Circle Park open to the public following extensive upgrades

Phase II & III completion finalize multi-year riverfront improvement effort

MEEKER | Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation & Park District (ERBM), in partnership with the Town of Meeker, is pleased to announce the reopening of Circle Park following completion of Phase III construction.

This marks the capstone of a decades-long effort to enhance Meeker’s White River corridor — improving safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of our vital community waterway.

Partnership and Project Background

These improvements were made possible through a joint partnership with the Town of Meeker. ERBM assumed responsibility for the care and maintenance of several Town-owned parks via a lease agreement developed in 2011. This includes Town Park, Circle Park, Sanderson Hills Park, 6^th Street Field, Sage Hills Park, McHatton Park, and Foothills Park. The agreement has been updated several times to reflect shared commitments and evolving needs.

Since the original lease was signed, more than $6.3 million has been invested into capital improvements at key community locations, including $1.6 million in grant funding. The bulk of this funding, just over $5 million, was allocated to improving and sustaining the White River corridor and surrounding areas, which includes both Town and Circle Parks. Riverfront improvements began in 2017 and have been completed in multiple phases.

“We’re thrilled to reopen Circle Park and see this vision finally come together.” ~ ERBM Executive Director Josh Embrey

The final touches at Circle Park are not only beautiful and functional, they are the realization of a long-term vision to connect residents and visitors to the ecological, economic, and recreational benefits of the White River. Additionally, they strengthen Meeker’s role as a hub for outdoor recreation in Northwest Colorado.

Circle Park’s latest improvements include:

·         ADA-accessible river ramp and riprap for bank stabilization and erosion control

·         Boating and rafting launches at 3rd and 10th Streets

·         Trail system connecting the pond and new river access points

·         New stone park sign, split rail fencing, and automated irrigation system

·         Renovated camping and picnic sites with new BBQ grills, trash receptacles, and picnic tables

·         An ADA-accessible vault toilet

The Circle Park Campground features five recently-renovated sites, each with a barbecue grill, picnic table, and trash receptacle.

Circle Park Phase III included the installation of a permanent vault toilet at the Circle Park Campground, a welcome upgrade from the previous temporary bathroom.

The sites have great views of the White River and surrounding area.

These upgrades reflect years of public input emphasizing the community’s top recreation priorities: improved river access, enhanced trail connectivity, and long-term park preservation.

“We’re thrilled to reopen Circle Park and see this vision finally come together,” said ERBM Executive Director Josh Embrey. “This project has been shaped by strong community engagement and close cooperation between ERBM, the Town, and our many partners. It’s an investment that will serve Meeker for decades to come.”

Circle Park Pond is a great place to spend a few hours fishing, walking, or enjoying the antics of local wildlife.

Looking Ahead

While Circle Park is officially open, revegetation efforts are still underway. Please stay off newly seeded areas to allow plants to establish root systems before snow hits.

A community celebration and grand reopening event is tentatively planned for spring 2026.

The Town of Meeker and ERBM extend their sincere thanks to residents, partners, staff members, and contractors whose support helped bring this ambitious, multi-phase project to completion.

Circle Park provides important wetland habitat for numerous species, including ducks, geese, and cranes.