The Future of Firestone: A Vision for Central Park and a New Era in Sports and Community

The Town of Firestone is stepping into an exciting new chapter — one that blends local pride, community growth, and the thrill of professional sports. Plans are underway to transform the Town’s 252-acre Central Park property into a vibrant sports and entertainment district anchored by a state-of-the-art professional soccer stadium. This ambitious development, in partnership with the United Soccer League (USL) and Card & Associates, represents far more than just a venue for the beautiful game. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a destination that will bring people together, foster economic vitality, and redefine what it means to live, work, and play in Firestone.

Located in the heart of town, the Central Park site has long been envisioned as a hub of civic life. Since acquiring the property in 2005, Firestone has spent years listening to residents, developing master plans, and exploring possibilities that balance recreation, business, and livability. Now, that vision is finally coming to life. The proposed plan introduces a professional men’s and women’s soccer stadium surrounded by restaurants, retail shops, entertainment spaces, parks, and pedestrian-friendly gathering areas — a true town center that residents can enjoy every day of the year.

The Vision for Central Park

At the core of this development is the concept of a multi-use, soccer-specific stadium that would serve as home to new professional teams under the United Soccer League umbrella. Around it, Central Park would evolve into a mixed-use destination — blending entertainment, dining, hospitality, and potentially residential and educational spaces. Imagine cheering for your local team on a Saturday evening, then strolling to dinner or meeting friends at an outdoor plaza with music, art, and community events. That’s the energy this project aims to capture: a space designed not just for sports fans, but for everyone who calls Firestone home.

Economic Growth and Opportunity

Beyond the excitement of professional soccer, the project stands to bring substantial economic benefits to the region. Developments of this scale often act as powerful catalysts for local growth, drawing investment, creating jobs, and expanding the town’s tax base. From construction to long-term operations, hundreds of employment opportunities are expected to emerge — benefiting local businesses and residents alike. The presence of a professional sports franchise also adds visibility, attracting visitors and positioning Firestone as a vibrant, forward-thinking community on the Front Range.

Local business owners can anticipate new foot traffic and energy, while the town gains a fresh economic anchor that complements its existing infrastructure. With thoughtful planning, this development can help fund future community improvements, boost property values, and foster a thriving small-business ecosystem.

A Place for People – and for Pride

At its heart, the Central Park project is about community. The stadium and its surrounding district are designed to be places where people connect — whether it’s families spending an afternoon at a youth tournament, residents enjoying open-air concerts, or fans coming together to celebrate the local teams. The Town’s vision goes beyond match days, creating a year-round destination that supports recreation, culture, and togetherness.

This initiative also aligns with Firestone’s long-term planning goals, emphasizing walkability, open space, and accessible public amenities. The Central Park site is already home to key municipal facilities such as Town Hall and the Carbon Valley Regional Library, making it a natural location for a community gathering hub that reflects Firestone’s welcoming and forward-looking spirit.

Investing in the Next Generation

Partnering with the United Soccer League brings more than professional-level play — it opens doors for youth engagement, sports education, and pathways for local talent development. Firestone’s young athletes will have role models to look up to right in their own backyard, along with opportunities to participate in clinics, tournaments, and other community programming tied to the stadium’s presence. The potential for youth outreach and inspiration is immense, reinforcing Firestone’s commitment to supporting families and fostering healthy, active lifestyles.

Long-Term Vision and Regional Impact

This project is a bold step toward positioning Firestone as a regional destination for recreation and entertainment. It reflects the town’s confidence in its future and its readiness to embrace smart, sustainable growth. A development of this scale — rooted in both sports and community life — will shape the character of Firestone for decades to come, creating a space that future generations will inherit and continue to enjoy.

While the current stage of the project is a pre-development phase, meaning final designs and financing details are still being explored, the direction is clear: Firestone is investing in a future that combines opportunity, culture, and connection. The town has emphasized transparency and community input throughout the process, ensuring residents’ voices help shape every step of the journey.

Looking Ahead

The coming months will bring detailed studies, design concepts, and opportunities for public engagement. Residents will be invited to attend town meetings, review plans, and share feedback as the vision continues to evolve. Though large-scale projects take time, Firestone’s leaders are committed to keeping the community informed and involved. With careful planning and collaboration, this development will stand as a testament to what Firestone values most — community, growth, and a shared sense of pride.

Next Steps

In the near future, the community can expect updates from potential development partners as they move through the Property Inspection period.

As a reminder, the Pre-Development Agreement:

• Does not approve or permit any development.
• Does not commit the Town to any financial obligations.
• Does not mean everything is a “done deal.”

Instead, it creates a framework to explore opportunities for Central Park through a public process guided by the Firestone Development Code. Any proposals that come forward will go through the same rigorous process as all other developments in Firestone, including public reviews by the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of Trustees. Certain applications will also require public hearings.