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In the heart of the Fountain Valley, the name C.A. Foster is synonymous with the very foundations of the Widefield and Fountain communities. While the stadium that bears his name serves as a modern gathering place for high school athletes and graduates, the story behind the man is one of hands-on leadership, a refusal to settle for mediocrity, and a deep-seated stewardship of the land. 

In a recent interview, his son, Chuck Foster, now 89, shared the history of a visionary who helped navigate the region through an era of unprecedented growth. Clarence Arthur Foster served on the Widefield school board for approximately 25 years, from 1943 to 1968, including a 14-year tenure as board president. This period was marked by a staggering transformation; when Chuck Foster entered the eighth grade, there were only about 50 students in the entire district. By the mid-1950s, that number had exploded to around 3,500.

Throughout this rapid expansion, C.A. Foster was known for his uncompromising standards. Chuck recalls his father as a "very hands-on guy" who personally worked closely with superintendent Dick Taylor and architect Carlyle Guy on the early schools. C.A. personally inspected every new facility. 

"He walked every school before they finished it. If he didn't approve of it, you didn't get approved," Chuck said. 

The story of Foster Stadium is a testament to C.A. Foster's patience and vision. While Widefield High School (WHS) opened in 1958, the stadium did not officially open until October 5, 1962. The facility was the result of C.A. "holding out for a special stadium" rather than building something temporary that would eventually need to be torn down.

While the community waited for the permanent structure, Foster secured temporary bleachers from Fort Carson to serve the students. He also oversaw the planting of approximately 10 acres of grass for the field, enlisting his brother-in-law, Delmar Johnson, as a specialized advisor to ensure the turf was high-quality. This commitment to excellence was recognized in 1965 when the Student Cabinet officially voted to name the stadium in his honor, according to the 1976 WHS Penny Press. 

Today, the stadium remains a vital part of district life, serving as the home field for both Widefield and Mesa Ridge High Schools, as well as junior high programs and Widefield Parks and Recreation events.  It is one of the few facilities in the region to maintain a natural grass field. The lush greenery is maintained sustainably through a water co-op and an on-site pump house that provides the district with affordable water.

Beyond sports, the stadium remains the site of WHS graduations, connecting generations of families to the ground C.A. Foster helped cultivate. The facility continues to evolve; the press box received an update two years ago, a new stone sign this year, and by the fall of 2026, the stadium will feature all-new LED lighting.

Beyond the schools, Chuck said his father’s impact was felt in the region’s agricultural development. He was one of the largest shareholders and a 30-year board member of the Fountain Mutual Irrigation Company. His expertise led him to serve 30 years on the board of the Fountain Valley Soil Conservation Society, eventually serving as both state and national president. 

“He acted as a vital link for the Department of Agriculture, serving on beta teams to ensure conservation techniques worked for the guys on the ground,” said Chuck.

Though his formal education ended after high school, C.A. Foster was a lifelong learner who spent his evenings reading biographies. He was a man of quiet integrity who did not seek accolades. As Chuck Foster reflects on his father’s life, he remembers a man that the community turned to in times of need: "People trusted dad...if you had something you needed done, he would bring it.”