Emerald Playground
The Emerald Park playground project is a comprehensive redesign and expansion that will transform the existing play area into a modern, inclusive destination for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. Building on community input gathered during the planning process, the project reimagines the space to better support recreation, learning, and social connection while enhancing the overall park experience.
The new design will significantly expand beyond the current playground footprint and introduce a variety of upgraded and accessible play features, including two age-appropriate play structures, a 60-foot zipline, swings, a spinner, digi-riders, and a rubberized play surface. Supporting amenities such as benches, tables with umbrellas, seating boulders, sidewalks, and native landscaping will help create a welcoming, comfortable environment for families and caregivers.
In addition to the new play experiences, the project includes important site improvements such as resolving existing drainage issues and installing a modern, water-efficient irrigation system to support long-term sustainability. Wayfinding enhancements and thoughtful site design will improve navigation and connectivity throughout Emerald Park, while integrating existing natural elements to preserve the character of the space and strengthen its role as a community gathering place.
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Emerald Park Playground Closes For Replacement Project
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New, Modern Play Area Planned For Completion In Fall 2026
Steamboat Springs, Colorado-April 15, 2026-Emerald Park’s playground will close Monday, April 20, 2026, as crews prepare to remove the existing structure and begin construction on a new, expanded playground designed to serve a wide range of ages and abilities.
“Playgrounds are important community spaces that support physical activity, learning, and social connection across generations,” said Deputy Parks and Recreation Director–Land Management Stephanie Munro. “This project represents a significant investment in creating a more accessible, engaging, and dynamic play environment for the community.”
The Emerald Park parking lot, athletic fields and restrooms will remain open and accessible during construction. The playground is anticipated to reopen in fall 2026.
The new playground will feature two age-appropriate play structures, a 60-foot zipline, swings, a spinner, two digi-riders, benches, tables with umbrellas, seating boulders, sidewalks, a rubberized play surface and native landscaping.
In addition to new play equipment, the project will address existing drainage issues in the park and include installation of a modern, water-efficient irrigation system.
The project reflects community input gathered throughout the design process last year and will replace the existing playground with a modern, inclusive play space designed to serve a wide range of ages and abilities. The redesigned playground will also expand beyond the existing footprint to improve site functionality and enhance the overall park experience.
“This redesign allows us to reimagine the space to better serve today’s needs while improving long-term sustainability and usability,” continued Munro.
Residents and visitors are asked to respect all closures and construction areas for safety.
Contact
Patrick Campion, Parks & Recreation Project Manager, 970-871-8208 or email
Stephanie Munro, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director–Land Management, 970-871-7011 or email
Emily Hines, Marketing & Communications Supervisor, 970-871-7031 or email -
New Emerald Park Playground Swings Into Design Phase
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Community Input Invited On Desired Features & Functionality During Open Houses
Steamboat Springs, Colorado-March 6, 2025-Slide, climb, swing, tumble, ponder, skip and run your way to be a part of the envisioning process for the new Emerald Park Playground as the city embarks on the design and construction of a new playground space in this popular park.
“As we know, playgrounds are hands-on spaces that promote physical activity, improve motor skills, spark learning, develop social interaction and serve as gathering spot for the community across generations,” said Deputy Parks & Recreation Director-Land Management Stephanie Munro. “We want the new space to be something everyone enjoys and are seeking your involvement in the process.”
This project will be the largest playground replacement to date and includes site improvements, wayfinding, and new amenities to enhance the overall play experience. The area will move beyond the existing playground footprint, introducing additional play features, seating spaces, shade structures, and upgraded site amenities to enhance the overall experience.
As part of the process, two open houses are currently planned to gather input and feedback on the project. Open houses are scheduled from 5pm to 6:30pm on March 19 and April 30 at the Howelsen Ice Arena community room. Designs will be finalized over the summer with construction scheduled to begin this fall and completion anticipated for the 2026 summer.
Concepts will look to blend three elements: destination play (whimsical, creative play environments to spark multi-generational play), discovery landscapes (innovative play and learning spaces) and irrigation design (water conservation and ease of maintenance) into the overall project.
The current playground, installed mostly in-house in 1999 with financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado, has significantly outlived its lifespan. The new space will be a modern, inclusive, and dynamic site for all age groups and abilities. The existing boulders will be integrated into the design and surrounding site improvements. In addition, new wayfinding will improve navigation at Emerald Park, making it easier to find amenities, sport fields, the botanic park and core trail.
The city is teaming with Design Concepts, an award-winning landscape architectural planning and design firm founded in 1981. This Colorado-based firm creates places that strengthen and foster communities behind a belief that excellence in design of outdoor spaces creates community, improves public health, and naturally preserves and enhances environments.
Contact
Stephanie Munro, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director – Land Management, 970-871-7011 or email
Emily Hines, Marketing & Communications Supervisor, 970-871-7031 or email
Who's Listening
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Phone 970-871-8208 Email pcampion@steamboatsprings.net -
Phone 970-871-7011 Email smunro@steamboatsprings.net
