New sidewalks improve Lincoln Park accessibility

Published on May 06, 2025

New sidewalks will improve access to and around Lincoln Park, better connecting the South Cheyenne park to Johnson Pool and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The sidewalks include ADA-compliant curb ramps and follow 7th Street, Evans Avenue, and 8th Street.

“This is a great improvement for South Cheyenne and addresses a need in that neighborhood,” said Amy Gorbey, the City’s Community Development Manager. “The new sidewalks improve access to the park’s amenities and will make it easier for neighbors to get to and enjoy their park.”

The project was funded through $71,500 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds that were originally requested by a non-profit organization in Cheyenne. When that organization’s project fell through, the City opted to reappropriate those funds to the Lincoln Park project in response to community feedback. In general, CDBG funds are to be used to benefit community development in low- to moderate-income areas.

Gorbey said that one neighbor had also shared that the new sidewalks will enable her to bring her son, who uses a wheelchair, to the park.

“We want to make sure residents of all abilities in Cheyenne are able to get out and enjoy the amenities the city has to offer,” Gorbey said.

Another upcoming project in South Cheyenne will use CDBG funds to replace aging playground equipment at Optimist Park with new, ADA-compliant equipment including new safety surfacing, concrete pathways, and enhancements to the overall playground area. Installation of the new equipment is planned by this summer.

“Cheyenne’s parks are for everyone, and we’re always looking for ways to improve access and amenities in our park system,” said Jason Sanchez, director of the City’s Community Recreation and Events Department.

Lincoln Park was created after Johnson School (now Destiny Church) was built in the 1920s. The park has a long history of community involvement by South Cheyenne residents, with the then-South Side Improvement Association assisting with cleanup of the future park’s site and the Johnson School Parent-Teachers’ Association helping to fundraise for the park. Children attending Johnson School gave Lincoln Park its name, according to the South Side Historic District’s entry in the National Register of Historic Places. Johnson Pool was added to the park in the 1950s.

 To learn more about Community Development Block Grant funds and how they’re used in Cheyenne, visit www.cheyennecity.org/cdbg.