Introduction. Cuchara Mountain Park

Transcription

1 Introduction The following community vision plans for were shared at the Open House in La Veta on April 2, 28. The pages below share information about the park and draft plans for the park. The two sets of plans (A and B) reflect two very different futures for. ach plan includes drawings and images displaying the activities, events, and programs included in each plan. Look at each plan carefully and think about what elements you like from each and how the plans reflect your vision for the park. Ultimately, the master plan for the park will be a combination of the two plans but we want your feedback on which elements should be included. There are feedback pages throughout that ask about each plan, comparing and contrasting, mission and goals, and priorities. Please respond to these questions and provide any additional feedback in an to ewachtel@segroup.com. April 28

2 Survey Results Visioning Gotta Have It! Survey Respondents: 8 Median Age: 5 Primary Residence: Cuchara La Veta Other - Write In Walsenburg Common Write-In Responses: Colorado Springs, Denver, Trinidad, Huerfano County, and Texas xisting CMP xperience: Limited Skiing Great Beautiful Potential xcited Sad Adventure Hiking Fun Hopeful Desired CMP xperience: Mountain Family Trails Lifts Adventure Peaceful Ski Programs, vents, and Facilities: Outdoor Seating Festivals (music, arts, sports, food) vents cology Tours Amphitheater Private vents (weddings, retreats) Food and Beverage Service Nature ducational Programs Rental quipment Ski School Activities: Hiking/Running on trails Picnicking Sledding Cross-Country Skiing Snowshoeing Scenic Viewing Winter Tubing Year-round residents: 28% Birding/Wildlife Watching Second homeowners: 35% Destination Fun Mountain Biking Downhill Skiing Active April 28 Have visited CMP before: 8%

3 Market Assessment A market assessment was undertaken to define local and regional market demographic profiles and visitation patterns, and to identify the existing regional amenities and attractions in the area. Key Findings and Opportunities The year-round population of Huerfano County is small (,52) but does grow significantly in the summer months, especially around Cuchara. Over half of the homes in the Cuchara and La Veta zip code are second homes, used during the summer months.»» Vistors come to the area for the natural beauty, the arts, scenic Highway of Legends, small-town charm, and outdoor recreation. Summer activities at could encourage visitors to stop in the area or extend their trips, spending money in the county.»» The area s winter visitation is low and many businesses close for the winter months. The county s small population would make it more difficult to generate revenue at the park in the winter. Long-term, winter activities at could bring new visitors, encourage second homeowners to visit during the winter, and support a yearround economy. The county s year-round population is older (median age 5.5), especially compared to the state as a whole (median age 3.3). The county residents have lower incomes than the state average, with a median household income of $33,25, compared to $2,52 statewide.»» Nationally, participants in outdoor recreation tend to have higher incomes and are younger than Huerfano County residents. could offer accessible and affordable activities to match the county demographics and encourage underrepresented groups to partake in outdoor recreation. xisting summer recreation opportunities in the county include lake-based activities and golfing at Lathrop State Park; hiking, fishing, and camping in the San Isabel National Forest; the Walsenburg Wild Waters water park; and horseback trail rides. Activities at Cuchara Mountain Park should complement rather than repeat the existing opportunities. Festivals and events draw many visitors to the area throughout the summer. Cuchara Mountain Park could be a venue for existing festivals or host new festivals to draw additional visitation. April 28

4 Skiing Assessment Background Panadero Ski Resort (later known as Cuchara Ski Area) opened for the 8/82 season Over the next couple decades, the resort operated on and off under many different owners»» Averaged just under 22, visitors per year»» 3,5 visitors in its final season of operation ( 2) In 22, the Forest Service terminated the Ski Area Special Use Permit based on low skier visits, ski industry trends, and an inability for Cuchara to compete in the market Forest Service Process Lift is entirely on Property and skiing could occur there without a Forest Service Special Use Permit Operation of Lift 3 for skiing, the lift to the summit, would require the Forest Service to reissue the Ski Area Special Use Permit»» The Forest Service would only do so based on a demonstrated need and economic viability Reviving Skiing Opening the ski area would require inspection and repairs to Lift to get it certified, repairs and upgrades to the snowmaking system, and a grooming machine. Operation-related costs include labor, supplies, maintenance and repairs, electricity and fuel, insurance, annual lift inspections, utilities, snow removal, and water for snowmaking. Skiing will take significant investment and community support. Most small, community ski areas are subsidized by the local government and/or conduct significant fundraising. Cuchara Monarch Mountain Wolf Creek Annual Snowfall 2 (2 estimate) 35 5 Annual Skier Visits 3,5 (2) 2,25 (2) 5, (current average),82 (2) 2, (current average) Population within a 5 mile radius 8,,23,5 Demographics and Industry Trends People over the age of 55 represent an increasingly large share of visitors to downhill ski resorts. Snowsports participants tend to have high incomes 8% of participants have household incomes over $5, a year. 22.% of Huerfano County households have incomes above $5,. Colorado ski resort visitation has grown.8% annually since 2. This growth has primarily come from an increasing number of visitors from outside the Rocky Mountains, while local and regional visitation has remained steady or declined. Coloradans continue to participate in ski activities at the highest rate in the country. During the 2/2 season, Coloradans accounted for.% of all ski visits nationally, despite being only.% of the population. April 28

5 8 NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS 2 il ek April 28 LGND er k Ba xisting Ski Trails e Cr a Tr k Baker Cree 2 OV T 3 n 2 F LI R India Lift to be Removed 3 8 Roads M 8 Proposed Surface Lift Proposed Observatory xisting Ski Lift Parcel Boundaries NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS Cuchara Mountain Park Boundary NFS Lands 8 8 Vision Plan A: Overview D PANA RO AV 88 8 TH Proposed Baker Creek Trailhead LIF T CUCHARA MOUNTAIN PARK N CI 88 8 A SP Vision Plan A T a ar h c Cu oad R ek ar e e r /B sc 28 ai king Tr l i H Indian Creek-Bear Lake 8 Cuchara Day Use # i Cuchara Day Use # 5 Cuchara Interpretive Site Blu e TH 88 Indian Creek-Bear Lake Campground Boyd Mountain,3 FT Prepared by: These vision plans are based 8 on community input and ideas. The ideas for Cuchara Mountain Park that are illustrated on these plans have not yet been vetted for physical, operational, or financial feasibility and viability SCAL (ft) Intermediate Downhill Contour Interval: Advanced Downhill Hike/Uphill Bike Trail Beginner Downhill 8 2 Hike/Bike Trail 2 Proposed Trails 2 2 Stream N xisting Trails LIF OV RM 2 8 2

6 Vision Plan A 3 Programs Arts and Crafts Cultural/Historical Outdoor Classroom Mountain Bike Skills Camp Kids Camp Guided Snowshoe Tours Orienteering Birding vents Aspen Leaf Village Music Festivals Weddings Food and Beverage Festivals Mountain Bike Festival Adventure Races (i.e., Tough Mudder) Trail Running Races 2 ASPN CI ASPN CI CUCHARA MOUNTAIN PARK Vision Plan A: Full Property LGND April 28 xisting Ski Trails NFS Lands Aspen Leaf Village PANADRO DR W Cuchara Mountain Park Boundary Parcel Boundaries P Ski Lift Lift to be Removed TH Proposed Baker Creek Trailhead (Kiosk) XISTING PARKING LOT Roads xisting Trails Stream XISTING PARKING LOT NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS SHOP BLDG PUMP HOUS GNRATOR BUILDING ASPNLAF DR Baker Creek Proposed Trails KY PANADRO AV Hike/Bike Trail Hike/Uphill Bike Trail Beginner Downhill Intermediate Downhill Advanced Downhill Base Lodge - Meeting/Hangout Space 8 LIFT 3 - RMOV Small Cafe - Beer Garden, Patio, Small Stage, Dance Floor 22 Fire Ring Sledding Hill 2 Amphitheater 2 2 Outdoor Classroom 3 Natural Play Area 8 Climbing Structures LIFT 5 Backcountry Ski Access Picnic Area/ Scenic Views 8 Small Observatory vent Lawn Contour Interval: On Site 2 Off Site N SCAL (ft) Prepared by: NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS These vision plans are based on community input and ideas. The ideas for Cuchara Mountain Park that are illustrated on these plans have not yet been vetted for physical, operational, or financial feasibility and viability. Activities 2 5 NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS 52 Summer Hiking/Nature Trail (xisting XC ski trail) Mountain Biking (XC, Climbing Trail, Downhill) Climbing Structures Natural Play Area Bird Watching Picnicking Fire Ring/Storytelling/ S'mores Night Stargazing Hikes Observatory Stargazing 8 Winter Snowshoeing XC Skiing Backcountry Skiing Sledding Fire Ring/Storytelling/ S'mores Night Stargazing Hikes Observatory Stargazing 8

7 Vision Plan A PANA DRO vents Programs Festivals Weddings Food and Beverage Festivals Mountain Bike Festival Adventure Races (i.e., Tough Mudder) Trail Running Races P CUCHARA MOUNTAIN PARK Vision Plan A: Base Area April 28 TH LGND Proposed Baker Creek Trailhead (Kiosk) xisting Ski Trails NFS Lands Cuchara Mountain Park Boundary Music Aspen Leaf Village Arts and Crafts Cultural/Historical Outdoor Classroom Mountain Bike Skills Camp Kids Camp Guided Snowshoe Tours Orienteering Birding DR W Parcel Boundaries 5 Ski Lift Lift to be Removed Roads ASPNLAF D xisting Trails R 8 3 Stream Proposed Trails Hike/Bike Trail XISTING WATR SYSTM RSRVOIR Hike/Uphill Bike Trail OR T RA ING N D G UIL B Beginner Downhill 2 Intermediate Downhill 2 Advanced Downhill P HO UM US P NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS SHO BLD P G reek Baker C Contour Interval: SCAL (ft) N Prepared by: V O 2 M FT Activities LI 2 T 8 LIF KY Base Lodge - Meeting/Hangout Space Outdoor Classroom 2 Small Cafe - Beer Garden, Patio, Small Stage, Dance Floor Natural Play Area 3 Fire Ring 8 Climbing Structures Sledding Hill Backcountry Ski Access 5 Amphitheater These vision plans are based on community input and ideas. The ideas for Cuchara Mountain Park that are illustrated on these plans have not yet been vetted for physical, operational, or financial feasibility and viability. 2 Snowshoeing XC Skiing Backcountry Skiing Sledding Fire Ring/Storytelling/ S'mores Night Stargazing Hikes Observatory Stargazing Hiking/Nature Trail (xisting XC ski trail) Mountain Biking (XC, Climbing Trail, Downhill) Climbing Structures Natural Play Area Bird Watching Picnicking Fire Ring/Storytelling/ S'mores Night Stargazing Hikes Observatory Stargazing 3 Winter Summer 3 -R 2 vent Lawn

8 Plan A - Activities Mountain Biking 3 Fire Ring/Storytelling/ S mores Sledding Snowshoeing Cross-Country Skiing 5 Amphitheater Natural Playground Hiking April 28 8 Climbing Structure Backcountry Skiing Picnicking Observatory Stargazing

9 Plan A - Programs Arts and Crafts Mountain Bike Skills Camp Cultural/Historical Programs Kids Camp Outdoor Classroom Programs Guided Snowshoe Tours April 28 Orienteering Birding and cology Programs Night Stargazing Hikes

10 Plan A - vents Music Festivals Food and Beverage Festivals Weddings Mountain Bike Festival Lift Implementation Under Plan A, Lift 3 would be removed. Lift would open eventually for summer lift service (i.e., scenic tours, hiking, downhill mountain biking). It would not be open in the winter to provide downhill skiing. April 28 Adventure Races Trail Running Races

11 Vision Plan A - Feedback What do you like about Plan A? What do you NOT like about Plan A? April 28

12 8 NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS ek April 28 LGND k er Ba xisting Ski Trails e Cr a Tr k Baker Cree T IF -P 2 L Roads T5 OV M R ra Cu a ch 2 oad R ek ar e e r /B sc ai king Tr l i H Indian Creek-Bear Lake Cuchara Day Use # Cuchara Day Use #2 i 2 Blu e Cuchara Interpretive Site 5 2 TH 88 Indian Creek-Bear Lake Campground Boyd Mountain,3 FT Prepared by: These vision plans are based 8 on community input and ideas. The ideas for Cuchara Mountain Park that are illustrated on these plans have not yet been vetted for physical, operational, or financial feasibility and viability SCAL (ft) Advanced Downhill Intermediate Downhill Contour Interval: Hike/Uphill Bike Trail Beginner Downhill Proposed Trails Hike/Bike Trail 2 8 Proposed Observatory Stream N 8 LIF xisting Trails 2 India n Proposed Surface Lift 2 2 H Lift to be Removed 8 NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS 8 xisting Ski Lift AS Parcel Boundaries Cuchara Mountain Park Boundary NFS Lands 8 8 il D PANA RO AV PH AS 2 Vision Plan B: Overview Proposed Baker Creek Trailhead - TH LIF T CUCHARA MOUNTAIN PARK N CI 88 8 A SP Vision Plan B 2 8 2

13 Vision Plan B 3 Programs Arts and Crafts Cultural/Historical Outdoor Classroom Mountain Bike Skills Camp Ski School Kids Camp Guided Snowshoe Tours Orienteering Birding vents Music Festivals Weddings Food and Beverage Festivals Mountain Bike Festival Adventure Races (i.e., Tough Mudder, Ragnar, 2-hour Mountain Bike) Trail Running Races Mountain Bike Races 2 ASPN CI ASPN CI CUCHARA MOUNTAIN PARK Vision Plan B: Full Property LGND April 28 xisting Ski Trails NFS Lands PANADRO DR W Cuchara Mountain Park Boundary Parcel Boundaries Aspen Leaf Village P Ski Lift Proposed Surface Lift 8 2 TH Proposed Baker Creek Trailhead (Kiosk) Roads XISTING PARKING LOT xisting Trails Stream XISTING PARKING LOT 5 3 Proposed Trails Hike/Bike Trail PANADRO AV 8 NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS SHOP BLDG PUMP HOUS GNRATOR BUILDING LIFT 3 - PHAS 2 3 LIFT - PHAS ASPNLAF DR 2 Baker Creek KY Baker Creek Beginner Downhill Intermediate Downhill Advanced Downhill Base Lodge - Meeting/Hangout Space, Rentals (MTN Bike/Ski) Small Cafe - Beer Garden, Patio, Small Stage, Dance Floor Fire Ring Hike/Uphill Bike Trail 2 2 Beginner Ski Terrain - New Surface Lift Amphitheater Outdoor Classroom Natural Play Area Climbing Structures Tubing Hill (Summer, Winter) Phase : Low Ropes Course Phase 2: Canopy Tour/Aerial Adventure Course Lift 3: Phase 2 - Skiing, Downhill Mountain Biking, Scenic Lift Rides Downhill Skiing 5 Lift : Phase - Skiing, Downhill Mountain Biking, Scenic Lift Rides 5 Viewing Platform, vent Yurt, Picnic Area 8 Yurts - vents, Camping (Summer, Winter) Interpretive Trail/ XC Ski Trail 8 Revive Mini Golf Course 2 Disc Golf vent Lawn Contour Interval: On Site 2 Off Site N SCAL (ft) Prepared by: NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS These vision plans are based on community input and ideas. The ideas for Cuchara Mountain Park that are illustrated on these plans have not yet been vetted for physical, operational, or financial feasibility and viability. 52 Activities Summer Hiking/Nature Trail (xisting XC ski trail) Mountain Biking (XC, Climbing Trail, Lift-served Downhill) Climbing Structures Aerial Adventure Course/ Canopy Tour Natural Play Area Birdwatching Picnicking Fire Ring/Storytelling/ S'mores Night Stargazing Hikes Observatory Stargazing (Top of Lift 3) Scenic Lift Rides Camping (Yurts) Mini Golf Disc Golf Summer Tubing 8 Winter Snowshoeing Tubing Downhill Skiing (Lift 3 & ) XC Skiing Backcountry Skiing Sledding Fire Ring/Storytelling/ S mores Night Stargazing Hikes Camping (Yurts) Observatory Stargazing

14 Vision Plan B PANA DRO Programs P CUCHARA MOUNTAIN PARK April 28 LGND Proposed Baker Creek Trailhead (Kiosk) xisting Ski Trails Cuchara Mountain Park Boundary 3 2 NFS Lands 8 TH Orienteering Birding Vision Plan B: Base Area Kids Camp Guided Snowshoe Tours Aspen Leaf Village Arts and Crafts Cultural/Historical Outdoor Classroom Mountain Bike Skills Camp Ski School DR W Parcel Boundaries 5 Ski Lift Proposed Surface Lift Roads ASPNLAF D 3 xisting Trails R 8 XISTING WATR SYSTM RSRVOIR Stream Proposed Trails Hike/Bike Trail Hike/Uphill Bike Trail OR T RA ING N D G UIL B Beginner Downhill 2 P HO UM US P NATIONAL FORST SYSTM LANDS SHO BLD P G 2 Intermediate Downhill 2 Advanced Downhill 8 reek Baker C Contour Interval: SCAL (ft) N These vision plans are based on community input and ideas. The ideas for Cuchara Mountain Park that are illustrated on these plans have not yet been vetted for physical, operational, or financial feasibility and viability. 5 AS T F LI Music Festivals Weddings 2 Food and Beverage Festivals Mountain Bike Festival Adventure Races (i.e., Tough Mudder, Ragnar, 2-hour Mountain Bike) Trail Running Races Mountain Bike Races LIF T - PH AS vents Snowshoeing Tubing Downhill Skiing (Lifts 3 & ) XC Skiing Backcountry Skiing Sledding Fire Ring/Storytelling/ S mores Night Stargazing Hikes Camping (Yurts) Observatory Stargazing 3 Fire Ring/Storytelling/ S'mores Night Stargazing Hikes Observatory Stargazing (Top of Lift 3) Scenic Lift Rides Camping (Yurts) Mini Golf Disc Golf Summer Tubing 2 2 Winter 2 2 Base Lodge - Meeting/Hangout Space, Rentals (MTN Bike/Ski) Small Cafe - Beer Garden, 2 Patio, Small 2 Stage, Dance Floor 25 Hiking/Nature Trail (xisting XC ski trail) Mountain Biking (XC, Climbing Trail, Lift-served Downhill) Climbing Structures Aerial Adventure Course/ Canopy Tour Natural Play Area Birdwatching Picnicking KY Activities Summer Prepared by: H -P 3 2: Phase Low Ropes Course Phase 2: Canopy Tour/Aerial Adventure Course 3 Fire Ring 2 Lift 3: Phase 2 - Skiing, Downhill Mountain Biking, Scenic Lift Rides Beginner Ski Terrain - New Surface Lift 3 Downhill Skiing 5 Amphitheater Outdoor Classroom Lift : Phase - Skiing, Downhill Mountain Biking, Scenic Lift Rides Interpretive Trail/XC Ski Trail Natural Play Area 8 Revive Mini Golf Course 8 Climbing Structures Disc Golf Tubing Hill (Summer, Winter) 2 vent Lawn

15 Plan B - Activities 3 Fire Ring/Storytelling/S mores Beginner Skiing (Surface Lift) Observatory Stargazing 5 Amphitheater Natural Playground 8 Climbing Structure Winter Tubing Summer Tubing Low Ropes Course Canopy Tour/ Aerial Adventure Course Hiking Mountain Biking (cross country, climbing trail, lift served downhill) April 28 3 Downhill Skiing Scenic Lift Rides 5 Picnicking Yurt Camping

16 Plan B - Activities (cont d) Plan B - Programs Nature Interpretation 8 Disc Golf Mini Golf Backcountry Skiing Arts and Crafts Mountain Bike Skills Camp Cultural/Historical Programs Outdoor Classroom Programs Snowshoeing Ski School Kids Camps Guided Snowshoe Tours April 28 Cross-Country Skiing Orienteering Birding and cology Night Stargazing Hikes

17 Plan B - vents Lifts and Phasing Under Plan B, Lift will be Music Festivals Food and Beverage Festivals Weddings Mountain Bike Festival opened as soon as possible for downhill skiing, scenic tours, and lift served mountain biking. Lift 3 will be opened later, after demonstrated need and a permitting process with the Forest Service. Initially, a low ropes course will be installed in the wooded area northwest of the base area. Later, a canopy tour/aerial adventure course will be installed there. April 28 Adventure Races Mountain Bike Races Trail Running Races

18 Vision Plan B - Feedback What do you like about Plan B? What do you NOT like about Plan B? April 28

19 Compare and Contrast lements of Both Vision Plans Base Lodge - Meeting/Hangout Space Small Cafe with a Beer Garden, Patio, and Dance Floor Fire Ring Amphitheater Outdoor Classroom Natural Playground Climbing Structure Observatory Lift Open Scenic Summer Lift Rides Backcountry Skiing Snowshoeing Cross-Country Skiing Hiking Mountain Biking Night Stargazing Hikes Birdwatching and cology Programs Picnicking Arts and Crafts Programs Cultural/Historical Programs Kids Camps Mountain Bike Skills Camp Guided Snowshoe Tours Orienteering Music Festivals Weddings Food and Beverage Festivals Mountain Bike Festival Adventure Races Trail Running Races Differences An Observatory would be at the top of Lift in Plan A and Lift 3 in Plan B. Lift would open for summer use in Plan A and open winter and summer in Plan B. Lift 3 is removed in Plan A and would be studied for potential operation in Plan B. Picnic tables would be at the base in Plan A, near the climbing structure, and at the top of Lift in Plan B. In Plan A, sledding would occur on the former ski run near Lift 3. In Plan B, that area would become a beginner ski terrain with a surface lift. Tubing would be available near the park entrance using an additional surface lift. Additional offerings in Plan B Downhill Skiing Additional Trails for Biking and Hiking Surface Lift for Beginner Skiing Ski School Rentals for Skiing and Mountain Biking in the Base Lodge Lift-served Mountain Biking Mountain Bike Races Disc Golf Mini Golf Nature Interpretation Trail Yurt Camping and vents Space Phase : Low Ropes Course Phase 2: Canopy Tour/Aerial Adventure Course Winter and Summer Tubing Anticipated Character It is anticipated that the activities, programs, events, and facilities would have a different character in Plan B. Those offerings would be designed for higher visitation and more commercial opportunities. For example, the amphitheater would be larger to accomodate bigger concerts and events. The climbing structure would be taller and could charge for equipment or April 28 guides.

20 Compare and Contrast I prefer Plan A because... I would add to Plan A from Plan B April 28

21 Compare and Contrast I prefer Plan B because... I would take away from Plan B April 28

22 Mission and Goals The, as created by Huerfano County, will be a year-round, ecologically sensitive, recreational destination for outdoor activities. It will become a sustainable county park by providing education and culture, interaction with nature, and economic opportunities for the people of Huerfano County. Goals Offer local residents a place to recreate, gather, and connect with nature Attract tourists to visit and spend money in the area Create a better venue for festivals, events, and cultural programs in the area Provide outdoor experiences that currently don t exist in Huerfano County Make the park a base camp for activities on the National Forest by partnering with the Forest Service Design and plan all facilities and activities to be environmentally sensitive Do you think this is the mission and goals that Which elements of the vision plans do or do not should be guiding this plan? reflect the mission and goals? April 28

23 Let s say the Cuchara Foundation raises $5, for the park in the next year. How should it be spent? Lift Trails Amphitheater vents/ Programming/ ducation Base Area Improvement (playground, fire ring, base lodge) Here, we are asking how the foundation s first funds should be used? What should be the priority? What April 28 should get off the ground first? Should the money be spread out evenly? Or all go to trails, for example?

24 Conclusion Thank you so much for your interest in. Now that you have seen the plans, please send your feedback and question answers to To guide your response, the questions are listed below. Questions What do you like about Plan A? What do you NOT like about Plan A? What do you like about Plan B? What do you NOT like about Plan B? I prefer Plan A because I would add to Plan A from Plan B I prefer Plan B because... I would take away from Plan B Do you think this is the mission and goals that should be guiding this plan? Which elements of the vision plans do or do not reflect the mission and goals? April 28 Let s say the Cuchara Foundation raises $5, for the park in the next year. How should it be spent?