Council approves $695,000 contract to buy two lots adjacent to Bergstrom Park for downtown expansion

The Woodland Park City Council unanimously approved a contract Aug. 7 to purchase two parcels adjacent to Bergstrom Park from Biergarden Development LLC for $695,000.

City staff member Aaron told the council consultants on the Bergstrom Park master plan recommended the city acquire the two lots west of the existing park to expand parking, extend park frontage along Highway 24 and enable future park amenities. The parcels were described in the meeting as approximately 0.14 acres (top parcel) and 0.76 acres (larger parcel), for a total just under one acre.

Aaron said the proposed design would add roughly 35 parking spaces on the upper parcel (including two accessible and two EV spaces) and about 33 perpendicular overflow spaces on the lower parcel, plus three RV spaces — a total of approximately 68 to 71 additional spaces compared with the existing 19 spaces staff said are currently available. He said the plan also would allow a vehicular connection from West Street through to Saddle Club Avenue in a future phase.

Staff said the city will pay $7,000 in earnest money due Aug. 11; the buyer and city have until Sept. 22 to terminate for inspections and title/environmental reviews, and closing is slated for Oct. 20. Aaron emphasized the council’s approval on Aug. 7 authorizes the contract to be signed; staff will bring a supplemental appropriation and a formal ordinance for the land purchase back to the council for final approval and public hearing.

On the motion approving the contract, the council voted unanimously by roll call.