Stream-side Amenity Planning & Design

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Timeline

• 12/7/2015: Public Meeting #1 (Open House and Q $ A Session)
• Dec. 2015 - Jan. 2016: Initial Public Comment Period (results here)
• 2/8/2016: Public Meeting #2 (A webcast of the full meeting is available here)
• Feb. 2016 - Sept. 2016: Second Public Comment Period
• (TBD):  Public Meeting #3
• Sept. 2016 - March. 2017:  In-stream construction of RICD related whitewater features
• (TBD): Construction of stream-side amenities​

Overview

the In the Fall of 2015, Pitkin County kicked off public process related to the planning and design of stream-side amenities to accompany the installation of RICD required in-stream whitewater features in the Roaring Fork River in Basalt.  The goal of this process has been to design a stream bank adjacent to the new waves that will enhance the experience of the whitewater park and create a true community asset.

A spectrum of design approaches have been presented to the public. They range from a "Keep it Simple" approach that would restore the stream-banks to a native vegetated state, to a "Create an Event Space" approach that would  include spectator viewing platforms, terraces, and adjacent parking.

To date, public comment suggests the community favors a "Middle of the Road" approach to stream-side amenity development. This approach would incorporate parking adjacent to the RICD structures, direct access from the top of the bank to the in-stream features, and minimally improved seating, viewing, and shaded areas. A realignment of Two Rivers Road would be necessary to create the space needed to accommodate these amenities. A number of public safety considerations would also need to be incorporated for this solution to work.  

Based on public comment, our team of engineers and designers is currently coordinating with the Town of Basalt on a stream-side design.  Please stay tuned!

In the meantime, please review the following three stream-side alternatives and click the "Comment" button below to send us your thoughts. Thank you!

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Objectives

Incorporate...

• convenient parking adjacent to RICD features
• improved seating, viewing, and shaded areas
• direct access to RICD features
• interpretive elements that promote river stewardship
• multi-use programming (recreation, education)

Seize opportunities to...

• restore degraded stream-banks
• protect riparian habitat
• improve in-stream habitat

Study...

• adding waters edge ADA access at Fisherman's Park and adjacent to RICD features
• suitable restroom and changing room location options
• adding a picnic area on the river-left bank adjacent to RICD features
• staging and parking concerns at Fisherman's Park

Address...

• public safety and accessibility concerns 

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Please share your thoughts on the stream-side design...

Comment

Alternatives

Approach 1: ​Keep it simple

Primary parking located at Fisherman's Park, minimal streamside access, limited seating and viewing, restored native streambanks

Approach 2: Middle of the road

Adjacent parking, improved streamside access, improved seating and viewing, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity

Approach 3:  Create an event space

Maximized adjacent parking, ADA access to water level (not shown above), formal seating terraces and viewing platforms, infrastructure capable of hosting river events.

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Next Steps

Based on public comment, our team of engineers and designers is currently coordinating with the Town of Basalt on a stream-side design.   Please stay tuned!

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It's our river.  Let's make it right.