Dovetail Park

Park Overview

Tucked within Fort Collins, Colorado, Dovetail Park spans a cozy 6 acres near the Rigden Farm and Bucking Horse neighborhoods. This community park officially welcomed visitors in Fall 2023, the culmination of years of thoughtful planning and development.

Character Zones

The park cleverly divides itself into distinct areas, each with its own personality. There's a Natural Drainage Zone where various plants do double duty as both greenery and natural water filters. The Activity Terrace and Promenade features interactive elements designed for active participation. For those seeking open space, The Green - a sunken field area - offers plenty of room for impromptu sports or simply sprawling out on a sunny day.

Playground Features

At the heart of Dovetail is a large wooden climbing tower that's quite distinctive. It's brilliantly designed with a graduated challenge system - older kids can test their skills on the upper sections while younger adventurers find their courage on the lower levels.

Kids (and let's be honest, some adults too) flock to the zipline for that momentary thrill of flight, while the giant slide and spinning platform rarely sit empty. Traditional swings and various climbing structures round out the play options. Parents particularly appreciate the wooden equipment during Colorado's chillier days - no more frozen fingers like you get with metal playground fixtures!

Recreation Areas

Beyond the playground, Dovetail offers several other recreational options. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a full basketball court or try their hand at bocce. The park gets creative with concrete cornhole platforms and even a concrete ping-pong table - just bring your paddles and balls! A generous grassy field invites everything from casual frisbee tosses to impromptu soccer matches.

You'll discover plenty of seating near the play areas when you need a break, plus picnic tables and a grill for those who come prepared with coolers and grocery bags. And yes, there's a drinking fountain with a water bottle filling station - a thoughtful touch for Colorado's active community.

Sustainable Design

Dovetail Park embraces sustainability with native vegetation buffers and a diverse plant collection in the Natural Drainage Zone. The walking paths connect seamlessly to the Bucking Horse neighborhood's internal network and will eventually link up with the future Poudre River Trail - something local trail enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting.

Public Art

Art weaves throughout the park thanks to the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places program. Artist Joshua Wiener created fascinating steel beam sculptures near the entrances that appear to emerge organically from the ground. As you walk around them, their appearance shifts and changes, creating an almost interactive art experience that rewards exploration.

Accessibility & Amenities

The park prioritizes accessibility with perimeter paths great for walkers and runners looking to get their steps in. Clean restrooms serve visitors' needs, but you might find them closed during certain seasons. Parking is primarily street-based, with spots available close to the playground area.

A heads-up for the sun-sensitive: like many newer parks in Fort Collins, Dovetail is fairly exposed with limited natural shade and little protection from Colorado's occasionally enthusiastic winds. Bringing sunscreen and perhaps a hat wouldn't be a bad idea on bright days.