A new outdoor destination is taking shape in northern Colorado.

The city of Greeley recently announced closing on 978 acres called Arroyos del Sol — setting the stage for recreation development around the rolling prairie and bluffs between Greeley and Windsor.

“We envision this space as a regional destination that celebrates our city’s natural beauty while boosting tourism,” Greeley Parks Director Diana Frick said in a news release.

Arroyos del Sol represents a vision decades in the making, culminating in 2022. That’s when a partnership between Windsor, Trust for Public Land and Great Outdoors Colorado came together to purchase the land that would double Greeley’s public open space.

Since then, local government leaders, contracted experts and residents have met toward shaping a plan. Published at the start of this year, the plan pledges a balance between conservation and recreation at Arroyos del Sol, translating to “sun stream” — so named for the deep, water-cut gullies providing wildlife habitat throughout the property off Colorado 257.

The plan calls for 700 acres of shortgrass prairie and arroyos to be “enhanced and protected as high-quality habitat. A “Hilltop Hub” is mapped off the highway, complete with picnic shelters, a bike skills course and a view of the peaks out west.

The “Hilltop Hub” is envisioned to be the launchpoint for a trail system weaving 12-plus miles. Concepts include a mountain bike-only trail and a set of steep, hiker-only steps mimicking the Manitou Incline.

The recent news release indicated first priorities would be establishing the first trails, parking, shade pavilions and restrooms. The plan estimates total development costs between $27 million and $37 million.

“It will take many years before this natural area becomes the vision described in the master plan,” reads a project webpage.

Updates have been posted at the webpage: tinyurl.com/2na64nzk