The City of Steamboat Springs Parks & Community Services department will host an open house at the Community Center on Wednesday, April 19th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm seeking input on what the community envisions for the historic ski area and its master plan.
Working closely with City Council and the Parks & Recreation Commission, city staff is interested from the community at-large in helping identifying options that concentrate on narrowing the financial liability, outline flexible cost structures and financial limitations, and ascertain the community vision for the ski area across four strategic components of Nordic, jumping, alpine and summer (lodge, slide, jumps and concert venue).
The guiding principles born out of previous public input and work sessions – meaningful community access, SSWSC training and heritage - will form the foundation for the planning process and its direction as it relates to the operation and financial components of the ski area, lodge and parking/circulation areas.
The visioning process will focus on the following key areas in an effort to achieve a better understanding of the community and its recreational requirements for the Howelsen Hill Ski Area:
- Concentrate on a comprehensive assessment of ski area, lodge and parking/circulation areas
- Identify residents’ concerns, perceive needs and priorities for enhancing and preserving ski area
- Pinpoint current levels of satisfaction and expectations
- Discuss different financially sustainable operating models and associated impacts and limitations
- Prioritize capital projects and explore recommended methods of funding
The Master Planning process has already held numerous meetings with stakeholder groups since early March and this provides a key opportunity for the public to share their thoughts and input on this aspect of the Master Plan.
In the end, the updated community vision and strategic plan will help shape the recreational and open space needs of residents and visitors, and articulate a clear vision for the future of the Howelsen Hill Ski Area, in conjunction with a sound financially sustainable plan.
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Contacts:
John Overstreet, Parks & Community Services Director – (970) 871-7017 or joverstreet@steamboatsprings.net
Craig Robinson, Parks, Open Space and Trails Manager - (970) 871-7034 or crobinson@steamboatsprings.net