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Parks seeks funding for rangers and natural‑resource program; council splits on bike skills park site
Summary
Parks staff requested operating funds for expanded ranger and natural‑resource work and proposed a Merolt bike skills park; councilors supported the concept but disagreed on siting (some preferred Buttermilk or ski‑area partnerships) and asked for more outreach and partner engagement before finalizing funding.
Mac ****, speaking for Parks & Open Space, outlined requests to fund a ranger program and a new natural‑resource program. "We're requesting a total of $63,000 to support our ranger program," Mac said, and added they are asking $86,000 to support the natural resource program — primarily for a noxious weed program and partnerships with valley organizations. The combined operating requests were presented as $150,000 with an additional $37,000 to fund a seasonal position.
A separate capital request for a Merolt mountain‑bike skills park prompted substantive debate. Staff showed a conceptual design and asked whether the council wanted $240,000 (or a scaled $140,000 option) included in the 2025 budget to proceed with the site. Several councilors favored the concept but questioned whether the proposed city parcel was the best location. One councilor suggested the ski area at Buttermilk or other county sites might be better suited; staff replied prior outreach exists and the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association (RFMBA) had funded initial design work. Staff proposed keeping the funding in the budget for now while bringing back additional outreach results and partner input, and several councilors asked for an opportunity for public comment and for the ski company and RFMBA to be engaged when the topic returns.
On parks capital, staff also discussed small projects (sign updates, Cozy Point Ranch work tied to water availability) and deferred larger Cozy Point items pending a water‑resource analysis. Councilors asked for more information about parking capacity at parks facilities and options to encourage carpooling during events. Staff said there are no current plans to add substantial parking in the five‑year capital plan but that the city could consider direction if council prioritized increased parking.
