Alpine Trails Committee proposes expansion of Lambert Park parking lot

The Alpine City Planning Commission convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss the proposed expansion of the South Parking Lot in Lambert Park. The meeting began with a presentation by Ryan, who provided a visual overview of the parking area using Google Earth. Currently, the parking lot accommodates 23 vehicles, and the proposal aims to add an additional 32 spots, which would significantly enhance parking capacity.

Ryan explained that the expansion constitutes a material change to the park, necessitating a public hearing and subsequent approval from the City Council. The council's decision will require either a majority or supermajority vote, meaning that four or five members must support the proposal.

During the discussion, concerns were raised regarding the potential for increased usage of the park due to the expanded parking. One member noted that while the additional spots could alleviate parking issues during events, it might also attract more visitors from outside Alpine, leading to increased wear on park resources. Ryan acknowledged this concern, stating that the expansion is primarily intended to accommodate visitors during events, which often see the park filled to capacity.

The commission also discussed the possibility of implementing gates to control access to certain areas of the park. Suggestions included locking the gates during non-event days to limit traffic and prevent overuse. Members debated the feasibility of relocating some parking spots to better manage traffic flow and enhance safety.

After addressing questions and concerns, the commission opened the floor for public comments but received no responses. The meeting concluded with a call for a motion regarding the parking lot expansion, with discussions about the potential inclusion of gate installations as part of the proposal.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the balance between enhancing park accessibility and managing the impact of increased visitor numbers. The commission will continue to evaluate the proposal and its implications for the community and the park's resources.