Canyon Echo
Welcome back to the Canyon Echo, your weekly briefing on what’s happening in the foothills. This week’s community discussions were all about change — and not small ones.
In Morrison, while the current plan for some very visible east side parcels isn’t set, those properties are set for development, with two motivated property owners.
And in Evergreen, the long-awaited development of Buchanan Park — including a state-of-the-art skate park — and construction of a natatorium at the rec center are on the brink of reality.
Additionally, the battle over El Rancho’s future appears to have ended. While the much-loved building is set to come down, major pieces of it will be preserved as part of that Buchanan Park redevelopment.
One thing that surprised me while reporting this week: Many of the residents’ knowledge about these projects and their impacts on the community is solid.
Morrison residents don’t necessarily oppose the coming changes, but seem united in their concerns about protecting the community’s limited water supply.
And skate park supporters shared detailed knowledge and enthusiasm not only about the design of the future Evergreen park, but also about the skate parks throughout the metro area and what they’d like to see replicated in their own backyard.
⛰ Morrison development plan gets public airing but no traction
Why it matters: Community members heard about a joint plan to develop property at their doorstep, one that the town asked longtime developer Bear Creek Development to do in exchange for access and an easement to a land-locked parcel. While the land is east of the hogback and separate from the historic downtown, building out both pieces of land will dramatically change tiny Morrison.
What’s happening: While Bear Creek Development, made up of members of the well-known Bradley family, wants to develop the land, it also wants to be a good neighbor to Morrison. While this is step one in a very long process, so far there seems to be a spirit of cooperation between the little town and the big developer.
🛹 Skaters show up with support, and questions about their future park
Why it matters: In addition to serving an enthusiastic group of athletes, the skate park is designed for the community — and by a community member. It includes an island to which the public will be able to safely walk and observe skaters and Buchanan Park in general. Evergreen native Jaxon Statzell is as, if not more, excited than anyone about this hometown project.
What’s happening: Construction of this park, one of several cool amenities planned throughout Buchanan Park, is expected to happen fast. The work kicks off this spring with a planned August opening.
🏗 Park District plans to salvage as much as possible of El Rancho
What to know: El Rancho, which has long stood as the gateway to Evergreen, has been at the center of a fight over its future that at least seems resolved. Quik Trip bought the property and plans to build on the site, so the building either had to move or come down. The Evergreen Park & Recreation District came up with a plan that lets the development move forward, and moves some of El Rancho's most nostalgic, treasured elements down the road.
Next step: The EPRD is storing those pieces, which will include the iconic scene, to include in a future green room off the Buchanan Park pavilion. That room will be open to the public when it’s not needed for actors and other talent, so local residents can enjoy a new variation of the one-time post office and long-time community gathering place.
What does Morrison need?
Look for the results in an upcoming newsletter!
📰 SPORTS AND EDUCATION NEWS🗞
⛷ The Colorado High School Ski League named the All-State Teams and athletes for both Alpine and Nordic skiing: Read the story here
🎤 A number of Jefferson County kids from predominantly Hispanic areas are asking the School District to do more to protect them and their peers: Read the story here
🔮 What I’m working on this week
Some of Colorado's brightest young minds are taking on one of forestry’s toughest issues with a real-world assignment called the Biomass Challenge.
The Evergreen Park & Recreation District welcomes its newest board member, a mother of two, snowboarder and already heavily involved resident, Rebecca Davis.
Evergreen’s favorite hometown actor, Java Groove owner Eric Martinez (the impetus behind “Mocha and Mistletoe”, stars in a zombie apocalypse film premiering this weekend at his coffee shop.
The Evergreen Lake Plunge may be different this year but the show is going on this Sunday. Freelancer Jim Tammaro covers this famously frigid annual fundraiser.
EVENTS AROUND TOWN
Sunday, March. 1:
🤿 Evergreen Lake Plunge — 10 a.m. to noon, Evergreen Lake
Tuesday, March. 3:
🏢 Morrison Town Board — 5:00 p.m., Morrison Town Hall
Wednesday, March. 4:
🤝 EPRD + Parent Roundtable — 6:00 p.m., Buchanan Rec Center
Varied dates:
“Songs for a New World” — 2:30 p.m. March 1, 7:30 p.m. March 6, 4:30 p.m. March 2:30 pm Sunday, March 8, Center Stage, Evergreen
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