YMCA of the Rockies Dedicates the Vice Family Recreation and Sports Park at Estes Park Center

Estes Park, CO — July 22, 2025 – YMCA of the Rockies has dedicated the Vice Family Recreation and Sports Park at its Estes Park Center, honoring a major gift from Marc and Susan Vice. The recent dedication event recognized this generous gift and the many supporters who helped revitalize the campus’s historic recreation field. The newly named park features updated amenities that will continue to serve the diverse community of guests that visit Estes Park Center.

“This park is the heart of the campus. It’s the first thing people see when they arrive and the last when they leave,” shared donor Marc Vice. “We’ve been blessed to enjoy this place ourselves, thanks to generous donors before us and wanted to give back to this community that means so much to us.”

The field has been an integral part of Estes Park Center since it was founded in 1907, first serving as an early encampment to the ninety-three men who attended the first summer school that year. It served many purposes throughout the years and now hosts summer Bible studies, campfires, volleyball tournaments, cornhole competitions, and outdoor recreational games for guests from around the country.

The newly named Vice Family Recreation and Sports Park features new pickleball courts, game and gathering areas, as well as updates to existing spaces like the fire ring, basketball courts, tennis courts, and more. These enhancements will improve the guest experience for families, day campers, conference attendees, and the wider community.

“The park has served guests for over a century, becoming a place where memories are made, friendships grow, and people gather in the beauty of the mountains,” said YMCA of the Rockies President and CEO Julie Watkins. “With these improvements, the park is now more accessible and ready to serve future generations for another century.”

The dedication ceremony also recognized the significant contributions from other generous donors who helped bring the project to life. The refurbished Bishop’s Fellowship Fire Ring was named for the donation from Don and Kay Bishop, while the Benbrook Pickleball Courts were dedicated to Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook for their gift.

YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center remains committed to providing guests of all ages with opportunities to connect with one another and the outdoors through its nonprofit mission. The Vice Family Recreation and Sports Park is now ready for guests to enjoy during their stays at Estes Park Center.

For more information about YMCA of the Rockies, visit ymcarockies.org.

About YMCA of the Rockies: YMCA of the Rockies is a mission-driven, year-round destination that puts Christian principles into practice through programs, staff, and facilities designed to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With two unique locations—Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch—YMCA of the Rockies offers meaningful mountain experiences for families, individuals, and a wide variety of groups, including faith-based, educational, and nonprofit organizations. To learn more, visit ymcarockies.org.