DISCOVERY ISLAND LONGMONT UPDATE

DISCOVERY ISLAND LONGMONT UPDATE

Its future development as a nature area was master planned in 20 as part of an update to the St. The nature area, previously known as Pavlakis Open Space, was Longmont’s first major acquisition, in 2001, Ransweiler said. “This project continues to show the ability of the city of Longmont to turn the tragedy of the 2013 flood into success, while keeping the environment and wildlife as important project priorities as well,” Rademacher said. “Completion of Dickens Farm Nature Area has given our Longmont community a great place to play, while also providing local wildlife a safe passage along the creek corridor,” Deputy City Manager Dale Rademacher said in the news release.

Members of the Dickens Farm Nature Area project team included city staff, engineering and design firms Jacobs, MIG, Confluent Design, Recreational Engineering Planning and Biohabitats, and contractors Zak Dirt and HPM, Inc. Vrain City Reach 1 project and about $3 million for the final Dickens Farm Nature Area improvements. Vrain River “as the asset that it is” to the community.Ĭity staff said it cost just under $10 million to construct the Dickens Farm Nature Area, including about $6.6 million for river work and trail improvements that were completed as part of the Resilient St. Senior Department of Public Works and Natural Resources project manager Steve Ransweiler said Wednesday that development of the nature area and its recreational offerings has been one of the city’s efforts to identify the St. And it was completed just in time for residents and others to be able to enjoy it amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The float course, Discovery Island discovery area and novice bike skills course are accessible and suitable for all ages, providing the opportunity for all members of our community to have access to nature and water, two crucial elements of a healthy lifestyle. Multiple shelter areas, including a large group shelter, picnic areas and restrooms.Ĭity staff said that Longmont’s application for the American Public Works Association’s Colorado chapter’s large-community parks and trails award stated that “with the completion of the Dickens Farm Nature Area, the City of Longmont has been able to provide a wildly popular natural amenity and major non-motorized transportation route in the heart of the city that also protects people and property from future flood risks.A novice bike skills course on easy rolling terrain that was built with various natural materials.

Discovery Island, an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible nature discovery area with an exploration trail.

The Dickens Farm Nature Area’s other features and amenities, according to the city’s news release and the facility’s website, include: Vrain River, but users must provide their own non-motorized carry-on boats and float devices. There is a designated open water access point at Main Street and takeout points east of Martin Street and at the 119th Street trailhead, all marked by signs. Vrain Creek open to tubes, kayaks, paddleboards, and small, non-motorized boats.” Vrain Greenway trail system.ĭickens Farm, the newest nature area in the city parks system, opened last spring.Īccording to the city’s website for the facility, “the jewel of Dickens Farm Nature Area is a float course along the St. Vrain River runs through the 52-acre nature area, which is north of the Harvard Junction North shopping center between Main and Martin streets and is one of the trailheads in the St. The Colorado chapter of the American Public Works Association has recognized Longmont’s Dickens Farm Nature Area as the recipient of the state organization’s 2020 “Parks and Trails” award for a large community, city officials said Wednesday.

Discovery island longmont