Shur View

As of the 2020 Census, Greeley was the fastest growing city in Colorado, which is why much of its former agricultural property has been built into subdivisions—to support the spiking population. The area known as Shur View remains as one of its last large parcels suited for open space recreation.

Trust for Public Land, the City of Greeley, and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) are partnering to protect Shur View permanently and prevent further development. Collectively, we’ve raised $7.75 million toward the $8.5 million purchase price. TPL is working with the city to raise the remaining $775,000 needed for TPL to convey the land to the city free of debt. A conservation easement held by Colorado Open Lands will then ensure permanent protection of Shur View.

Located along the Cache la Poudre River, Shur View will offer multiple benefits both near and far, including access to Poudre River Trail, expanded recreation opportunities, and spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and the northern Front Range.

Greeley’s diverse community, including primarily Somalian and Latinx immigrants, will determine the future and features of the Shur View property. TPL believes communities should play a significant role in creating the outdoor recreation that ultimately serves them. Usually, TPL applies this community-driven strategy with park renovations. This time, it will be for a trail and open recreational space.

“The conservation of the Shur View property embodies the vision of a community connected to nature and delivers on our commitments made in the ‘Get Outdoors Greeley’ strategic plan to conserve important lands with outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat values,” said Justin Scharton, Natural Areas and Trails superintendent. “Our goal is to provide equitable access to the outdoors for everyone in Greeley.”

The 1,000 acres will provide breathing room between communities, miles of trails to explore, and habitat for wildlife. The Shur View property will act as a hub, with future spur trails connecting it to the 40-mile Poudre River Trail.

The acquisition of the Shur View property culminates a decades-long effort by the city to acquire one of the last large parcels suited for open space in western Greeley. The property includes a third of a mile of shoreline and bluffs overlooking the river and helps fulfill TPL’s 10-Minute Walk® goal by establishing natural space within 10-minutes of home for many residents of Greeley.

“Making sure everyone has a place to enjoy the outdoors is why everyone at Trust for Public Land works hard each day, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners in Greeley to ensure that the Shur View property becomes the publicly owned recreation destination that it can and should be,” said Wade Shelton, senior project manager for Trust for Public Land. “It was an honor to work with Greeley and GOCO to make this initial purchase happen.”