Pump Track Project at Chipeta Park: A Community - Driven Initiative

An open letter from the Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Advisory Board regarding the Nederland Pump Track Project:

The Town of Nederland, Colorado, is enthusiastically exploring the possibility of adding a neighborhood pump track - a specially designed circuit for cyclists to ride without pedaling, relying on momentum and body movements to navigate a series of berms and rollers. This endeavor is being led by a group of local enthusiasts, including members of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board (PROSAB), who have diligently evaluated several potential locations for this innovative outdoor facility.

The sites under review included the Rink/Tennis complex, Moose Meadows, Wingate Property, Big Springs Park, and Chipeta Park. This analysis culminated in the selection of a little-used area between the parking lot and the paved basketball court at Chipeta Park as the optimal choice, considering factors such as central location, available parking, and existing infrastructure.

Foremost, let's address some key concerns: The funds required for the construction of the pump track will be sourced through a comprehensive fundraising campaign, not from the town's existing budget. We're glad to share that the initiative has already garnered strong public support, represented by over 180 petition signatures, positive votes from PROSAB and other boards, and endorsements from the Nederland Downtown Development Authority (NDDA).

Situated centrally in Nederland, Chipeta Park is easily accessible and is in close proximity to several key town assets such as the skatepark, other play features at the park, the medical clinic, and the downtown area, which hosts restaurants, shops, and more. This makes it an ideal location that ensures equitable accessibility for children, teens, and adults alike, while also offering various recreational opportunities for guardians.

Ample parking space at Chipeta Park, which cannot be found at the Wingate Property or Big Springs Park, ensures smooth visitor movement. Additionally, being a developed playground, Chipeta Park aligns well with the pump track's purpose, augmenting the park's appeal as a recreational hub for our community.

Chipeta Park, the only potential location within the NDDA District, offers the possibility of DDA funding, which isn't applicable for the other proposed sites. Furthermore, the creation of a pump track in the park provides an opportunity to enhance the park's aesthetic appeal through meticulous planning and design.

Addressing potential concerns, some citizens worry about changes in bird patterns and the impact on the limited, open green space at Chipeta. We want to assure our community members that the project's design and planning will prioritize the preservation of bird habitats and the park's serenity. The pump track will not impede the multi-use open green space near the pavilion or most of the green space in Chipeta. The area where the pump track is proposed is the section of Chipeta Park where there is no irrigation, and subsequently, no maintained grass. We're engaging in collaborative efforts with environmentalists and park designers to mitigate any disruptions and have researched examples of other Colorado pump tracks that have successfully addressed similar concerns.

In conclusion, given the easy access, available parking, potential for funding assistance, and the chance to further enrich a beloved community space, Chipeta Park is the ideal location for the Nederland Pump Track. Parks Department and other stakeholders are aligned with this choice. We're committed to maintaining an open dialogue as we move forward with this project, ensuring it brings maximum benefit to our community.

Sincerely,
Sam Ovett, PROSAB Vice President

Next Steps:

With Chipeta Park being the identified location for the pump track, the next step in the process is to work with a consultant to design a pump track that will fit the location and take into consideration everything that has been outlined in this letter. The NDDA approved funding up to $10,000 for a pump track design at their April 12, 2023 meeting. The NDDA will be presenting the resolution to release the funds at the August 1, 2023 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting. Once the resolution has been approved, the NDDA will contract with American Ramp Company to design a pump track at Chipeta Park. When the design is complete, PROSAB and the Parks Department will present it to the community as well as the advisory boards and commissions for additional feedback. Once the final design has been approved, there will be a public hearing before the BOT prior to the issuance of a building permit as required under the Nederland Municipal Code.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions about the pump track or next steps, please contact PROSAB at prosab@nederlandco.org.

You can also learn more about pump tracks at https://sites.google.com/view/pump-track-nederland-co/ned-pump-track?authuser=0