Island Grove Regional Park: The place where community gathers.

The Weld County Fair

In 1918, a Greeley Tribune/Greeley Republican article titled “We want a County Fair,” called on county leaders to help fund a consistent county fair. Following that article, The Central Community Fair and Tractor Show was held in Greeley later that year, although the exact location is unknown. However, it's safe to assume the fair was held at Island Grove Regional Park in 1919 as county extension reports from that year mention meetings held with committeemen at the park to arrange and prepare exhibits for the fair.

After the Central Community Fair and Tractor Show became the Weld County Fair in 1921, Weld County Government made several enhancements to the park, including funding construction of two exhibition buildings in 1922 and 1925.

One of the first steps to the longstanding partnership between Weld County and the City of Greeley regarding ownership and use of the park can be seen in a June 6, 1928, resolution where the entities agreed to partner on the construction of grandstands. As a result of the county’s contribution of an “amount not to exceed $10,000” the county was given the option to lease Island Grove Regional Park for 10 years during the week of the fair — a move which made the park the permanent home of the Weld County Fair. There is record of a set of grandstands being destroyed by a fire in 1977 and being rebuilt.

An Intergovernmental Agreement signed in 1985 further solidified ownership and management of Island Grove Regional Park between the City of Greeley and Weld County.

The Island Grove Park Zoo

In the 1940s, a zoo was established in park with the focus on preserving the American Buffalo or Bison, but there were also birds and numerous other animals on display. Prairie dogs were relocated from around Weld County, and a Prairie Dog Village — one of only two known in the country — was established as part of the Island Grove Park Zoo. The zoo continued until sometime in the 1970s, when costs associated with expanding the zoo and providing more safety measures for animals and visitors grew too costly, and the zoo was shut down.

A place for agriculture

Every January, since 1965, the Colorado Farm Show (originally called the Colorado Agricultural Chemical Exposition) has been held at the park, which allows for space to hold demonstrations of the latest in agriculture equipment and informational seminars. The event, held on the heels of the National Western Stock Show, has repeatedly grown in attendance and popularity.

In addition to the Farm Show, we would be remiss if we didn’t share that the CSU/Weld County extension offices are also located in the park. Staff in this office provides educational courses to the public and members of 4-H Clubs throughout Weld County, who enjoy the use of the 4-H building.

A Place for Everyone

Since its inception in 2011, Weld County Project Connect, established by United Way of Weld County, has provided needed services for free to the public during its one-day event. Thanks to all the volunteers who ensure community needs are met. More than 500 guests were assisted at the 2020 event.

Funded by the City of Greeley residents, businesses and a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, Aven’s Village opened in 2016 as a playground for all, with a specific emphasis on creating a fully inclusive experience for those with physical disabilities. The playground, which was named one of the Best Parks in Colorado by Slides & Sunshine in 2020, features rubber floors and ramps making it easily wheelchair accessible, chair disc and baby swings, a rope and accessible chair zipline as well as sensory-friendly playground equipment.

Home to the Greeley Stampede

The Greeley Stampede turns 100 this year — a credit to continued community support, as well as the work of volunteers and the Stampede Committee to put together an event that brings value to Weld County residents and the millions of people who’ve visited the event over the last 100 years.

Of course, the 100th milestone couldn’t be reached alone, and Weld County Government has made significant investments over the years to strengthen Island Grove Regional Park and the Stampede as a whole. In the 1990s, Weld County and the City of Greeley each contributed $500,000 in matching funds to obtain a $1 million Energy and Mineral Impact Grant, to be used for improvements to better accommodate the rodeo and shows. In 1995 and 1996, Weld County contributed $125,000 for the construction of a new arena. During the following decade, the county approved a 20-year Capital Plan for additional park improvements, including arena and parking lot improvements. Weld County and the City of Greeley each contributed approximately $1.7 million toward the plan.

Most recently, in 2021, the board of county commissioners joined JBS and the City of Greeley in partnering with the Stampede to build a new stage, which will bring bigger concerts to the 10-to 14-day event. The total cost for the stage was $2.1 million; the county contributed $500,000.

Aside from helping the Stampede financially, several county departments assist in different aspects of the event. The Weld County Office of Emergency Management works with the Stampede and various first responders throughout the county in developing emergency response plans, the Sheriff’s Office assists with park security, and Environmental Health conducts food inspections of Stampede vendors.

Sources:

• The 1992 Island Grove Regional Park Development Plan
• County extension reports and  Board of County Commissioner minutes
• Greeley Tribune
• The Greeley History Museum
• The Colorado Farm Show

We promised a story on the Weld Works 4 Youth program, and next week we'll deliver. You will meet Yaelyn Chavez and explore how the Weld Works 4 Youth program has helped her and many other teenagers gain confidence, new skills and so much more through real-world work opportunities.