Unlocking Fort Collins: Parks, Trails, and Community Gems with Mike Calhoon & LeAnn Williams

In this episode, Greg Roeder and guests Mike Calhoon and LeAnn Williams explore the past, present, and future of Fort Collins’ parks and recreation. From strategic plans for urban forestry to the highly anticipated Southeast Community Center, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Fort Collins a vibrant and connected community. 

Mike Calhoon is the Director of Parks, City of Fort Collins. Passionate about trails, trees, and creating lasting legacies, Mike is the go-to guy for all things green and scenic in Fort Collins.

LeAnn Williams is the Director of Recreation, City of Fort Collins. When she isn’t rocking stylish beanies and shoes, she’s expanding recreation opportunities in Fort Collins, making our city an even better place to live.

Topics explored in this episode: 

* The vision and progress of the Southeast Fort Collins Community Center, set to open in 2028.

* Fort Collins’ trail system, including the Poudre River Trail. 

* The role of urban forestry in combating the heat island effect and enhancing air quality.

* How the community supports and shapes parks and recreation through ballot measures and feedback.

* Popular recreation trends, from the explosion of pickleball to the growth of adaptive sports programs.

* Accessibility and inclusion in recreational programming.

* The impact of cultural trends, like the Hunger Games movies, on increasing interest in sports like archery.

Chapters: 

(02:30) Mike Calhoon: 36 Years of Fort Collins Parks Legacy

(11:56) LeAnn Williams: From Loveland to Leading Recreation in Fort Collins

(20:22) Strategic Trails and Urban Forestry Plans

(30:36) The Southeast Community Center

(41:06) Recreation for Everyone

(50:04) Pickleball, Archery, & More

(57:06) Fort Collins’ Quality of Life

Thanks to Mike and LeAnn for being on the show! 

Connect with Mike Calhoon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-calhoon-15b0881b/ 

Connect with LeAnn Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannwilliamsco 

Recreation in Fort Collins: https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/ 

Parks in Fort Collins: https://www.fcgov.com/parks/ 

Learn about Greg Roeder on the Selling Fort Collins website: https://www.sellingfortcollins.com

Phone Greg: 970.213.2095

Email Greg: groeder@livsothebysrealty.com 

Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregroeder/ 

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingFortCollinsPodcast 

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Visit https://www.sellingfortcollins.com/what-sets-greg-apart to read more about the Selling Fort Collins 5-Part Listing Promise.

“Be less impressed and move involved” — Matthew McConaughey. 

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com