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DDA frames 2026 priorities: greenhouse and flowers, alley walkability, Bergstrom Park connectivity; Tava update given
Summary
Woodland Park's DDA discussed draft budget priorities including funding for a greenhouse to grow downtown flowers, microgrants next spring, alley/park connectivity and a possible walkability study. Staff also reported construction progress at the Tava development.
The Woodland Park Downtown Development Authority identified several draft priorities for its next budget cycle, including funding for downtown flowers and a possible greenhouse, a microgrant program for next spring, and investments in walkability and alleyway connections between parks and Main Street.
Board members described strong community response to recent beautification work and urged investments that would sustain that momentum. Jeff (board member) proposed a greenhouse to grow flowers locally for downtown planters and hanging baskets; he said the greenhouse would primarily supply businesses in the DDA district. Several members noted water, watering logistics and winter-start timing are constraints: one board member said many flower varieties need to be started in March to be ready for a short growing season.
City staff and board members discussed implementation details. Aaron (city staff) said the city would need a larger site than the small city greenhouse used for community garden pilots and noted the greenhouse would require water and drainage. Board members suggested engaging Teller County Extension Master Gardeners and local growers; resident Sarah (who grew the flowers on display) told the board she and her husband live in Divide and would be interested in helping grow downtown plants.
The board voiced interest in continuing the microgrant program next year and asked staff to include a placeholder in the budget for Bergstrom Park reimagining work and for study funding to examine alley and connectivity improvements linking Bergstrom and Main Street. Members discussed possible pedestrianizing of alleys, ways to slow vehicle speeds (e.g., design changes or traffic-calming measures) and the need to preserve necessary parking. One member suggested exploring Harvest Host-style short-term RV pull-off options to capture visitor spending.
Derek Wagoner provided a Tava construction update: framing is about 99% complete, windows likely to be installed the week of the meeting, water loop/infrastructure work is finished, and bids for Highway 24 work and a Bergstrom turn-in have been received. Staff estimated major exterior work could start within about 30 days, subject to weather and asphalt-laying seasonal limits.
Staff will present a draft program-level budget at the next meeting so the DDA can review estimated costs for the greenhouse/flowers, microgrants, Bergstrom study and other priorities.
