Fort Lupton, CO — A long-anticipated community park transformation is officially moving forward thanks to a powerful public-private partnership between The Great Outdoors Fund (TGOF), Occidental (Oxy), and the City of Fort Lupton.
The RECreate Koshio Park initiative will renovate the 2.1-acre Sam Koshio Memorial Park into a modern, inclusive, accessible, and family-friendly gathering space. Shaped by extensive bilingual community input—including 17 engagement events in 2024-2025—the redesign directly reflects what Fort Lupton residents said they needed most.
Oxy’s financial commitment provided the final funding piece, unlocking the full project budget and paving the way for construction to begin this summer.
Located at the intersection of Highway 52 and South McKinley Avenue, Koshio Park will soon feature:
- A fully ADA-compliant playground with zipline, shade-covered swings, and poured-in-place safety surfacing
- A large pavilion ideal for family reunions, events, and other gatherings
- A ¼-mile walking trail
- Renovated, heated year-round restrooms
- Bilingual signage, security cameras, additional benches, more trees for shade, and expanded seating
These upgrades address the community’s top priorities: safety, accessibility, and spaces that welcome families, children, seniors, and people of all abilities and backgrounds—especially in a city where 57% of residents are Hispanic/Latino.
“We always look for projects that are truly led by the community, and this is a shining example of what happens when a city listens to its residents and partners step up to make the vision real,” said Lori McCullough, Founder and CEO of The Great Outdoors Fund. “Oxy’s investment was the catalyst that brought this project fully across the finish line. This is exactly why TGOF exists—private support for public spaces creates shared, lasting benefits for everyone.”
City leaders highlighted the project’s role in advancing equitable recreation as outlined in Fort Lupton’s 2018 Parks & Trails Master Plan.
“Koshio Park has always been an important gathering place for our residents,” said Doug Cook, City of Fort Lupton Parks and Recreation Director. “This investment ensures the park reflects the needs of our community today and for generations to come. By incorporating extensive public input and partnering with organizations invested in Fort Lupton’s future, we’re building a space that is inclusive, accessible, and safe for all who call our community home.
“We are proud to support a project that will have a lasting, positive impact on families in Fort Lupton,” said Jason Sevin, President and General Manager, Oxy Rockies Business Unit. “Investing in community spaces like Koshio Park means investing in our community’s quality of life. Partnerships like this let us give back meaningfully and help create welcoming places for gathering, celebration, and enjoying the outdoors.”
Construction is slated to start in summer 2026 with a celebratory groundbreaking event, followed by a grand opening in late 2026 or early 2027. Once complete, Koshio Park will serve as a vibrant neighborhood hub promoting physical activity, social connections, and community pride.