Pueblo Colorado has 30% more parks compared to other towns its size

Steven Meier is the Director of Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Community Development. Meier grew up on a farm in western Kansas. He has a bachelors of art degree in landscape architecture from Kansas State. He moved to Pueblo in 1986, where he started out working in Pueblo County Planning Department, he assisted in park design. In 1995 he became Pueblo City Planner. In 2013 he became Director of Parks, and in 2014 he added Director of Planning and Community Development. He is married and has 2 adult sons. He has found that he has a desire to design parks as well as take care of and improve parks.

Steven Meier Director of Pueblo Parks and Recreation

Meier reports that Pueblo has 3o percent more Parks than other cities its size, but has 30 percent less staff and funds compared to towns of the same size. Pueblo has 3,800 acres of land for park use.

Meier reports that some of the land was donated by home developers as part of an agreement with Pueblo. There are 88 different parks, including a disc golf course, a dog park and kayak course. Open during the summer are 4 swimming pools, residents are required to pay a fee to swim. There are 24 miles of trails. The trails were planned to avoid road crossings, but there is one trail that crosses a road at the Pueblo Reservoir. There are 38 full time park employees. Summer brings an additional 200 to 300 part time employees.

Meier in his office

Meier reports some concerns including infrastructure and delayed maintenance. Repairs and upkeeps are costly. Safety and security are ongoing concerns with attention to the 2 rivers running through parks, swimming pools, and kiddie rides. Rangers go around daily until 10 PM to provide security.

Ride at City Park

Plans include extending the trail system, improving Minnequa Park and Honor Farm Park. At recent Pueblo City Council meeting, Councilman Ray Aguilera said he would like to donate marijuana revenue to the parks.

Meier reports they attempting to provide interesting events and programs. He reports they are trying to think outside the box. The Parks recently sponsored a bike repair class. Meier recommends upcoming Movies in the Park. Finding Dory is planned for August 19, and Beauty and the Beast is scheduled for September 9.

On August 27, the last day the pools are open this summer, dogs can swim in the City Park Pool. The event is called Pups in the Pool, dogs are charged five dollars each and their owners can join for free.

City Park Pool