Willow Bend Park: A Legacy of Inclusive Design and Belmire’s Proud Role in Bringing It to Life

At Belmire Premier Landscape Solutions, we believe in building more than just landscapes—we help shape the places where communities gather, play, and thrive. One of our most meaningful recent projects is Willow Bend Park and Natural Area in Loveland, Colorado. This innovative, 160-acre park sets a new standard for accessibility, sustainability, and natural beauty—and we’re proud to have been a key part of its development.

A Park Designed for Everyone

Willow Bend Park isn’t just another green space—it’s Loveland’s first fully inclusive public playground and a regional model for universal outdoor access. Designed with children and adults of all abilities in mind, the park features:

• An inclusive playground built on seven principles of universal design
• Over three miles of trails, including connections to the East Big Thompson and Loveland Recreation Trail systems
• Three fishing ponds with ADA-accessible docks
• Picnic shelters, shade sails, restrooms with adult changing stations, and wildlife-friendly natural areas
• Visit Loveland's website to learn more: Willow Bend Park | City of Loveland

From day one, the City of Loveland envisioned a park that would bring people together and provide equitable access to nature. Through years of community input and strategic planning, Willow Bend has become a landmark destination for families, visitors, and outdoor lovers across Northern Colorado.

Belmire’s Role in Bringing the Vision to Life

Belmire Premier Landscape Solutions was honored to contribute to the execution of this transformative park. Our scope of work included:

• Turf installation and soil grading across key gathering areas
• Planting native species and trees to support biodiversity
• Hardscape finishing for walkways and gathering spaces
• Ensuring all landscape features aligned with ADA and sustainability guidelines

We worked hand-in-hand with the City of Loveland, contractors, and accessibility consultants to make sure every element of our work enhanced the park’s long-term usability and visual appeal.

Our team was especially proud to help complete the inclusive playground area, ensuring soft, accessible surfaces and safe transitions between play zones, shade areas, and walkways.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Environmental stewardship was a driving force behind Willow Bend’s design—and one that aligns with our core values at Belmire. The park preserves more than 130 acres of riparian habitat along the Big Thompson River and features:

• Eco-conscious native planting for water conservation
• Soft-surface nature trails to minimize disruption to local wildlife
• Stormwater systems and grading designed for long-term sustainability

We approached this project not only as landscapers but as guardians of the land, helping ensure that Willow Bend remains a healthy, thriving ecosystem for decades to come.

A Community Achievement

Funded through a mix of local capital, lottery conservation funds, and grants—including more than $2 million from Great Outdoors Colorado—Willow Bend Park is already earning recognition:

• Named a PlayCore National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play
• Winner of the Advancing Diversity and Social Equity Award

The ribbon-cutting celebration earlier this year brought together residents, city leaders, and project partners to honor the collaboration that made this vision a reality. For Belmire, it was a proud reminder of why we do what we do—creating places that bring people together.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Location: 2538 E. 1st Street, Loveland, CO
🕒 Activities: Playground, walking trails, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnics
♿ Accessibility: ADA parking, trails, restrooms, and fishing piers

See more about Loveland Colorado's latest addition: 
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=9952298811544702

Willow Bend Park is open year-round and is the perfect destination for families, outdoor recreation, or quiet time in nature.

Partner with Belmire

Willow Bend Park reflects what’s possible when vision, design, and expert craftsmanship come together. If you’re planning a public project or looking to enhance your own landscape with the same level of quality, function, and sustainability, reach out to Belmire Premier Landscape Solutions today.

📞 970-667-7775

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