S U B M I T T E D    B Y: Sink Combs Dethlefs in Denver, Colo.; Water Technology in Beaver Dam, Wis.; Adolfson & Peterson Construction in Aurora, Colo. Size: 66,052 square feet Project Cost: Over $10.5 million Quick Tour: Adventure Island Indoor Aquatic Park - 14,223 square feet Fieldhouse - 18,163 square feet Elevated two-lane 1/10-mile running track Fitness area - 4,929 square feet Kid Kare room, "Fun Zone" arcade Four family change rooms plus men's and women's locker rooms Community rooms and senior room Catering kitchen Food court River Run Adventure Golf Soak City, water-balloon-launching stations Outdoor amphitheater Lit walking/running path through Twin Rivers Park Softball complex

If you head north from Denver along the front range of the Rocky Mountains, after about 50 miles you'll find Greeley, a city rich in both agriculture and history. Greeley was founded as an experimental utopian community in 1869, and with the addition of the new Greeley Family FunPlex, the city has gotten that much closer to providing a utopian experience for citizens of all ages.

"Greeley, and Weld County, are rapidly growing," said Ken D'Amato, director of recreation for the city of Greeley. "The new residents have experienced leisure-time facilities from across the nation and expressed that expectation for Greeley."

"A 43-acre site on the west side of Greeley was identified prior to the ballot. It allowed us to create a community park, known now as Twin Rivers Community Park," D'Amato added. "The vision for this site was to create a connection of the community through bike trails and paths, as well as the location for interior lighted paths, an amphitheater, sensory playground, our state-of-the-art softball complex and the future home of the Family FunPlex."

To blend into the open-space character of this site, designers carefully considered exterior materials that would create warmth. Windows on all sides of the structure allow patrons to view the adjacent park space as well as the mountains beyond, while providing plenty of natural daylight.

The FunPlex is organized inside around a central spine that stems from the lobby and directs users to activities throughout the building, with plenty of clear views into the various spaces.

"The Family FunPlex was designed to offer programming diversity," D'Amato said. "It has a fieldhouse with a permanent dasherboard system to offer in-line hockey, indoor soccer and volleyball and basketball with drop-down volleyball standards and adjustable height backboards, and an indoor walking/running track."

The nearly 5,000-square-foot fitness center provides equipment for cardio, circuit training, plate load and free weights, with a cardio theater to make workouts more enjoyable. A fitness studio provides classes, dancing, martial arts and more. After their workouts, patrons can retire to the outdoor fitness balcony to stretch and unwind.

The facility provides a focus on fun for the whole family, from the 14,223-square-foot indoor waterpark to the River Run Adventure Golf, an 18-hole miniature golf course.

Youth and teens can get involved too, with a special arcade that includes TVs, videogames, redemption games and a sound system. Seniors can enjoy the elegantly decorated senior room.

"The Greeley Family FunPlex has been an overwhelming success," D'Amato said. "It has met and exceeded local resident and even regional patron expectations."

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