Restoring Pride. Elevating Play.
Our initiative exists to unite our Sterling, Colorado community around revitalizing outdated recreation and athletic facilities—meeting a critical need for youth development and engagement, community pride, and long-term economic growth.
We've partnered with JEO Consulting Group, Inc. to get the ball rolling and develop a comprehensive master plan and perform a feasibility study, as the first step, to revitalize our recreation and athletic facilities.
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Our Vision
A future where our recreation spaces inspire excellence, invite engagement, and empower Sterling and Northeastern Colorado to grow—athletically, emotionally, and economically.
*Noco Foundation has graciously agreed to be our fiscal sponsor for this giving campaign.
Your Gift Can Go Further
help us unlock matching funds by giving september 1st - 15th, 2026
NECO Rec is participating in Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, giving our community an opportunity to maximize the
impact of every dollar donated.
With construction costs high and local government and school budgets already stretched thin, public funding alone won’t make this vision a reality. We are committed to pursuing every available grant opportunity, but many grants require local matching dollars—making the support of individuals, businesses and community partners essential to unlocking additional funding and moving NECO Rec from vision to reality.
Your donation helps us move from vision → planning → reality.
The Game Plan
Task 1–4: Planning & Analysis
Master Plan Kickoff
Master plan begins Sept 2026, including (1) Benchmark & Competitive Gap Analysis, (2) Community Needs Analysis, (3) Partnership Opportunities & Governance Structure, and (4) Community Impact & Path Forward.
Spring 2027
Planning Complete
Tasks 1–4 completed by Spring 2027, preparing NECO Rec for funding and implementation.
Summer 2027
Grant Application
Submit GOCO grant application in Summer 2027 to secure major funding for Phase 1. Need to secure private funding to show financial support prior to application.
Fall 2027–2030+
Construction Begins
Begin Task 5: Construction and implementation of Phase 1 in Fall 2027, with construction expected to last approximately 1–5 years.
Our Goal
To collaboratively secure and implement a comprehensive master plan and feasibility study by January 2027 —achieving measurable project progress within the next 5–10 years.
Why This Matters
Future of Youth & Stronger Families
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Increased access to safe, high-quality facilities close to home allows all to participate
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Recreation becomes a catalyst for healthier lifestyles, stronger social connections, confidence, teamwork and leadership within our youth
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Increased participation supports physical, mental development and academic engagement
Regional Growth
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Tournament-ready facilities attract regional events and visiting families
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Increased hotel stays, restaurant traffic, retail spending and tax base
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Strengthens Sterling’s appeal to recruit and retain new residents and workforce
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Regain positioning in the region as the Northeast Colorado sports hub
Shared Stewardship
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Brings together local government, schools and higher education around one shared vision
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Creates a sustainable model improving programming and long-term facility management
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Maximizes investments through regional collaboration and shared resources
Accessibility & Community Pride
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Centralized location with improved parking and walkability for multi-generational access
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Creates a visible symbol of progress and unity
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Creates a space that reflects the value we place on our youth and families
NECO Rec
KEEPING THE VISION MOVING
NECO Rec is the community-driven force behind the initiative—a volunteer group working to bring partners together, engage the community, raise funds, pursue grants and keep the planning process moving forward.
Our Role: Advocate • Convene • Educate • Fundraise • Facilitate
RE-1 Valley School District
MAXIMIZING SCHOOL + YOUTH SPORTS
RE-1 owns much of the land and many of the athletic fields within the study area. Its involvement allows the community to explore better use of existing spaces, address facility gaps and create fields that can more effectively serve students and community youth sports.
Key Areas: Baseball • Softball • Soccer • Youth Football • SBO Fields • Parking
Logan County
CREATING CONNECTION + EVENT OPPORTUNITY
Logan County owns key land and facilities within the study area, including the land beneath the Recreation Center, Heritage Center and the Fairgrounds. Its involvement creates opportunities to improve connectivity while exploring how existing assets could support larger tournaments and community events.
Key Areas: Heritage Center • Fairgrounds • RV Hookups • Parking & Connectivity
Northeastern Junior College
STRENGTHENING CAMPUS + COMMUNITY ATHLETICS
NJC is both an important athletic partner and a valued community resource. The planning process can explore improvements to its north athletic campus, opportunities for softball and soccer, and ways shared facilities could better serve both NJC students and the broader community.
Key Areas: North Athletic Campus • Softball • Soccer • Shared Indoor Facilities
City of Sterling
CONNECTING COMMUNITY RECREATION
The City owns or maintains several of the community’s most-used recreation facilities and operates many local recreation programs. Its role is critical in exploring how fields, parking, sidewalks, landscaping and shared facilities can work together as one connected recreation area.
Key Areas: Recreation Center • Softball Fields • SBO Fields • Connectivity & Parking
Key Players & The Scope
The Right Players Are at the Table.
Our Kids Deserve Spaces That Reflect Their Potential.
Get in the Game
Be part of the revitalization of Northeast Colorado's recreation spaces. Whether you're a parent, business owner, or community leader, your voice is essential to our shared future.