A mountain bike skills park has been proposed for the town of Rico.
Rico Trails Alliance has submitted a preliminary plan to construct 1.5 miles of non-motorized trails on a 10-acre hillside above Deadwood Road.
The flow park concept includes a single-track trail to the top of the town parcel, and two downhill-only trails with berms, jumps and rollers. Access by foot and bike would be from the Deadwood Road.
Parking would be designated to the east side of Colorado 145, across from the former Tamosan coffee shop where the highway has a wide shoulder. Existing uses of roads and trails in the area would not change.
If approved, the project would be built and paid for by Rico Trails Alliance, said Rico Town Manager Kari Distefano. It would require an easement to operate on town property, which has to be voted on by the town trustees.
Public feedback has been a mix of support, concerns and opposition.
During a public comment period, Rico Trails Alliance received 10 comments reflecting support and two expressing concerns. The town also received letters from residents with issues, and there were mixed reviews on social media.
In a summary of comments, supporters said the trails would have a positive impact on the community, provide a convenient new recreational resource for Rico residents, including for local youths. The Alliance emphasized the project is a “small scale, family-friendly” park and not intended to be a destination attraction.
Concerns included proximity to the Silver Glance neighborhood, increased traffic and noise, hours of operation, and unregulated parking on narrow roads. Other said it would disrupt the natural aesthetic of the woods in that area.
Evaluation of the project is a work in progress and is taking into consideration public feedback, Distefano said. While considering an easement for the project, she advised the trustees to consider whether it may be permanent or temporary with periodic evaluations and potential to renew.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com