Project Overview
Faced with aging infrastructure, operational constraints, and evolving community needs, Adams County partnered with Mortenson to modernize Riverdale Regional Park through a collaborative CM/GC approach. The 60-acre transformation upgraded critical utility systems, enhanced access and circulation, relocated key event infrastructure, and delivered new agricultural facilities, creating a more efficient, flexible, and future-ready campus while keeping the park active throughout construction.
Key Takeaways:
- Modernized essential electrical, sanitary and storm sewer, domestic, fire, raw-water and fiber systems across an active public campus.
- Kept scheduled park and fairground events operating through regular coordination with Adams County events staff and detailed logistics planning.
- Used CM/GC collaboration to realign scope as funding priorities changed, protecting the budget while advancing the County’s highest-value improvements.
- Improved circulation and accessibility through a relocated Midway, new roadways, parking, pedestrian paving, lighting and drop-off access.
- Added barns and an outdoor covered arena that support livestock, equestrian, 4-H and community programming while reinforcing the park’s agricultural identity.
- Completion Date
July 2026
- Project Cost
$110,000,000
- Delivery Method
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General Contractor/Construction Manager
- Additional Project Facts
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Mortenson is Self-Performing the Civil and Concrete Scopes
Modern Infrastructure for a Working Community Campus
Riverdale Regional Park functions as both a regional destination and an active fairgrounds campus. Mortenson’s work addressed aging infrastructure beneath the visitor experience, including electrical, sanitary and storm sewer, domestic, fire and raw-water systems, as well as new fiber infrastructure. Above ground, the team improved drainage, roads, parking, pedestrian routes, landscaping and lighting to make movement through the park safer and more intuitive.
A New Midway Designed for Safer, More Flexible Events
The relocated Midway gives the Adams County Fair a more functional event layout and creates room for future growth. A circular two-lane drive, improved drop-off areas and direct bus access strengthen circulation, while expanded pedestrian space helps separate people from vehicles. The result is an event environment designed around access, safety and a better visitor experience.
Construction Planned Around the Community Calendar
The park remained open and continued hosting scheduled activities during construction. Mortenson coordinated regularly with Adams County’s events staff to sequence work, adjust access and reduce disruption around major events. That operating-first approach helped protect community access and the County’s ability to continue generating event revenue while improvements moved forward.
CM/GC Collaboration Kept Priorities and Budget Aligned
The project’s original concept included an indoor sports arena alongside broader infrastructure improvements. As funding and priorities shifted, the CM/GC model allowed Mortenson and Adams County to evaluate options early, reshape the scope and focus available resources on the improvements that would deliver the greatest immediate value. Transparent cost and schedule conversations continued from preconstruction through construction.
New Agricultural Facilities Preserve the Park’s Identity
New barns and an open-air covered arena expand the park’s ability to host livestock, equestrian, 4-H and community activities. These facilities pair modern functionality with the agricultural character that has long defined the fairgrounds, helping Riverdale support both established traditions and a wider range of future events.
At the end of the day, Mortenson’s first and foremost goal was that we could meet the needs of our community during the project. They met with many layers of staff throughout our organization on a weekly basis to make sure they could make those little events happen flawlessly for the community.
Additional Resources
Adams County Colorado
Riverdale Regional Park Improvements