A park in the Sunset Vista IV neighborhood was identified as a need for Town as far back as 2007. There have been various interactions and designs for the potential park over the years, but Buena Vista still does not have a traditional park that serves the population west of McPhelemy Park on Highway 24. After renewed effort by the Recreation Department and the Recreation Advisory Board in 2022, we are now days away from finally putting a shovel in the ground on this long-time project!

Beginning in 2022, Recreation Staff identified the need for an inclusive park in town and the Arkansas Valley region and began shifting the park design in that direction. The Recreation Advisory Board recommended naming the park in honor of Billy Cordova, a Chaffee County Fire Battalion Chief who had recently passed away.

Danielle Ryan of the Recreation Advisory Board led the formation of a Community Group composed of interested community members and residents of the neighborhood. The grassroots effort helped the Recreation Department secure a $748,915 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) in June 2023, as well as other grants and community donations to fund the project.

The Town identified Valerian LLC as the Landscape Architect for Final Design the project in September 2023, Star Playgrounds as the Playground Supplier and Installer in December 2023, and Romtec as the Bathroom and Pavilion Supplier in February 2024. In May 2024, Recreation Staff released the RFP for General Construction Services for Billy Cordova Memorial Park.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 12:00pm at the Park site in the Sunset Vista neighborhood, 142 Raven Way.  There were several keynote speakers during the ceremony.  BV Recreation would like to thank the contributors, partners, and supporters of this major and meaningful project for the community including Gates Foundation, El Pomar, Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition (BVSC), Chaffee County, Town of Buena Vista, and everyone in the community for the support, time, and energy in accomplishing this milestone.

Park Construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 17, 2024.  It is crucial for construction to begin as soon as possible to ensure the weather-sensitive items, such as landscaping and concrete, can be completed on time.  The completion date is slated for the end of October 2024. The Town of Buena Vista and the Buena Vista Recreation Department are eager to have the Billy Cordova Memorial Park available for people of all ages to enjoy.

Please contact Shane Basford or Earl Richmond for more details or inquiries.