FAQs

The proposed “Healing Trail” (as envisioned in the Concept Plan) is a walking trail with elements and areas to support learning, reflection, healing, and gathering.  Interpretation is more than just presenting facts – an immersive experience can inspire reflection and a sense of connection to culture, nature and belonging. Common elements of interpretive experiences include signage, art, audio, and similar educational installations, as well as sitting areas and quiet spots for reflection and connection.

The “Healing Trail” feature and terminology is part of the concept plan that was developed in collaboration with Tribal Representatives. The goal for the site is to move towards community understanding and healing with the vision of “Heal the Land, Heal the People”, although we recognize that this site is also painful for individuals and may not support healing for everyone. No final name has been chosen for the interpretive trail - the trail and trailhead name will be determined through this design process.

This project is called the “Fort Chambers / Poor Farm” project based on the history of the site and its broad recognition throughout the community. The new trail and trailhead name will be determined through this design process and will then be used to reference the site in the future. 

The stone marker that sat on the edge of the Fort Chambers / Poor Farm property was removed with support from Arapaho and Cheyenne Nation Tribal Representatives and government officials in 2023.  It inaccurately states that Fort Chambers was used in an “Indian Uprising” in 1864, a false claim of coordinated Indigenous violence.  The city acknowledges that Arapaho and Cheyenne leaders sought peace in the Fall of 1864 and Arapaho and Cheyenne Peoples camped at Sand Creek had been promised the protection of the U.S. Army.  The stone marker is currently in storage and there is potential to place it on the site as part of the interpretive experience – this will be determined through the current planning and design process.

As part of the initial planning process, OSMP worked with Tribal Nations to identify their desired long-term relationship with the Fort Chambers / Poor Farm property. The Tribes were not interested in owning the property but wanted to collaborate with OSMP staff on the development of interpretive materials and future stewardship, recognizing the site’s ability to support learning, healing and praying.