A leader whose impact on the city of Woodland Park will be felt for generations, Cindy Keating is heading off to retirement next month. After 32 years with the city, the last 20 as director of the parks and recreation department, Keating leaves a legacy that includes acres of open space rather than development.

Shining Mountain Golf Course, Bergstrom, Memorial Park, Meadow Wood parks, Avenger Open Space, each has a Keating imprint in spaces where people find connection.

Keating started out in the public works, utilities and finance departments before the city switched her to coordinate programs at parks and rec, probably not realizing the extraordinary benefits of that decision.

“I didn’t really know what I was doing but I had people to help me,” she said.

All these years later, Keating still credits her staff for their role in the department’s accomplishments. 

“I love my staff,” she said. 

Over the years, Keating launched exercise programs along with initiating volleyball and hockey teams.  To enhance the department’s connection to the arts, Keating partnered ith the Mountain Artists to offer art classes.

Last year, the department  collaborated with Community Partnership for a community garden adjacent to city hall.

“Building those relationships with nonprofit organizations helped us expand our programming,” she said.

A whiz at writing successful grants, Keating brought $2.2 million to the city from Great Outdoors Colorado for improvement to 17 parks, including Meadow Wood and a complete refurbishing of Memorial Park. 

“Memorial is absolutely beautiful and loved to death,” she said. “The parks have meant  so much to the community for events such as the Fourth of July and Farmers Market.”

Former Woodland Park Mayor Kellie Case knows Keating will be missed.

“Cindy Keating has been the driving force behind the growth of Parks, Recreation and Open Space in Woodland Park for more than 30 years. Her vision and leadership expanded programs to meet the needs of our community, and her persistence helped turn the Aquatic Center from an idea into a reality—while ensuring it operates successfully today,” Case said. “Her work has truly elevated the quality of life for residents and families alike. It was a pleasure working with her over the years, and I wish her a happy retirement!”

When it comes to hard work and long hours, Keating was always on it. 

“We developed Memorial Park at the same time we were building the aquatic center,” she said, adding that the park open in June 2017 and the aquatic center in October of that year.  “That’s why I have white hair.”

Keating recently led the Reimagining Bergstrom Park project and was intiitally met with skepticism from many in the community.

“I think there was a bit of distrust when we said what we were going to do for the Saddle Club land,” she said. “But the funnest part of that was that we actually listened and came back with a plan that I think everyone was pleased about. That’s what the process is about.”

Keating leaves at a time when the city is in the process of signing an agreement  with the United States Forest Service to allow two access points to the 300-acre Avenger Open Space. 

“Then we can move forward with the conservation easement agreement with the Palmer Land Conservancy,” she said.

After so many years Keating is confident in the future of parks and rec in Woodland Park.

“We have a truly great staff; I love everyone in the parks and rec department,” she said.

In retirement, Keating retains her reverence for the outdoors. First stop on the list is a trip to Blue Mesa. 

“Then my husband Kipp and I are loading up the camper and heading east,” she said. “I love camping and traveling.”

The city hosts a community retirement party for Keating from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with a presentation from 6 to 6:30 p.m., June 5 at Shining Mountain Golf Course.