Community at the Forefront as Hayden Sees Expansion
A hand-painted mural by local senior student Sophia Picking
A hand-painted mural by local senior student Sophia Picking is one of many new features popping up in the growing town of Hayden. The area has seen a surge in population in recent years and a host of new businesses and financial incentives are deepening the strong community feel.
In April 2023, town council approved a 109-unit residential development, which will bring one and two-bedroom new housing options for rent and purchase to the area.
Millions of dollars through government funding, grants and investors have enabled the building of a new Kindergarten to 12th grade school, the Hayden Center and an Industrial Park, among other facilities.
“The Hayden Center has been an incredible asset for bringing people together,” says Amy Williams, broker/owner, The Group Real Estate. Set in the original school building, the remodeled space hosts daily happenings from exercise classes and workshops to meetings and theater productions.
Families in the town can now benefit from day care, Monday to Friday through Totally Tots and Totally Kids, which also caters to after school and summer programing. A state-of-the-art playground at Dry Creek Park includes three ball fields, a track for walking, running and cross-country skiing, and a kitchen/ cooking area for group gatherings.
New businesses have moved into town bringing a host of dining options from Franciosi Brothers Pizza to the Scoop Dog Ice Cream shop. On the outskirts of town, the Northwest Colorado Business Park is a 58-acre site being developed by the Town of Hayden, and offers 13 lots for sale, available for summer/fall 2024. The town launched a Business Pitch Competition with up to $30,000 in cash rewards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for a new business or existing business with a new idea. Winners will be announced on Nov. 4, 2023.
Community takes center stage on October 21, with a barn dance to benefit the Historic Hayden Granary. Guests will have the option to learn new steps or polish up on their do-si-dos from 6:30-10:00 p.m. at the event being held in the Granary.
Seasonal happenings kick off with a Harvest Festival on October 28 at Dry Creek Park. Organizers have a fun-filled line up, featuring a straw maze, arts and crafts, a pumpkin stand, caramel apples and food trucks.
On October 28 from 1-3 p.m., Yampa River State Park will host a 1.25-mile trick or treat loop for mini hikers. Dried and canned food donations will be accepted on the day for Lift Up.
The Routt County Exhibition Hall is the setting for this year’s Holiday Craft Fair on November 4, from 9-3 p.m., with vendors from around the county getting people into the spirit for the season of giving.