CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 42-15
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE COLORADO RIVERFRONT TRAIL AND PALISADE PLUNGE AS PRIORITIES FOR THE COLORADO BEAUTIFUL 16 TRAILS IN 2016
RECITALS.
Governor Hickenlooper has announced a conservation and outdoors recreation initiative, Colorado Beautiful, with a goal for every Coloradan to live within a 10-minute walk of a vibrant green space. As part of that initiative, a statewide, comprehensive outdoor recreation map is being developed that will include all trails, open space, parks and protected lands, to be published in 2016. The initiative also includes the Colorado Department of Natural Resources working with Great Outdoor Colorado (GOCO) and other groups on the 16 Trails in 2016 Project to identify trail gaps, missing trail segments and unbuilt trails across the State and elevate the priority of those projects.
The Colorado Beautiful initiative dove-tails with GOCO’s five-year strategy that includes the Inspire Initiative to encourage more Colorado children to go outdoors, the Connect Initiative which focuses on connecting local and regional trails and access to parks and open space, and the Protect Initiative to preserve more priority landscapes, waterways and urban open spaces.
For over 25 years, the Grand Valley has worked to build a continuous trail system along the Colorado River throughout Mesa County. To date, over 30 miles of trail have been completed through a cooperative, communitywide effort, with funding from both governmental and private sources, including GOCO; however, there is much left to be done, including connections from Las Colonias Park in downtown Grand Junction to 29 Road, 33½ Road to Palisade and east from Palisade and Fruita to the Kokopelli Trail system. As well there are many important spur connections, including Leach Creek, Horizon Drive and Monument Road.
The community cherishes the Colorado Riverfront Trail system and values it as a recreational and educational amenity, as well as a viable alternative transportation corridor- the trail system provides health, environmental and economic benefits to the people of the Grand Valley and they are eager to see it completed. The Grand Junction Comprehensive Plan supports the efforts to expand the trail system along the Colorado River and the Grand Valley Regional Transportation Plan 2040 identifies the Colorado Riverfront Trail as a priority among “Active Transportation Corridors.” The Colorado Riverfront Commission, the Grand Junction Urban Trails Committee and the Grand Valley Regional Transportation Committee have endorsed the Riverfront Trail as a priority for the “16 Trails in 2016 Project” initiative.
The Palisade Plunge is proposed as a single-track trail mountain bike route, connecting the top of the Grand Mesa to the valley floor. The 31 mile route includes 6,000 feet of elevation change through varying geology, terrain and ecosystems. This iconic route will capitalize on the unique assets of the area and augment the already diverse and extensive trail opportunities available in the Grand Valley.
Recreational trails are important community assets, providing opportunities for residents to experience the beauty, solitude and health benefits of the outdoors, as well as being a draw for visitors. The recent Northstar report reinforces the importance of outdoor recreation to the recruitment, branding and overall economic development of the region. The Palisade Plunge will serve as an iconic, marketable, capstone trail for the region, bolstering the region’s status as a recognized, world-renowned mountain bike destination. The Palisade Plunge is endorsed by COPMOBA and the Outdoor Recreation Coalition.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Grand Junction does hereby join with our partners to endorse and encourage the State to select the Colorado Riverfront Trail System and Palisade Plunge as priority 16 Trails in 2016 projects and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Grand Junction offers it thanks and appreciation to the State for the Colorado Beautiful, Inspire, Connect and Protect Initiatives all in furtherance of the well-being of our citizens and the citizens of our State.
Adopted and approved this 7th day of October, 2015.
/s/: Martin Chazen
President of the Council Pro Tem
ATTEST:
/s/: Stephanie Tuin
City Clerk