Larimer County: Ranch Phase 2 construction underway; staff seeks tourism grant for 2026 sesquicentennial and federal anniversary events

Leslie Ellis, director of Community Planning, Infrastructure & Resources, updated the Board of County Commissioners on construction activity at The Ranch and a request for a Colorado tourism office grant to support anniversary events planned for 2026.

Ellis said the contractor Colson Excavating began Phase 2 work, including removal of the old entrance and monument (completed), widening County Road 5, expanding a detention pond, constructing a new parking lot (Parking Lot E) and adding a northbound acceleration lane on Arena Circle. “All of this work is scheduled to be completed by October 2,” Ellis said.

Ellis also said The Ranch is planning events to mark the nation's 250th anniversary and Colorado's 150th anniversary in 2026 and that staff had prepared a letter for the Board to sign supporting an application to the Colorado tourism office. The letter was placed on the dais for commissioners and Ellis said the grant application deadline was imminent.

In addition, staff reported an award recognition: the Larimer County Water Master Plan received an honor award from the Colorado chapter of the American Planning Association and partners including the Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy and the Sonoran Institute; staff said a formal presentation and plaque will be returned to the full board after the October awards event.

Board response and next steps
Commissioners indicated support for the tourism grant letter and for celebrating the awards recognition. Ellis said staff will bring the signed letter to the tourism office and will return with follow-up on grant results and construction progress at The Ranch.