Colorado Youth Outdoors at Swift Ponds Regional Education Facility
In 1980 the then owner Louis Swift, began mining 73 acres of the property for sand and gravel. The unusual and remarkable reclamation plan for this mining operation led to the construction of 12 ponds. These ponds were created using irregular borders and several islands, resulting in excellent habitat for wildlife, outdoor recreation and environmental education. For nearly three decades Swift Ponds has served the Front Range of Colorado by bringing youth and the outdoors together.
In October of 2007, Colorado Youth Outdoors secured the 240 acre Swift Ponds property located just off Interstate 25 between Windsor and Ft. Collins. Louis Swift believed that CYO could best continue his vision of using Swift Ponds to provide outdoor recreation, education and enjoyment to Northern Colorado’s many non-profit agencies, especially those involving kids.
This Regional Education Facility is the site of many of our programs and will eventually be home for CYO’s headquarters and regional indoor classroom facilities. It is located in Larimer County immediately East of I-25 between county roads 34 and 36. The properties central location is one of the many values it brings to the community.
Phase 1 of the property was recently completed. On Oct. 8th, 2010 a ribbon-cutting was held in celebration of the completion of an open-air pavilion, fishing dock and restroom. These additional facilities greatly enhance the use of the property. Swift Ponds is a large group use area for picnicking, fishing, camping, environmental and outdoor education that is available to qualified youth oriented non-profit organizations.
We are glad to make Swift Ponds and CYO equipment available to many other non-profit organizations. You can make reservations for usage on the Swift Ponds calendar.
