In October 2024, the Town of Frederick, Colorado, reached a major milestone with the adoption of its new Comprehensive Plan, which was developed in partnership with RICK. This forward-thinking plan will guide Frederick’s growth over the next 10 to 25 years, and it is a testament to the town’s commitment to preserving its small-town charm while also embracing opportunities for growth and revitalization.
The Comprehensive Plan provides a roadmap for Frederick’s future and was heavily influenced by extensive community engagement. The input received from over 3,000 residents was invaluable to the planning process and played a crucial role in preserving the unique character of the area. The plan emphasizes enhancing the town’s historic downtown district, creating dynamic community spaces, and connecting key areas of town through new infrastructure, including a signature loop greenway trail.
Community-Driven Vision
From the start, community input was a key element of the planning process. According to Britt Palmberg, an Associate and RICK’s Project Manager for Frederick, the plan’s success is rooted in the substantial feedback received from residents.
“Frederick’s community members were clear—they want to preserve the town’s unique character and small-town feel while accommodating growth in a way that benefits everyone. The Comprehensive Plan reflects those values by balancing the preservation of the town’s character with progressive improvements.” —Britt Palmberg, Associate, RICK
Residents expressed a strong desire to protect and enhance Frederick’s historic downtown district, which serves as the heart of the community. The plan responds to this feedback by proposing improvements to the area that will energize downtown while maintaining its character.
“The downtown district is a source of pride for the community, and we wanted to ensure that any changes build on its historic charm while creating new opportunities for gathering and economic vitality.” —Britt Palmberg
Signature Projects and Key Elements
One of the most widely celebrated features of the Comprehensive Plan is the Frederick Central Loop Trail, a visionary project that will connect the east and west sides of the town. This signature greenway will link Frederick’s main districts, creating a cohesive and accessible network for residents and visitors alike.
“The Central Loop Trail is not just a trail—it’s a connector that unites the town physically and socially. It will be a defining feature of Frederick for years to come.” —Britt Palmberg
In addition to the loop trail, the plan features a network of hubs and neighborhood villages designed as community gathering spaces. These hubs will serve as focal points for recreation, cultural activities, and daily life, further strengthening the town’s sense of community.
“Frederick is poised to grow significantly because of its strategic location along the I-25 corridor. The challenge was to shape that growth in a way that maintains the town’s identity and focuses on creating vibrant neighborhoods.” —Britt Palmberg
A Collaborative Process
Developing a comprehensive plan of this scale required close collaboration between RICK and the community. RICK’s team utilized a variety of tools and methods to gather input, ensuring that all voices were heard.
“Tremendous community engagement was at the heart of this process. We used everything from public meetings to online surveys to reach as many people as possible. The result is a plan that truly reflects the aspirations and priorities of Frederick’s residents.” —Britt Palmberg
The strong partnership between RICK and the Town of Frederick proved to be another key to the plan’s success. Palmberg highlighted the dedication of the town’s staff and their shared vision for Frederick’s future.
“Working with Frederick was an absolute pleasure. The town’s staff members were incredibly engaged and passionate about creating a plan that serves their community, and their commitment to collaboration and innovation made this one of the most rewarding projects we’ve worked on.” —Britt Palmberg
The Path Forward
As the Comprehensive Plan begins to guide Frederick’s growth and development, RICK is proud to have played a role in shaping the future of this vibrant community. The plan provides a clear framework for achieving long-term goals, from revitalizing the downtown area to enhancing connectivity and creating spaces that bring people together.
“This plan isn’t just about growth—it’s about thoughtful, intentional development that preserves what makes Frederick special. We’re excited to see how the community continues to evolve and thrive in the years to come.” —Britt Palmberg
With a strong foundation in place, the Town of Frederick is well-positioned to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the future. For RICK, the project represents not just a professional achievement, but a meaningful collaboration with a community dedicated to shaping its own destiny.
Frederick’s new Comprehensive Plan stands as a model of community-driven planning and a testament to the power of partnerships. It provides a blueprint for growth that balances progress with preservation, ensuring that Frederick remains a place where residents can enjoy a high quality of life for generations to come. RICK is honored to have played a key role in developing the Comprehensive Plan, and we look forward to witnessing how it shapes a vibrant and sustainable future for Frederick.