trail, which will provide visitors with an opportunity to view the pond and river. The Big Thompson Trail, a hard packed multiuse 8-10 foot wide trail already established from Rossum Drive to S Hwy 287, will be extended through this natural area and eventually connect with the Town of Johnstown via the CDOT-built underpass at the I-25 Big Thompson River bridge. This is great news for bikers or adaptive equipment users looking for longer adventures. The website does not include the exact surface type of the natural trails or the width which would allow for more access for those with different equipment types.

Park Design with Trails

But to give the city credit, they really thought about accessibility here. Highlighting their plans to have accessible toilets at every trailhead, having an adult changing station in their playground restroom, and having ADA equipment charging stations. It’s clear that they wanted this park to be a place where everyone feels welcome, no matter their mobility or needs. I have reached out to the city to ask about width measurements and am awaiting their response. 

A Community Effort

This park didn’t happen overnight, and it definitely didn’t happen without some serious teamwork. The city used Capital Expansion Fees and snagged over $2 million in grant money from groups like Great Outdoors Colorado. GOCO is a major contributor to many projects around the state improving accessibility using funds from the Colorado Lottery fees, an example of great resource allocation approved by CO voters. None of this touches Loveland’s general fund, so the project isn’t draining other city resources.

Willow Bend has already picked up some awards, like the PlayCore National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play and the Advancing Diversity and Social Equity Award. Pretty impressive, right?

Mark Your Calendars

Willow Bend Park is set to open in 2025, and you’re going to want to check it out. Whether you’re bringing kids, looking for a peaceful trail, or just curious about Loveland’s latest gem, this park is going to have something for you. Let me know if you have any other suggestions for the park and what you think!

To learn more about the project, check out the city’s updates here.