🚲 A Missing Link, Finally Found in SE FoCo
🚲 A Long-Missing Trail Link Is Finally Here
Happy Monday, FoCo fam,
Ben here — southeast Fort Collins just got a major upgrade for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The Siphon Pedestrian Overpass is officially open, creating a safe, seamless connection between the Mail Creek Trail and the Power Trail. After years of detours and dead ends, this is one of those “why didn’t we have this sooner?” wins for FoCo.
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🚲 The Siphon Overpass Is Officially Open
Big news for southeast Fort Collins: the Siphon Pedestrian Overpass is officially open, and it’s a game-changer for anyone who bikes, walks, runs, or rolls. After years of being cut off, this new bridge finally connects the Mail Creek Trail to the beloved Power Trail, safely carrying people over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks between Harmony and Trilby.
Why this matters
This stretch of FoCo had a frustrating two-mile gap in trail connectivity. Now? We now have direct, intentional access to one of the city’s most important north–south trail corridors. The overpass makes getting outside easier and safer without dodging traffic.
The details (aka the nerdy but cool part)
🚶♀️🚴♂️ What it is: A pedestrian & bike bridge over the railroad
📍 Where: Connecting Mail Creek Trail → Power Trail
🛠️ Cost: $4 million
🗓️ Completed: December 5, 2025
💰 Funded by: City sales tax, multimodal grants, transportation fees & parks funding
Bonus: the Mail Creek Trail now runs behind Bacon Elementary, past Tailwinds Park, and under Timberline Road, setting up even more future connections.
This isn’t just a bridge—it’s a long-awaited link that makes southeast FoCo feel fully plugged into the city’s trail network. Bikes at the ready.
🐐 Rocky Heard You…
He saw what you were excited about this week — and he decided to share a few can’t-miss events over on Instagram. If you like visuals, behind-the-scenes moments, and quick hits of what’s happenin’, this one’s for you.
📸 See what he’s sharing → 📍 Fort Collins
Give it a tap, a like, or a share — Rocky notices 👀
What's Happenin' in Fort Collins: Event Listings
Monday, December 15
Tuesday, December 16
Want more? See the full calendar → Fort Collins Event Calendar
💼 Local Jobs Worth Checking Out
You asked for it — we delivered. In our recent poll, a bunch of you said you’d love a tiny job board in the newsletter, so here it is. We believe great communities connect people to great opportunities.
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Local Happenings
Free Preschool Registration Is Open 🎒
Registration is now open for Colorado’s tuition-free preschool program for the 2026–27 school year.
Why it matters: Families can receive up to 15 hours per week of free preschool in the year before kindergarten — saving an average of $6,300 per child.
Over 2,000 licensed providers statewide are participating, including 25+ in Fort Collins
Some children qualify for additional hours or early enrollment based on income or other factors
Families with siblings or existing providers can pre-register through Feb. 2, 2026
The first matching round runs now through Feb. 2, 2026; a second round begins March 16
Families can search providers and apply at Universal Preschool Colorado to secure a spot.
🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?
Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs.
🧠 Need a brain break?
Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.
☕ Who’s the FoCo Coffee Champ?
Fort Collins takes coffee seriously — like, lab-coat-level seriously. Whether you’re team artisan roast or team “just hit me with caffeine,” it’s time to crown the city’s true bean boss. ☕💥
👋 See You on the Trail
This is exactly the kind of project that makes Fort Collins, well… Fort Collins—thoughtful, people-first, and built for getting outside. If you’ve already tried the new overpass, forward this to a trail buddy and plan a loop. And if you’ve got ideas for the next missing link, you know where to find us. See you out there 🚲🌿
Keep the recs coming, keep voting, and if you’ve got a park, trail, or tiny green space you think belongs on the shortlist, just hit reply. I read every single one.
— Ben
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