STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-June 4, 2020-After a steady stream of construction, the activity on Spring Creek has receded into a trickle as the Spring Creek Dam Restoration Project nears completion.
Beginning this week, access to the creek and lower pond is now available via the trail. The off leash dog park (dog run), as well as the upper pond and trail around the upper pond remains closed for revegetation. Signs are posted in the area to inform users on which areas are open and closed. It is anticipated that these areas will reopen in late July, after proper vegetation has been established.
The ADA parking area near the ponds is now available, along with the picnic shelter, and a porta-potty is expected to be installed onsite within the next week.
When recreating in the area, please remember to adhere to current local and state health orders, limiting group sizes to 10 or less, practicing social distancing, and utilizing a facemask when you are near others that are outside of your immediate group.
As a reminder, trail users should use the trail parallel to the County Road #34 where possible to access Spring Creek Trail. With the Spring Creek dog run still closed, dog walkers are encouraged to use other Off Leash/Voice Control Recreation Areas including: Sailors Way Trail, Butcherknife Trail, Rita Valentine Park and Whistler Park.
Based on concerns identified by the Colorado Division of Water Resources Dam Safety Branch, dam safety improvements began last summer, and include the construction of a new 30-foot wide dam spillway and installation of additional fill material on the dam slopes with an improved dam drainage system. The spillway will be capable of routing a 100-year storm event. New interpretive signage, benches and a proposed looped trail system is planned at the upper pond once construction and revegetation projects are complete.
The city worked with the State of Colorado and the Army Corps of Engineers for permitting of the project. W. W. Wheeler and Associates, Inc. was contracted to design and perform construction observation services for the dam modifications and Duckels Construction was contracted to execute the work.
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Contact
Matt Barnard, Project Manager, 970.879.4300 or email
Craig Robinson, Parks, Open Space and Trails Manager, 970.871.7034 or email