Fort Collins maintaining recreation department as other cities across the country cut programs

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Standing by the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, a short walk from the Northside Aztlan Community Center, LeAnn Williams said the Fort Collins Department of Recreation’s mission is simple: make recreation welcoming, not exclusive.

“We’re all about equity and access, and when you do that, people participate with you,” Williams, the director of recreation for the city, said. “Our focus is participation and community.”

That philosophy guides programs that range from swim and art classes to an adaptive recreation program, as well as a robust reduced-fee option for many Fort Collins residents. The adaptive recreation program provides opportunities for people with disabilities to stay active, and families who qualify for benefits such as SNAP or Medicaid can buy a sing