Sugar Beet Park

A Sweet Piece of History

Located in northeast Fort Collins at the corner of Ninth Street and Vine Drive, Sugar Beet Park is a relatively new 5.3-acre green space that opened in September 2019. What's interesting about this park is its connection to the area's past - it sits near where the Great Western Sugar Factory once stood, reflecting the sugar beet industry that was important in Fort Collins' development.

The park holds particular significance for Fort Collins' Tres Colonias neighborhoods, the very communities where many sugar factory workers made their homes. As you wander through, you'll notice beautiful sculptures and informational plaques that tell the story of the migrant workers who first cultivated these lands, bringing both food and cultural diversity to Fort Collins.

Play Features That Stand Out

The park's most distinctive feature is a 12-foot-tall wooden sugar beet play structure that stands tall in the playground. Kids love scaling its slats, conquering the rope ladder, and zooming down the slide. It's not just a play structure; it's an imaginative tribute to the crop that once defined this region.

Beyond the giant beet, there's plenty more to keep little ones entertained. The zipline tends to draw a line of eager riders, while the spinning rope teepee and see-saws provide classic playground fun with modern twists. We like the sliding benches installed on repurposed train tracks, referencing the rail cars that once transported sugar beets - a nice historical connection.

Recreation for Everyone

Sugar Beet Park has activities for visitors of all ages, not just children. The basketball court provides a space for pickup games, while the large, level field is ideal for everything from frisbee to family picnics.

If you're looking to get some steps in, a paved walking path circles the entire park. It's smooth and well-maintained - ideal for a morning jog, an evening stroll, or teaching the little ones to ride bikes.

Comfort and Convenience

The park comes equipped with clean restrooms (though note they're closed during winter months) and water fountains that include bottle fillers - a thoughtful touch for hot Colorado days.

When it's time for a break, head to the covered shelter with its beautiful wooden picnic tables. This shaded retreat is especially welcome since much of the playground sits under direct sunlight. It's an ideal spot to regroup and refuel.

Thoughtful Design Elements

Look closely and you'll notice how the park's design tells a story. Trees and plants are arranged in neat rows, echoing how sugar beets were traditionally planted in fields. Educational signs in both English and Spanish share insights about Fort Collins' sugar beet heritage and the importance of pollinators - making this not just a place to play, but to learn as well.

A Natural Haven

Sugar Beet Park incorporates natural elements within its urban setting. The community pollinator garden - the first of its kind in Fort Collins - was created in partnership with the Nature in The City program. During spring and summer, wildflowers burst into bloom, adding splashes of color within the grounds.

And yes, your four-legged friends are welcome too. The park is dog-friendly, with designated areas for leashed pets and plenty of waste stations equipped with bags and trash cans to keep everything clean and pleasant for all visitors.