The City of Grand Junction will celebrate the official opening of the pickleball complex at Lincoln Park with a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Attendees at the ribbon cutting are welcome to bring a pickleball paddle and join in a game after the ceremony.

The event celebrates the full completion of the Tennis and Pickleball Expansion project which included adding 12 new courts at Lincoln Park for a total of 20 dedicated to pickleball and adding four new courts for a total of 16 tennis courts at Canyon View Park. International Dark Sky certified LED lights were installed at both locations to extend play into the evening hours.



Improvements to the pickleball complex at Lincoln Park were part of the overall Tennis and Pickleball Expansion Project funded largely by the city with contributions from the Western Slope Pickleball Club and Mesa County Tennis. The ability to increase service to a large and growing community of pickleball enthusiasts was an important priority of the project.

The pickleball development project was one of the priorities outlined in the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan for the parks and recreation system which includes projects to be completed over the next several years. More information about the PROS Master Plan. 

IN THE NEWS

Grand Junction City Council has approved updated city park rules that will go into effect on May 22, 2024. A redesign of the signage in city parks will help provide increased clarity regarding the rules and those signs will be placed in all 35 parks. Park rules are updated every couple of years and their main focus is to ensure the effectiveness and safety of all the city’s developed parks for all residents and visitors.

“The intent of the updated park rules is to increase safety for park users and our city staff who routinely interact with those who visit our parks,” stated Abram Herman, Mayor of Grand Junction. “While the new rule about not allowing tents in our parks is challenging for some, it is not intended to push those who are unhoused out of the parks but instead increase the opportunity for the entire community to feel safe using our parks."

“City parks already don’t allow overnight camping. Those needing shelter are encouraged to go to the Resource Center during the day for services and support or one of the area’s local shelters at night,” continued Herman.

The park rules encourage recreational use for those who share the parks that are intended for all community members and visitors to gather and enjoy. The updated rules ensure that these spaces are preserved for day usage. City parks continue to be closed overnight as designated by an ordinance adopted in 2019.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board along with City Council, city staff, and community members provided input on the updated rules to meet one of the city’s strategic goals to create a Welcoming, Livable, and Engaging community.

For questions regarding the update to the park rules or any other parks and recreation issue, contact Grand Junction Parks and Recreation at 970-254-3866. 

Las Colonias Dog Park is Open for the Season

The multiple fenced sections in the dog park help keep grass areas healthy, while still providing year-round service for community members, visitors and their furry friends. More information about the City’s dog parks.

Each year the City Dog Parks undergo an open and closure rotation to help keep the grass and soil healthy for the following year. This is done to maintain the health, quality, and longevity of the turf, which has difficulty recovering from the impacts of use during dormancy in fall, winter and spring.

In addition to the dog park at Las Colonias, the City provides another expansive dog park for community members at Canyon View on the north side of Grand Junction. This dog park and the one at Las Colonias are the only areas in parks where pets are allowed off-leash. Mesa County Animal Control Services enforces the leash law within city limits including issuing citations to owners with pets who are off-leash outside of those designated off-leash dog parks at Las Colonias or Canyon View. For full information on all City of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation facilities, view the current activity guide.  

24 Rd Roundabout Art Update

The first sculpture for the 24 Rd and G Rd Roundabout is complete. Artist Jeff Bates states, “At over 2000 pounds, eleven feet from nose to tail, and 11 feet to the tops of the antlers, 8 feet at the shoulder, hundreds and hundreds of welded parts and pieces make up this giant Bull Elk.” The complete design will include a 20’ tall tree in the center of the roundabout with an eagle perched on top. The roundabout space will be divided into three sections with the bull elk, a mule deer, and a standing bear placed in the center of each, circling the tree. The full installation of the artwork will be installed by September 15 of this year. 

New Slack Line Poles at Lincoln Park

Four new slack line poles have been constructed in Lincoln Park. Not only do these poles provide fun recreational activity, but they also help protect our beautiful trees from damage. Please note that no ropes, lines or slack lines may be attached to any tree or Parks and Recreation infrastructure per the recently updated Council adopted Park Rules. Please see above for additional information on the rules. This change regarding slack lines and ropes in general is one of several updated park rules that City Council passed on May 22.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Take Part in Art

Participate in hands-on activities and arts and crafts, learn about the many Arts and Culture Organizations in the area and find out how you can get involved. Activities include, live performances, giant games, arts and crafts, prize raffles, food vendors and more! Join us on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Food Truck Friday is Back

 at the Lincoln Park Barn. Come out for some great food, live entertainment, and craft beer!

Friday, June 14 at 5:30 p.m. | Lincoln Park Barn

Fourth of July Celebration!

On Thursday, the 4th of July, Lincoln Park will have a host of activities for the whole family! Starting with a Lincoln Park-Moyer pool celebration with a special entrance price of $2.48 for the 248th birthday of our country! Price includes waterslide (must be 42" tall). The GJ Jackalopes game will begin at 5:35 p.m. the culmination of the day will be the extraordinary 4th of July fireworks display beginning at 9:45 p.m.!

Swim Camp

Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool

Age: 8 - 15

June 10 - June 14

June 24 - June 28

July 8 - July 12

10:10 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Kids' Triathlon Camp

Orchard Mesa Pool

Ages: 5 - 17

June 10 - June 14

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m

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Intermediate Youth Pickleball Clincs

Lincoln Park Pickleball Courts

Age: 11-16

June 10 - June 14

July 15 - July 19

9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Join us for the "Make a Splash: Get to Know Your City" event hosted by the City of Grand Junction! This free event will take place on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Butterfly Pond at Las Colonias.

Event Highlights:

- Water Safety & Recreation activities

- Stand Up Paddle Board Demonstration

- Free Popsicles

- Interactive Art Project

- Touch-A-Truck

- Prize Drawings for countertop compost bins

- 15% discount on Riverfront Zip Adventures

City Presentations: Learn about ongoing and upcoming projects focused on water use and conservation efforts.

Safety Displays: Discover how to safely enjoy local waterways.

Don't miss this fun and educational event! See you there!

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