Glenwood whitewater park moving forward

GLENWOOD SPRINGS - About seven years of planning and effort to locate a whitewater park in Glenwood Springs are coming to fruition.

The Glenwood Springs City Council voted last week to award an $888,838 bid to begin work on park features to American Civil Constructors, of Littleton. Construction of phase one of a whitewater park in Glenwood Springs should begin Dec. 1. A second phase will include amenities along the river's banks at the site near the West Glenwood bridge.

Mayor Bruce Christensen said the park would include a "U-shaped" wave feature that goes the full width of the river just upstream from the bridge in West Glenwood Springs. That way, waves could be ridden when the river is running at various levels.

Whitewater park specialist Jason Carey said that construction costs will only escalate in the future, and the city seems to have received good bids.

To reach the necessary amount of funding, the city decided to contribute up to another $275,000.

The city decided earlier not to apply for a $200,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant because it was under the impression that its chances of receiving the grant would be higher if it promised not to apply for recreational water rights for the park. However, GOCO said no such condition exists. Christensen said he spoke with GOCO on Thursday, and GOCO indicated it would be very receptive to helping with the second phase.

Visit www.glenwoodwhitewaterpark.org for more information.