Media Contact: City of Rifle: Kyle Mills, Communications & Engagement Specialist—970-665-6577
City of Rifle to Celebrate Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Birch Park
RIFLE, CO (July 6, 2026) – The City of Rifle invites community members to celebrate the official grand opening and ribbon cutting of Birch Park, the City's newest neighborhood park, on Friday, July 17, at 4:30 p.m.
The celebration will take place at Birch Park and will include a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by complimentary drinks and ice cream. Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend, explore the new park, and experience Rifle's newest destination for recreation, play, and community gathering.
Birch Park represents a significant investment in Rifle's future by creating a welcoming space for families, friends, and neighbors to connect. Designed with accessibility and families in mind, the park features a destination playground, pickleball courts, a multipurpose/futsal court, walking paths, shaded gathering spaces, open green space, and other amenities that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come.
"We are excited to welcome everyone to Birch Park," said Austin Rickstrew, Parks and Recreation Director. "From the very beginning, we envisioned a place where every child feels welcome, every family finds a reason to stay a little longer, and every visit creates a new memory. Parks are where some of life's best moments happen, where kids take their first trip down a slide, families gather after work, neighbors become friends, and communities come together. Birch Park was built with those moments in mind, and we look forward to sharing it with the entire community."
The City of Rifle is grateful for the many partnerships that helped make Birch Park a reality. The project was made possible through significant investments, including an $800,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and a $1.25 million grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered locally by Colorado Parks and Wildlife on behalf of the National Park Service. These investments reflect a shared commitment to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and improving the quality of life for communities across Colorado.
"CPW is proud to celebrate the completion of Birch Park alongside the City of Rifle. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is all about creating public outdoor recreation spaces that bring people together, and it is exciting to see this new park open for the Rifle community," said Fletcher Jacobs, Assistant Director, Outdoor Recreation and Lands.
The City also recognizes the generous financial contribution from The Watson Fund and the in-kind contribution from Colorado River Engineering, whose support helped enhance Birch Park and demonstrates the power of community partnerships in creating exceptional public spaces.
Additional appreciation is extended to the Rifle City Council, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Design Concepts, Gould Construction, project consultants, contractors, and the many community members whose vision, dedication, and support helped bring Birch Park to life.
Community members are invited to join City officials, funding partners, project supporters, and special guests as Rifle celebrates the opening of its newest park.
Birch Park Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Birch Park, Rifle, Colorado (2025 Birch Ave, Rifle, CO 81650)
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary drinks and ice cream while exploring the park's new amenities.
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About Rifle: A small municipality on Colorado’s Western Slope, Rifle blends rugged landscapes with vibrant local culture. From scenic hikes to authentic cowboy heritage, adventure and hospitality await around every corner.
The City of Rifle values full inclusion and access for all of our facilities, programs, activities, and services. We are pleased to provide meaningful accommodations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonably provide translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids, and services.
To request special assistance, call Kathy Pototsky at 970-319-8288 or email our ADA Team at [email protected]. Please allow 48 hours for your requests to be met.
La Ciudad de Rifle valora la plena inclusión y acceso para todas nuestras instalaciones, programas, actividades y servicios. Nos complace proporcionar alojamientos significativos para cumplir con la Ley de Estados Unidos con Discapacidades (ADA) y proporcionar razonablemente traducciónes, interpretaciónes, modificaciones, adaptaciones, formatos alternativos, ayudas auxiliares y servicios.
Para solicitar asistencia especial, llame a la Kathy Pototsky al 970-319-8288 o envíe un correo electrónico a el equipo ADA a [email protected]. Por favor, permita 48 horas para que se atiendan sus solicitudes