Posts tagged Valmont Road
Valmont Dog Park reopens Friday, Aug. 24
0August 23, 2012
Valmont Dog Park, located at 5325 Valmont Road, will reopen to the public this Friday, Aug. 24, after being closed since early May for major renovations and improvements.
Valmont Dog Park improvements included widening the parking lot access, putting in a new entry plaza, fencing, surfacing, landscaping and water hydrants. A portion of the new park will also include an enclosed, irrigated turf area, low berms, a new 16-foot square shade shelter (to be installed later this fall), and two smaller shelters. The shelters are funded by the Capital Improvement Bond passed by voters in November 2011. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is anticipated for later this fall.
Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Department is now offering dog waste composting at the newly remodeled Valmont Dog Park as part of the department’s efforts to create a more environmentally sustainable community. The city will be providing compostable dog waste bags for use by dog guardians to pick up their dog’s waste and place it into a specially marked container at the main entrance of the dog park.
The dog waste compost container will be emptied periodically and its contents will be made into compost using a special high temperature composting technique. Placing dog waste in your yard compost bin is not recommended. Dog guardians are encouraged not to bring plastic bags to Valmont Dog Park anymore, but instead use the compostable bags provided by the city. Please continue to donate unwanted plastic bags at any public park, trails and the other three dog parks in town: East Boulder (5660 Sioux Drive), Foothills (west of Broadway between Locust Avenue and Lee Hill Road), and Howard Heuston (on 34th Street, south of Iris Avenue and east of 30th Street).
Information: Boulder Parks & Recreation Department, 303-413-7200.
Related posts:
Boulder pooch poo-poo park closing for upgrade
0April 23, 2012
Valmont Dog Park closing May 7 for three-month renovation
The dog park at Valmont City Park, located at 5275 Valmont Road, will close May 7 for major renovations and improvements. The dog park is scheduled to re-open in August (contingent upon weather-related construction progress).
Improvements at the dog park will include widening parking lot access, a new entry plaza, fencing, surfacing, landscaping and water hydrants. A portion of the new park will also include an enclosed, irrigated turf area, low berms, a new 16-foot square shade shelter, and two smaller shelters. The shelters are funded by the Capital Improvement Bond passed in November 2011.
To view the construction plans for Valmont Dog Park, please visit: www.BoulderParks-Rec.org and click on the “Parks” link on the left side, and scroll down to “Dog Parks.”
While under construction, dog guardians are encouraged to use the city’s other dog parks at:
- Foothills Community Dog Park, 7th Street and Silver Lake (between Locust and Lee Hill);
- East Boulder Community Park, 55th Street and Sioux Drive (south of the Community Center);
- Howard Heuston Dog Park, 34th Street, south of Iris Avenue (un-fenced dog park – voice and sight control required).
For more information, call Jennifer Bray, Parks and Recreation, at 303-441-4160.
Related posts:
Boulder will burn its open space
0March 13, 2012
City to conduct prescribed grassland burns this month
The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department and the Boulder Fire Department will be conducting prescribed grassland burns this month. The burns will be conducted only if environmental and weather conditions fall within city burn plan guidelines. Ignitions will not begin before 10 a.m. and will end no later than 2 p.m.
Prescribed burns will be conducted at the following sites:
- OSMP Fell property, a 15-acre site located north of Valmont Road and east of 75th Street,
- OSMP Van Vleet property, a 25-acre site located west of South Boulder Creek and south of South Boulder Road.
- OSMP Gephard property, a 20-acre site located east of South Boulder Creek, north of South Boulder Road, and west of Cherryvale Rd.
Boulder’s ecosystems have evolved with fire over thousands of years. The prescribed burning of these areas will improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.
Additionally, OSMP, in conjunction with the Boulder Fire Department, will be conducting ditch burns throughout the spring on the city’s agricultural properties. OSMP has significant shares of water rights used primarily to support agricultural activity in the Boulder Valley. Ditch burning is important to the productivity of agricultural cropland and the efficiency of water delivery. Periodic burning removes the build up of plant debris in irrigation ditches and also keeps weeds at bay, reducing herbicide use. Burning is a cost effective way to clear irrigation ditches before the spring water run off.
No burning will occur on Red Air Quality days. Trained fire personnel and natural resource advisors will be on site during this activity.
For questions about prescribed burning on OSMP properties, please call 303-441-3440 or visit www.OSMP.org.
Related posts:
Native Boulder sacred site to be cleaned
0December 15, 2011
Valmont Butte settlements reached; cleanup to begin
The City of Boulder, Honeywell International Inc. and Tusco, Inc. recently reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in the amount of $350,000, to resolve the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) costs for its past investigations at the Valmont Butte.
The Valmont Butte property, located at the intersection of 63rd Street and Valmont Road in Boulder County, is comprised of an abandoned ore milling complex and associated tailings ponds. The city purchased the property in 2000. In 2004 and 2005, the EPA investigated the site and prepared a site assessment report.
The City of Boulder also recently reached settlements with Honeywell and Tusco to resolve their liabilities as past owners and operators of the Valmont Butte mill site. Under those settlement agreements, Tusco will pay $300,000 and the remaining costs for remediation will be split 50/50 between the City of Boulder and Honeywell, with the option to resolve the final allocation of costs between the city and Honeywell in an abbreviated, mini-trial process. Honeywell will also be responsible for covering the EPA costs.
The city is now preparing to move forward with cleanup activities at the property. These activities will include the consolidation of contaminated soils into the area of the primary tailings pond, the placement of an engineered cap over the contaminated soils, and the preservation or removal of buildings and structures. Work is expected to begin January 2012 and is expected to be complete in late summer 2012. When work is being conducted in sensitive areas, a tribal monitor and/or an historic archaeologist will observe the excavations.
More information about the settlement agreement and about the Valmont Butte is available at www.valmontbutte.net. For questions about the upcoming work at the Butte, contact Bill Boyes at 303-441-4125.
Related posts:
Boulder traffic nightmares to continue
0November 14, 2011
Pearl Parkway closed for railroad crossing rehabilitation
From 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, Pearl Parkway, between 30th Street and Frontier Avenue, will be closed in both directions for work on the railroad crossing. This closure will include the multi-use path along the south side of Pearl Parkway. Access to local businesses will be maintained throughout the project.
During construction, motorists will be detoured to Arapahoe and Valmont roads, and cyclists and pedestrians will be detoured north to the Goose Creek path. Detours will be posted, and alternate routes are advised. The RTD route 206 will be detoured onto Valmont Road between 30th Street and Foothills Parkway. Transit stops in the area will be closed and bus passengers on the 206 will encounter delays.
Crews from BNSF Railway will be working to restore the entire railroad crossing on Pearl Parkway. The project will include the complete replacement of rails and ties, installation of new concrete crossing panels, and restoration of the roadway and multi-use path approaches. The work schedule is weather-dependent and closure dates and times are subject to change.
Questions about the closure may be directed to David Neubauer of BNSF Railway at 307-432-7363. For more information, contact Alex May, Transportation Project Manager at 303-441-3266 or visit www.boulderconezones.net.
Related posts:
Boulder County –More cone zone nightmares on Valmont
0November 10, 2011
Paving to continue this weekend on Valmont Road
Boulder County, Colo. – Taking advantage of the warm weather, the Boulder County Transportation Department will complete late-season paving projects this weekend on Valmont and Isabelle roads.
Valmont Road will be closed to through traffic between 75th and 95th streets from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12. Local traffic, deliveries and emergency vehicles will be allowed through the closure.
Although paving will be complete, roadside activity will continue along Valmont Road project through the remainder of the year. Road users should continue to exercise caution and expect minor delays as crews finish up the project.
The repaving of Isabelle Road east of 95th Street will begin on Monday, Nov. 14 and continue for two weeks. Road users should expect on-going construction, uneven road surfaces, and travel delays through Thanksgiving week, weather permitting.
All schedules are subject to change due to weather or other mitigating factors. Updates are available at www.BoulderCounty.org/Transportation.
-
Related posts:
Avoid East Valmont like the plague
0September 19, 2011
Valmont Road reconstruction underway
Daytime closures start Sept. 28
Boulder County, Colo. – The Boulder County Transportation Department has begun the reconstruction of Valmont Road between 75th and 95th streets.
Construction and significant delays are expected to last through mid-November. Cyclists and motorists are encouraged to use detours to avoid delays.
Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 28, Valmont Road will be closed between 75th and 95th streets to all vehicles, including bicycles, on weekdays only (Monday-Friday) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The daytime closures will be in effect until Nov. 8.
Accommodations have been made to allow passage of emergency vehicles and school buses along with local traffic and delivery vehicles to homes within the work zone.
All vehicles should expect variable pavement conditions, significant construction activity and potential delays along Valmont Road for the duration of the project.
“Valmont Road is one of the gateway corridors within the county,” construction supervisor Joe Bath said. “This project will be a major improvement to the road and will enhance safety for all forms of traffic.”
The Valmont Shoulders and Roadway Reconstruction project includes the complete removal and replacement of the existing asphalt pavement along with the addition of paved shoulders to each edge of the road.
The City of Boulder’s trail connection to the Teller Lake trailhead will also be reconstructed and the trail crossing of Valmont Road improved. The Teller Lake trail and trailhead will be closed sometime in early October to accommodate that portion of the project work.
Schedules are subject to change. Message boards are located in the area to alert residents of any construction schedule changes and additional information is available at www.BoulderCounty.org/Transportation. Contact Tim Swope at tswope@bouldercounty.org to be added to the notification email list.
Related posts:
County road chip seal projects begin Monday
0August 3, 2011
by Ron Baird, news editor
in News
Boulder County, Colo. – The Boulder County Transportation Department will apply chip seal to six county roads beginning this Monday, Aug. 8.
2011 chip seal schedule:
Week of August 8
• Eldora Ski Road
• North 75th Street from Baseline Road to Jay Road
Week of Aug. 15
• Valmont Road from 55th Street to 61st Street
• 61st Street / Andrus Road / 63rd Street from Valmont Road to Jay Road
• Airport Road from Highway 119 to Glenneyre Drive
Week of Aug. 22
• North 95th Street from Lookout Road to Niwot Road
Additionally, all chip sealed roads will receive fog coating during the week of Aug. 29.
Schedules are subject to change due to weather and other factors and the projects will cause minor traffic delays. Visit www.BoulderCounty.org/Transportation for updates.
With the exception of the Eldora Ski Road, all roads will be sealed with smaller, quarter-inch chips that provide a smoother surface. The county switched last year to the smaller chips from the standard 3/8-inch chips to increase rideability for cyclists and motorists. Fog coating also helps to create a smoother surface.
“Our new chipping product and process has made a significant positive impact on the ride experience, Boulder County Transportation Director George Gerstle said. “However, there will still be impacts and cyclists should expect poorer riding conditions on these roads for the next four weeks.”
Applying chip seal to county roads is a cost-effective means of extending their life. Adding stone chips to pavement after it has sat for more than five years extends the pavement life considerably, allowing for more use of the original overlay. Additionally, the cost of chipping a road is a small fraction of the cost of new paving and chip sealing uses less oil and less material than paving.
Related posts:
Boulder Creek Path underpass closures will impact Bike to Work Day routes
0June 21, 2011
The Boulder Creek multi-use path will be closed at three underpasses throughout Bike to Work Day on Wednesday, June 22. Detours are in place, with cones and signs posted at the sites to direct riders to alternate routes. Bicyclists are advised to be aware of wet conditions elsewhere on the path.
The Boulder Creek path is currently closed at the following underpasses:
Arapahoe Avenue and 13th Street;
South of Boulder High School; and
Valmont Road, east of 55th Street.
These underpass closures are due to water overflow from the creek.
There are also wet conditions, where water has come over the sidewalk but the path is not yet flooded, at the following underpasses:
· 30th Street, near Scott Carpenter Park;
· Broadway; and
· Folsom Street, near Taft Drive.
Bikers and all other users are advised to use caution while in these areas.
The city anticipates water levels in Boulder Creek to continue to rise as temperatures increase for the next several weeks. Stay tuned for other safety announcements including potential tubing bans.
For more information, visit www.boulderconezones.net. You can also follow Cone Zone Man on Twitter for the most up-to-date travel impacts.
Related posts:
Boulder Valmont Bike Park: the whole story
0June 11, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
Valmont City Park overview
The 40-acre Valmont Bike Park is part of the 132-acre, largely undeveloped, Valmont City Park (VCP). The park property was purchased in the mid-nineties and an original concept plan for VCP was approved by Boulder City Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in 1998. An updated park concept plan was adopted in 2006 to better reflect the current recreational needs and interests of the community. The final concept plan for VCP was approved in July 2008, and will be implemented in three phases. In Phase 1, the city is developing 45 acres on the north side of Valmont Road. This phase includes the 40-acre bike park and will also feature improvements to the existing dog park and development of a disc golf course. Future phases of the park will be developed as public and private funding become available.
Valmont Bike Park history
The vision for a state-of-the-art bike park at VCP arose from a multi-year effort by Boulder’s mountain bicycling community. Led by the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA), a local, non-profit advocacy group, cyclists became actively engaged in city council meetings and during public participation sessions on the park’s development.
Once a bike park was adopted as part of the 2008 VCP development plan, the Parks and Recreation Department forged partnerships with BMA and the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) to share in the planning and design of the park. BMA also agreed to help with fundraising and long-term stewardship of the bike facility and formed a partnership with the PLAY Boulder Parks Foundation as a mechanism to receive donations. To date, BMA and the cycling community have helped the city raise close to $500,000 in non-tax funding from donations, sponsorships and grants. Over $100,000 was from individual and small business donations, and two grants have been received from the State of Colorado’s “Great Outdoors Colorado” program, totaling $245,000. The remainder was from other grants, foundations and sponsorships.
A major ground breaking ceremony was held in October 2009, and the bike park’s development was soon underway. Starting in the summer of 2009, more than 220,000 cubic yards of soil have been delivered to the site and shaped into the terrain of the new park.
Projected cost of the park
The projected total cost of the specific bike park amenities to date is $1,256,277. Of the total cost, 35% has been funded with grants, donations and sponsorships. The remaining 65% was funded by sales and property taxes allocated to park development. The balance of funds collected from fundraising efforts will be used for the park’s maintenance.
Valmont Bike Park Features and Amenities
Valmont Bike Park (VBP) is a 40-acre, natural-surface cycling facility designed to offer terrain, trails, features and structures for several off-road cycling styles/disciplines.
VBP features an underlying “skill progression” design to serve all ages, abilities and riding styles. This design will allow riders to improve their riding skills as they work their way up to advanced-level slopestyle, dirt jump and cyclo-cross elements throughout the park.
VBP is designed for both public day-to-day recreational use and as a venue for special events and races, including world-class events such as UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) cyclo-cross events.
A list of bike park amenities, features and elements by type of cycling experience follows and can be seen on the enclosed map:
Bike Park amenities and improvements being completed in Phase 1:
Four miles of new bike trails;
More than two dozen terrain park features;
Cyclo-cross features, such as a sand pit and staircases;
Beginner-friendly skills loop and pump park;
Premier dual slalom with start gate;
Beginner to expert slopestyle courses;
A permanent race and event podium;
Historic renovation of the Platt Farm House (in the park plaza);
Irrigation, landscaping and erosion controls;
Planting more than 250 trees, 340 shrubs and native grasses;
Two large parking lots on the west and south sides;
A new restroom facility (in the park plaza);
Development of trail maintenance standards and protocols;
Development of comprehensive safety and information signs;
Right-of-way improvements along Valmont Road;
A new 10′ wide multi-use access path along Valmont Road;
A new children’s play area with mini trike track.
Family Cycling and Cross Country Trails:
Easier (Green Circle) trails = about 2 miles;
More difficult (Blue Square) trails = about 2 miles
Skillz Loop: beginner dirt loop with log and rock rides, bridges and learning features;
Tot Track: paved loop for small riders on tricycles or run bikes;
Tot Park: a children’s playground for non-bike recreation and play.
Slopestyle (SS):
Small SS Trails (beginner course): 960 linear feet – 18 features
Medium SS Trails (intermediate course): 860 linear feet – 8 features
Large/Extra Large SS Trails (advanced course): 1250 linear feet – 17 features
Additional Trail Features and Rideable Elements:
Log Rides: 5
Elevated Bridges: 9
Large Terrain Park Features: 2
Terrain Park Fabricated Lips: 8
Flat Wall Rides: 2
Curved Wall Rides: 3
Rock Rides: 21
Rock Causeways: 3
Various Rock Armoring: 1280 square feet
20 Foot Wide Pedestrian/Vehicular Ditch Bridges: 3
Dual Slalom Course:
Designed and constructed by the Alpine Bike Parks – whose staff are world champions.
Permanent, World Cup start gate and timing systems for practice and competition use.
Dirt Jumps (DJ):
Extra Small and Small DJ Trails (beginner): 570 linear feet
Medium DJ Trails (intermediate): 300 linear feet
Large DJ Trails (advanced): 334 linear feet
Pump Parks:
Mesa-Top Pump Park: 4,800 square feet of terrain
Creekside Pump Park: 3,000 square feet of terrain
Cyclo-cross (CX) Amenities:
Designed and constructed by Alpine Bike Park staff who are U.S. national champions.
“5280 Run Up”: The largest, and one of the only, permanent CX staircases in North America, and the only CX staircase at one mile above sea level.
“The Belgian Steps”: A smaller version of the permanent race staircase
“The Sand Box”: A sandpit for CX racing, complete with race-grade, large grain sand.
Six permanent CX barriers available on site for practice and competition use.
Special Event Amenities:
Park Plaza with cycling inspired artwork, grass plaza and restrooms.
Permanent winners’ podium with backdrop.
200-meter start/finish road for cyclo-cross and cross country events.
Telecommunications lines under start/finish roads.
RV hookups for event staff and vendors.
Areas designed for spectators to view key race features.
Irrigation:
Advanced, water-conservation irrigation system for dirt jump and bike feature erosion control as well as landscaping grasses and trees.
Valmont Bike Park Opportunities
Valmont Bike Park management is actively seeking partners and volunteers to participate in ongoing programming, stewardship and maintenance of this unique facility. Below is a brief list of options and opportunities for individuals, teams, businesses, event promoters and the bike industry to be involved with Valmont Bike Park and the most unique cycling experience on Earth.
Park Support:
Individual, business and team donations
Sponsors and park partners
Map advertisers/sponsors
Volunteer Options:
Bike Hosts and Park Ambassadors
Trail maintenance and work days
Bike Park Programs, Events and Group Permits:
Programming options announced in June
Applications for special events will be available in June
Group permits and scheduling opportunities will be available starting in June
For more information about these opportunities, visit www.ValmontBikePark.org or contact Mike Eubank at mikeeubank@me.com.
Valmont Bike Park FAQs
When will the park open?
Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 9 a.m.
What are the park hours once it opens?
The park will be open daily from sunrise to sunset. The park may be closed occasionally due to special events, for maintenance or weather/trail conditions. Closures will be posted at the park and on www.ValmontBikePark.org
Will there be a fee to use the bike park?
Individual use of the park is FREE–there is no charge for admission. A fee will be assessed for groups, rentals, events and commercial uses.
How can I donate to and support Valmont Bike Park?
Donations can be made at www.ValmontBikePark.org The Parks and Recreation Department will offer a $10 voluntary annual pass to support the cost of the park’s staff and maintenance.
How was the park funded?
The projected total cost of the specific bike park amenities to date is $1,256,277. Of the total cost, 35% was raised with grants, donations and sponsorships. The remaining 65% was funded by sales and property taxes.
Can I rent Valmont Bike Park for a special event, group ride or private class?
Programming opportunities will be available at Valmont Bike Park. RFP and applications for programs and events are available. Group permits and scheduling will be available in June. For more information, visit www.ValmontBikePark.org or contact Mike Eubank at mikeeubank@me.com.
Can I rent a bike or helmet at the park?
Bike and helmet rentals will NOT be available at the park, but bike shops that offer rentals will be posted at www.ValmontBikePark.org.
Do I have to wear a helmet? Pads?
The City of Boulder highly recommends wearing helmets and protective gear when riding in the park.
Will there be a concession stand? Or vending machines?
Plans call for food and drink concessions at the park during peak hours. There is also a seasonal drinking fountain in the park plaza
Does the bike park have restrooms?
Yes, there are year-round restrooms available in the park’s plaza.
How old do you have to be to use the bike course?
There is no age requirement to participate at the park, but minors 12 years old and younger should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Who should I call if I get injured at the park?
Please call 911 for all emergencies, or contact park staff or a bike host to make the call. There will be no onsite medical assistance.
Can I run on the trails or do I have to be on a bike?
The park is designed specifically for bike use – and walking or running on the trails is discouraged.
Can I bring my dog to the park? On the trails?
Dogs are welcome at the nearby dog park, located on the northeast corner of Valmont City Park – but should not be brought to the Valmont Bike Park or on any of its trails for safety reasons.
Can I ride my bike to the park?
Yes, the park is easily accessible by bike using Boulder’s network of multi-purpose trails and bike lanes. The City of Boulder has a route-finding website, www.GoBikeBoulder.Net, that will help you find the safest and fastest route to Valmont Bike Park. There are bike racks located by the restrooms and on the south side by the storage building.
Is it safe to ride the bike park’s jumps and features?
Cyclists ride the park at their own risk. Off-road cycling is inherently dangerous. All riders must take personal responsibility for their own safety and actions at the park. Please obey all park signs and do not attempt features that are beyond your skill level.
Glossary and Terms
Mountain Biking is a sport which consists of riding bikes on natural surfaces, often over rough terrain. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability, comfort and performance in rough terrain. The vast majority of mountain biking falls into recreational XC or cross country riding. This individual sport requires endurance, core strength and balance, bike handling skills, and self-reliance. XC type mountain biking generally requires a smaller range of skills but a higher level of fitness than other types of mountain biking. Advanced riders pursue steep technical descents and, in the case of freeriding, downhilling, and dirt jumping, aerial maneuvers off of specially constructed jumps and ramps.
Cyclo-cross (CX, cyclo-X or “cross”) is a form of cycling (and racing) typically involving pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to dismount, carrying the bike to navigate the obstruction before remounting. Like cross country running, cyclo-cross season is predominantly a fall and winter sport (the international or “World Cup” season is September–January). Races consist of many laps of a short (1.5–2 mile) course featuring varied terrain and surfaces. The sport is very popular in Boulder County where over 50% of the Colorado registered racers live in or near Boulder. The sport is popular in traditional road cycling countries such as Belgium, France and Netherlands. In 2012 and 2013 the World Cup will be hosted by Louisville, KY.
Dual slalom is a form of one-on-one mountain bike racing consisting of two riders racing two almost identical, side-by-side tracks down a slope. The courses are usually short—with one run lasting about 30 seconds. The course features exciting, technical jumps and turns. Each rider’s time is measured, then they switch tracks for another run, with the rider earning the lowest combined time moving on and the slower rider eliminated.
Freeride and Slopestyle is the discipline that encompasses everything from downhill racing without the clock to jumping, riding “North Shore” style (elevated trails made of interconnecting bridges and logs), and generally riding trails and/or stunts that require more skill and aggressive techniques than cross country riding. “Slopestyle” type riding is an increasingly popular genre that combines big-air freeride with BMX style tricks. Courses include jumps, large drops, quarter-pipes and other wooden obstacles. There are always multiple lines through a course and riders choose lines that highlight their particular abilities and skills.
Dirt Jumping (DJ) is the practice of riding bikes over shaped mounds of dirt or soil and becoming airborne. The idea is that after riding over the “take off” the rider will become airborne, and aim to land on the “landing.” Dirt jumping can be done on almost any bike but bikes specifically designed for dirt jumping are generally smaller and more maneuverable hardtails (no rear suspension) so that tricks are easier to complete.
Pump Track is a series of dirt bumps and berms designed to be ridden on sheer momentum and body movement (hence, the pumping), alleviating the need to pedal. Pump tracks are seen as a good introduction to mountain biking for kids or anyone who wants to improve their bike handling skills.
