HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Study Session 2012-04-12
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, December 4, 2012
Minutes of a Joint Study Session meeting of the TOWN BOARD of the
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado and the ESTES VALLEY
RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT BOARD. Meeting held in the Board
Room in said Town of Estes Park on the 4th day of December, 2012.
Town Board: Mayor Pinkham, Mayor Pro Tem Blackhurst, Trustees, Elrod,
Ericson, Koenig, Norris and Phipps
EVRPD Board: Ken Czarnowski, Benjamin Greer, Kathryn Asche, Ronald
Duell and Dave Kiser
Attending: All
Also Attending: Town Administrator Lancaster, Assistant Town Administrator
Richardson, EVRPD Executive Director Rorabaugh, RMNP
Land Use Specialist Gamble and Town Clerk Williamson
Absent: None
Mayor Pinkham called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m.
STANLEY PARK MASTER PLAN PROJECT – COMMUNITY CENTER
EVRPD has been awarded a $25,000 GOCO grant to design concepts for the Stanley
Park Master Plan project. EVRPD has identified the area as a good location for a
community campus. The School District has offered the practice field for the complex.
The Town would be invited to the table as a key stakeholder during the design
discussions to identify the philosophy, amenities, costs, fees, etc. It is important for the
entities to work together to eliminate duplication of efforts and costs, and to increase the
opportunities for funding mechanisms.
The proposed campus would provided an economic development driver and include
facilities such as a community center, the school campus, Stanley Park, senior center,
and active youth center. The campus would aid in retaining families, bring tourism, and
provide a sense of community. The project would be completed in phases and include
fundraising to support the build out of the complex.
EVRPD would request the Town consider incorporating a portion of the fairgrounds in
the development of the Stanley Park Master Plan project. The Town Board suggested
the consultant working with EVRPD be made aware of the deed restrictions associated
with the Stanley Park and fairground properties. It was also suggested both entities
reconvene to discuss the outcomes of the Master Plans being completed by both the
Town and EVRPD for the Stanley Park area and the Senior Center/Museum due back
in April/May 2013 as there may be some overlap of ideas.
Larry Gamble/RMNP commented the Park has identified a community campus with
alternative activities for families as a method for alleviating overcrowding in the Park
during peak usage of popular areas in the Park such as Bear Lake. Social media
methods could be utilized to advertise other community activities in order for families to
plan their visit to Estes Park and RMNP. The shuttle system could be tied into the
community campus and activities to make transportation convenient for visitors and
families.
MPEC CENTER
The Multi-purpose Event Center was intended to replace approximately 100 horse
stalls at the fairgrounds and house other community recreational activities. The
current design would accommodate 145 stalls and be used as a tradeshow hall
during the remainder of the year. The center would not incorporate elements of a
community center (walking track, basketball courts, ice rink, etc.) as discussed in the
past. The Town is planning on organizing a community visioning effort looking at the
next 15-20 years and would include community outreach to discuss further
community needs and what facilities may be required to accommodate them.
COMMUNITY CENTER
The community and local entities such as EVRPD, local governments, community
service groups, the hospital, school district, local businesses, and civic groups have
expressed an interest in revisiting a community center in Estes Park. The design of a
full-service center would be vital to the success of building a center, and would require
the facility provide recreation for all ages and interests for both locals and guests to our
community. A center would stimulate the local economy. EVPRD would like to
collaborate with the Town as key stakeholders in the process of bringing a center
forward.
The group discussed the location of a center and stated the public needs to be
educated on the actual purpose of the MPEC and a final decision needs to be
discussed on the future uses of the old primary school building. Areas that could be
considered for the center include Stanley Park, Stanley Fairgrounds, or the old primary
building. The public should be involved in the discussions prior to developing financing
options.
The center would provide additional business opportunities to local businesses that
could utilized the facility and/or offer programming at the center. A high altitude training
facility and activities could be encompassed in the center and provide funding to offset
the costs of running an aquatic center. The center would create jobs and could also
provide much needed daycare facilities for the community.
TRAILS SYSTEM
EVRPD Director Rorabaugh has meet with the Town Board and Estes Valley Planning
Commission to discuss the development of a comprehensive trails plan for the entire
Estes Valley. There are a number of organizations that have significant trail presence in
the Estes Valley including the YMCA, EVRPD, Town, County and RMNP. EVRPD
would like to work collaboratively with the area partners to develop a plan to connect the
different trail systems for the citizens and guests of the valley. The public should be
involved in providing input on the prioritization of the trails and the adoption of a
comprehensive trail plan for the entire Estes Valley.
Larry Gamble/RMNP stated the Park has been working on developing a multi-use trail
(non-motorized and non horse) trail system in the park to connect with Spur 66, Big
Thompson and Fall River. The Park has received funding to move the process forward
through public review and the NEPA process to complete an environmental
assessment. Once the planning is in place the Park would begin seeking funding for
the construct of the trail system. Funding may be provided through federal
transportation as they support multi-modal systems for accessing the National Park
system. Decisions on fee structure and surface type would be made during the final
design phase and have not been fully vetted at this time; however, there would be
opportunity for the public to comment on the trail system during the year long process
starting in early 2013.
The Board commented on the need to focus efforts on the Fall River trail and would
advocate for a cooperative review on how to complete the trail to the Park entrance as a
hard surface trail. It would also be prudent to consider carrying the fiber optics along
the trail system as it is built.
There have been concerns with the increased foot traffic on Spur 66. It was suggested
the Town and EVRPD should work jointly to address the trail needs in this area;
however, due to the lack of easements in the area it would be difficult to complete and
would require working closely with CDOT in building the trail.
Additional comments were heard: Lottery funds are a good funding source and
cooperative projects receive favorable review; Open Space funds could be utilize in the
future once the Bond Park Master Plan has been completed; consider coordination with
the YMCA for trail access and bike rentals; the Dry Gulch trail could tie into the Park
system at Lumpy Ridge; and a comprehensive sign plan for all trails should be
considered to provide cohesiveness to the system and user-friendly access to trail
information.
SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATION
This item was not discussed.
MISCELLANEOUS
The two entities need to review financing options as a group. One source could be rural
development grants for funding improvements such as a community center.
There being no further business, Mayor Pinkham adjourned the meeting at 1:10 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk