CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 47-15
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A GRANT REQUEST TO THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS (DOLA) ENERGY AND MINERAL IMPACT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF LAS COLONIAS PARK AMPHITHEATER
RECITALS.
The master plan for the 100 acre Las Colonias Park was adopted by City Council on July 3, 2013. The master plan includes an outdoor amphitheater, trail connections, parking, restroom/shelters, riparian restoration, a wetland area, and other passive park amenities. Phase I development, including a restroom/shelter, trail connections, parking improvements and additions, lighting, a native arboretum, and furnishings, is complete. The City received a DOLA grant in 2014 for the design of the amphitheater, which is nearing completion. The design process has involved numerous members of the community as well as event organizers and promoters.
The Amphitheater is being designed as a multi-functional venue for small, medium, and large crowds and is surrounded by the perfect backdrop along the Colorado River and adjacent to the Colorado Riverfront Trail. The site and building designs include a 40x60 foot stage with ample back of house amenities such as a green room and side wings, as well as parking and gently sloped lawn seating. Approximately 38 events are expected at the Amphitheater ranging from event staging, Movies in the Park, concerts, meetings, and other cultural performances. These events will generate approximately $75,000 in direct revenue to the City; however, the economic impact model suggests $763,000 in annual economic impact to the community by virtue of the average amount spent on restaurants, parking, souvenirs, and refreshments. The development of Las Colonias Park, specifically the amphitheater, furthers the goals of the Greater Downtown Plan and strengthens the vitality of downtown by enhancing the draw to the Riverfront and will catalyze the redevelopment opportunities in the surrounding area.
Phase 1 of the amphitheater will include sloped lawn seating for small, medium, and large events with seating for 500 to 5,000+. A stage, green room, wing space, stage restrooms, public restrooms, mechanical/electrical, and custodial areas are included in the functional first phase. Future phases could include developed plaza areas for tickets, loading dock, vendor space, a park shelter/restroom, play area, and parking
upgrades.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Grand Junction does hereby authorize the Interim City Manager to submit a grant request not to exceed $1.9 million in accordance with and pursuant to the recitals stated above, to the Department of Local Affairs’ Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Program for development of Las Colonias Park Amphitheater.
Dated this 18th day of November, 2015.
Phyllis Norris
President of the Council
ATTEST:
Stephanie Tuin
City Clerk