The Kremmling fairgrounds have been an integral part of the community for more than 100 years.

The land for the fairgrounds was donated by the McElroy family, and it quickly became a hub for rodeos and community events. The first fair and rodeo was held in 1912.

Today, locals and visitors gather in the grandstands to enjoy public events like the Kentucky Derby Party, Demolition Derby, livestock shows, and of course, the annual Middle Park Fair & Rodeo. The fairgrounds are also open for private events like dances, birthdays and more.

After over a century, the fairgrounds are ready for a renovation. This is where architecture students from University of Colorado Denver step in.

Students ask for community input in fairground revamp

On July 11, university students attended a farmers market in Kremmling to hear from residents about what they wanted for the redesigned fairgrounds. Residents learned about possible new elements, such as an indoor arena, archery range and playground.

Many people were excited to share their vision of how the fairgrounds could be improved, while also staying true to the area’s Western heritage and rodeo traditions.

Students present design to county commissioners

On Aug. 6, architecture interns from CU Denver presented their master plan to the county commissioners. These interns comprise CU Denver’s University Technical Assistance Program team. Landscape architecture intern Steven Pearlman led the presentation, along with Jennifer Kovarik, the program field supervisor. Grand County was able to utilize their expertise for the master plan through a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.

Other interns involved in the project are: Alexandra Schima, Skylar Potts, Rachel Randolph and Nick Berg.

Their vision statement includes the following: “Through thoughtful planning and design, we aim to enhance the existing facilities, introduce new amenities, and ensure the Fairgrounds serve as a hub for community activities and events, while honoring and celebrating the cultural heritage of Grand County, including its rich agricultural and ranching traditions.”

In the presentation, Pearlman explained the elements that were most popular with the public. At the Kremmling farmer’s market, community members told the interns they were excited about an indoor/outdoor archery range, plaza, beer garden and other additions. An indoor arena with seating would be the centerpiece of the new design.

Commissioners agreed that the community has talked about the need for an indoor arena for some time, so that winter weather won’t hamper events.

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Grand County Manager Ed Moyer was impressed by the design of the new sidewalk to follow the flow of a portion of Muddy Creek nearby. This sidewalk would separate the multiuse lawn and native vegetation for an agriculture-themed playground.

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At the presentation’s conclusion, commissioners Randy George, Rich Cimino and Merrit Linke all expressed interest in moving forward with the project. The next step is to submit the students’ design to an architectural firm. In future years, the community could take their bows to the archery range, show livestock at the indoor arena, tour a museum and enjoy other new amenities at the historic fairgrounds.

Check out these links about the Kremmling fairgrounds: