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Trustees approve construction contract to rebuild Pocket Wave; work expected this fall pending river flows
Summary
The board approved Resolution 39 to award construction to Lowry (or the selected contractor) and to move forward on a revised design for the Pocket Wave whitewater feature; the project will use new low‑flow engineering to increase usable days and include fish‑pass considerations.
Trustees approved a construction contract for the Pocket Wave remodel at the town’s whitewater park on May 27, authorizing the town to proceed with an updated design intended to perform at lower river flows and expand usable recreational days.
Consultants and staff explained the original 2014 feature delivered recreational waves for only a few weeks each year because it relied on natural rock placements and higher flows. The updated design uses engineered concrete elements combined with granite wing elements to produce a reliably surfable feature at lower flows and to preserve fish passage via a specially designed ladder. Planning staff noted permitting and Army Corps/Colorado Parks & Wildlife coordination are part of the construction sequence.
Why it matters: Pocket Wave is a widely used recreational amenity with community and visitor demand. The redesign aims to increase use and safety while meeting environmental and fishery permitting requirements.
Next steps: trustees approved the contract and staff expects construction when river flows permit, currently targeted for the fall. Staff and consultants will coordinate permitting, staging and a grand opening event expected in October if construction and permitting proceed as planned.
Ending: Trustees approved Resolution 39 and thanked project partners and donors who funded much of the project; the town will host an opening event if the schedule holds.
