As summer stretches into autumn, Coloradans know that our outdoor adventures are only just beginning. Greeley, in particular, has dozens of gorgeous parks to enjoy, no matter the season. There are over 300 acres of green space in more than 40 locations, numbers that make us proud.
I think our many parks contribute not only to the beauty of our city but also to its versatility. Residents of Greeley have easy access to public transportation, numerous schools, and shopping centers, but when nature calls, we don’t have to travel far to respond. That’s the magic of Northern Colorado—you get the best of both worlds.
Whether you’re new to our city and looking for places to explore or a Greeley native in need of a fresh perspective, our parks are the perfect place to begin. If you have kids (or if you’re a kid at heart), I highly recommend Aven’s Village at Island Grove for an exhilarating playground experience.
Aven’s Village was inspired by Greeley’s roots in both the Wild West and agriculture. Each element was designed for ultimate enjoyment, from its two ziplines to its sensory garden to its misting stations. The park was named after Aven Mondy, a local youth who uses a wheelchair, and we all love how it was purposefully designed to be inclusive of all children. It provides creative ways to swing, climb, spin, and teeter-totter all playdate long.
When you and your kids are ready for another adventure, I suggest checking out the playgrounds at Bittersweet Park and Homestead Park. Bittersweet actually has two playgrounds that cater to different age groups (and the view of the lake is stunning). Homestead has a woodland theme with tall slides and great climbing areas, which makes it a favorite amongst daredevils.
Another cool thing about Greeley’s parks is that many of them are located within neighborhoods, often within walking distance of residences. One of my family’s go-to neighborhood gems is Westmoor Park, which is outer-space-themed. Its main feature is a gigantic, multi-level space shuttle for climbing, exploring, and crash-landing on an alien planet. The zipline is also a huge draw, and you’ll often see kids lined up to fly around the track.
If outer space doesn’t speak to your kids, you could try Allen’s Park, also located within a neighborhood. With climbing features all connected by bridges, it’s the ideal spot for a game of Tag or Groundies. It’s also a nice place to go fishing if that’s more your speed.
Of course, one of the key features of Greeley is our glorious mountain views, so if that’s what you’re after, head over to Peak View Park. On clear days, it offers a stunning perspective of the Rockies, especially during the evening. My family loves Peak View’s basketball court (hands down, the best one in the city), sand volleyball court, and grassy baseball diamond. The variety makes it the perfect spot to gather for some friendly competition.
When Peak View gets busy, we also appreciate Sanborn Park and Centennial Park. Sanborn has multiple sand volleyball courts, a shady playground, and a beautiful lake for bird-watching and fishing. Centennial, meanwhile, is home to some of the only tennis courts in town, as well as a skatepark. Greeley really does have it all—if you know where to look.
If your favorite thing about visiting a park is the peace and quiet, Glenmere is the place for you. It’s one of Greeley’s oldest, most scenic, and most beloved parks. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a power walk with a view, Glenmere welcomes you with mature trees, a trickling stream, two ponds, and plenty of wildlife. (It’s actually a wildlife sanctuary!) When I walk around Glenmere Park, my stress just melts into the ground and disappears—and that’s my definition of a good time.
With so many niche parks to choose from, I could recommend them all day. But for now, an honorable mention: Promontory Park. It’s honestly Greeley’s best-kept secret as far as a walking park with a view. I debated keeping this one to myself, but the outdoors belongs to us all. Let’s enjoy it while it’s sunny and warm, when the leaves turn, and again on those clear winter days.
As a realtor in Greeley, I’m definitely biased, but I think we have some of the best parks in the country. No matter your interests and no matter the season, there’s a haven for you and your loved ones. Get out there and find it.