Billy Cordova Memorial Park and Trail

Project title: Billy Cordova Memorial Park and Trail

Project purpose or justification: The rapid growth on the southwest side of Buena Vista lacks accessible public recreation. The new Billy Cordova Memorial Park and Trail is first-of-its-kind accessible outdoor recreation positioned within Buena Vista's most rapidly growing population area. The significance of this park is two-fold.

First, the strategic location not only provides outdoor recreation for an area of town that currently does not have a park, but the walking trail portion of the project links this rapid-population growth area to the east side of town, which at present is not easily accessible by non-vehicle transportation.
Second, the park will honor Billy Cordova, a beloved firefighter and community member who passed away in 2022, by introducing a first responder themed playground equipment and a meaningful memorial as a central art piece for the park.

Project objective: To serve all abilities and generations of our entire valley, providing amenities to differing physical and neurodivergent abilities, where children of all abilities and ages can play shoulder-to-shoulder.

Project scope: The park will consist of play structures, fitness features, sensory boxes, a large shade structure, a multi-use turf area, a concrete multi- purpose court, a labyrinth, a dog run, and restrooms. Cordova Park will be the only park in our region with fully accessible elements and adaptive equipment.

Project deliverable:

Recycled Asphalt Parking
Bring your own games area
Adult Fitness Area
Multi-purpose court
Dog run with fence
Restroom
Shade Pavilion
Discovery Zone Nature Play
Inclusive playground with fence
Open play/ lawn area
Boulder Labyrinth with concrete seat wall and memorial art feature
ADA Accessible Ramp
Bike Rack
Sensory Zone including sensory boxes
A fence around the playground.
ADA Accessible Parking
Planting Buffer and existing water meter
Peak View Trail Connection and Crosswalk
Fully accessible elements and adaptive equipment.
A sheltered picnic area to act as a gathering place and rest area for park visitors looking to relax and socialize.
1,700 foot trail, built to the standard of our existing trails, 8 feet wide with crusher fines.

Project stakeholders: This community group is made up of:

Neighbors to the proposed park,
Parents of young children,
Business owners in the community,
Town staff,
Older adults, and
A member of the Recreation Advisory Board.

There are partnerships with the Town, Chaffee County, our local school district, and numerous local contractors. All of these partners are invested monetarily or through in-kind donations, along with giving input on their hopes and dreams for Cordova Park. Additional stakeholders include:

Colorado Autism Consultants,
Chaffee County Fire, Area Council on Aging,
Chaffee County Early Childhood Development Council,
Buena Vista Single Track Coalition,
Trails Advisory Board,
Recreation Advisory Board, and
Achieve.

Project timeline:

Project budget:

FY 2024 Capital Cost $1,144,638
Fund Balance $244,035
Grants and Donations: $900,603

This project also entails two distinct development review processes:

Minor subdivision - to consolidate the existing four lots into a single lot
Rezoning -to change the zoning of the land from R-1 Residential to OSR - Open Space Recreation