At a time of lagging youth participation in the outdoors, Colorado’s youngsters have hit the jackpot.
With the acquisition of the Swift Ponds complex south of Fort Collins, Colorado Youth Outdoors will create what promises to be Colorado’s crown jewel of fishing and shooting participation for young people.
It also completes the vision of the late Lou Swift, a former Colorado wildlife commissioner. When Swift died in 2003, he made plain that the family property that includes 240 acres and a dozen prime fishing ponds should be used for the greatest public good.
“This is a powerful thing, the fulfillment of Dad’s fondest wish,” said Chase Swift, who negotiated the transfer to an organization that will extend the property’s utility beyond the traditional warm-water fishing.
Bob Hewson, CYO director, outlined a three-part development plan that will include an education pavilion in 2008, a shooting center that includes outdoor trap and indoor rimfire in 2009 and a more encompassing education facility a year later.
Hewson said the Swift facility will be an important supplement to the traditional CYO mission of providing outdoor education in schools. He said the complex also will be available to any qualified nonprofit organization that offers youth education as part of its curriculum.
