In Eagle, Colorado, a whitewater park aims to spur development and create a new destination Eagle, Colorado?population 6,500?has mostly existed in the shadows of the state?s massive ski resorts, as in nearby Vail, and its recreational economy. But Eagle, a year-round community for those who work for the big resorts, has plenty to offer, including mountain scenery, a picturesque downtown, and 100 miles of easily accessible mountain biking trails. In spite of all this, it has never become a top-tier destination.
This can be attributed in part to the fact that Eagle never truly took advantage of its natural assets, like its namesake river, which formed the valley that is home to the town today. Fishermen and kayakers have always made use of the Eagle River, but it?s never been a beacon for visitors, despite its high-profile location along the Interstate 70 corridor. ?A stretch of land next to the river used to be a semi-truck parking lot, basically a pee bottle dumping station,? says Jeremy Gross, the town?s marketing and events manager. ?It just wasn?t that inviting.?
That?s set to change this Memorial Day weekend, when the town of Eagle will celebrate the opening of a $2.7 million whitewater park locals hope will set off a new era of development in the area, and connect the south bank of the river with businesses and residents downtown. The new Eagle River whitewater park is the result of a multiyear effort to redevelop the river corridor, and will feature a series of...