• Who is paying for the planning of this project?  The vast majority of funding for the planning of this project was secured in the form of grants from the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Smaller amounts were contributed by the Environment Foundation (Aspen Ski Co.), Pitkin County Healthy Rivers, Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund, and the Town of Carbondale. Aspen Valley Land Trust, Roaring Fork Conservancy, and American Rivers have all committed in-kind contributions to the planning effort.

  • Who is the audience for the proposed educational and interpretive improvements to the park.  School children.  There are 5 Carbondale schools within walking distance of Riverfront Park.  Any gathering spaces within the park would be designed for classroom sized groups.

  • Is this project connected in any way to the Carbondale to Crested Butte trail project?  No. This is an entirely separate project with no association or connection to the Carbondale to Crested Butte trail project.

  • How much will implementation cost?  The cost of any potential improvements will not be known until a later phase of design.  Regardless of the final costs, the project partners are committed to raising funds for the list of improvements the community supports.

  • Who is going to pay for implementation of the selected improvements?  The project partners plan to take a similar approach to funding the implementation of the project as we have with funding the planning phase.  Our hope is to raise the majority of the funds from state (and potentially federal) grant funding sources… bringing tax dollars back into our community that would otherwise be spent elsewhere.

  • Who will pay for ongoing maintenance? Currently (before considering any of the proposed improvements), the RVR Homeowners Association is responsible for the costs maintaining Riverfront Park at the level it was improved when RVR was originally developed.  If this project results in additional improvements, no additional maintenance costs will be passed along to the RVR homeowners association.  Any maintenance costs associated with new improvements would be funded by an alternative mechanism (specifics to be determined) managed by the Town of Carbondale. 

  • Will this project open Riverfront Park to dogs?  No.  Dogs (on or off leash) are not allowed at Riverfront Park.  This project will have no effect on that regulation.

  • Will the existing Bald Eagle seasonal closure stay in place?  Yes.  Riverfront Park has a history of nesting bald eagles.  As such, it is seasonally closed from December 1st to March 15th each year.  There are no plans to seek any alterations to this closure, regardless of selected improvements. 

  • Will the construction schedule for the project adhere to seasonal wildlife considerations?  Absolutely.  Though the details of the construction schedule will not be known until a later date, all efforts will be made to avoid disturbing the spectrum of all wildlife species especially during critical habitat timeframes

  • Where would construction access be located?  The Town of Carbondale has access to the river at the Weaver Ditch diversion and Nuche Park.  Construction access plans depend upon the final design but it is anticipated construction access to the project would be from one of those two locations.

  • Will bikes be allowed to use the trail system at Riverfront Park?  No.  Bikes are not allowed on the trail at Riverfront Park today.  There are no proposed changes to that regulation.  Bikes are not consistent with the wildland nature and passive use goals of the project.  However, residents will be encouraged to arrive at the park by bike or on foot.  Bike parking may be considered adjacent to the existing parking lot.

  • Will parking for Riverfront Park be expanded?  No.  The existing small parking lot just east of the Crystal River along Crystal Bridge Drive will continue to be the parking area for Riverfront Park.  The existing lot has a capacity of 4-5 vehicles.  Residents will be encouraged to walk or bike to the park.  Bike parking may be considered adjacent to the existing parking lot.

PROJECT PARTNERS