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Skyline Incline pitched as low-cost tourist attraction alternative to pool
Summary
A presenter proposed converting Skyline’s ridgeline into an incline attraction modeled on the Manitou Incline, estimating $0.9M–$2.5M in construction and roughly $100k/year maintenance; presenter argued the $2M currently collected is insufficient for a large pool but could support this lower-cost option.
James Santilli told council members that Cañon City’s natural ridgeline — "Skyline" — could become a year-round attraction similar to Manitou’s Incline, with low annual maintenance and a far smaller capital outlay than an aquatic center. "We could build a trailhead and staircase... maybe around 900 steps," Santilli said, noting he used conservative assumptions (50,000 annual uses and $75 average per-visit local spending) to estimate a $1.5M annual economic impact under optimistic visitation.
Council members asked about parking, safety and comparative visitor numbers (Manitou and Castle Rock inclines were discussed). Santilli suggested a feasibility and soils study would be needed and said the project might be viable without the legal complexities that accompany changing pool ballot language; council voted to advance the incline proposal for further evaluation.
