Boulder Reservoir swim beach closed temporarily
Jul 12th
The Boulder Reservoir swim beach, 5565 N. 51st St., will be closed at least through 4 p.m. Friday, July 13, due to elevated levels of bacteria. The increased levels are believed to be the result of the significant rain runoff from rain earlier this week. Swimming was temporarily suspended at 4 p.m. today as a precaution after a routine water sampling test determined bacteria levels were elevated.
Water at the swim area was then re-sampled and test results are expected by Friday afternoon. The reservoir swim beach will re-open once bacteria levels are reduced.
A spike in bacterial levels is not uncommon in natural bodies of water after significant rain runoff.
Transportation Department hosting Fourmile Link welcoming event on Sunday
Jul 12th
Boulder County, Colo. – Following today’s grand opening of the Fourmile Link Trail at Betasso Preserve, the Boulder County Transportation Department is preparing for increased bicycle traffic on Fourmile Canyon Drive and will be hosting a welcoming event this Sunday.
What: The Boulder County Transportation Department will provide fruit, snacks, cool water and share-the-road materials for cyclists
When: Sunday, July 15 starting at 7:30 a.m.
Where: Near the end of the Boulder Creek Path close to the intersection of Boulder Canyon and Fourmile Canyon drives
Why:
- Additional bicycle traffic is expected on Fourmile Canyon Drive between the end of the Boulder Creek Path and the newly opened Fourmile Link Trail at Betasso preserve, especially on Sundays
- Fourmile Canyon Drive does not have bikeable shoulders and both automobiles and bicyclists are expected to share the road
- Bicyclists are encouraged to transition to single-file riding when cars are present and/or when riding around curves
- Motorists are encouraged to pass bicyclists with care, providing three feet of separation
- Motorists are encouraged slow down and wait for the next safe passing opportunity if there is oncoming traffic or a curve approaching
- Courtesy is contagious! Being patient and respectful ensures that both motorists and cyclists reach their destinations safely
Additional info:
- It is approximately 1.25 miles up Fourmile Canyon Drive from the end of the Boulder Creek Path to the start of the Fourmile Link Trail
- Betasso Preserve trails prohibit bicycles on Wednesdays and Saturdays
- The Fourmile Link Trail is 0.8 miles long and connects the Benjamin Loop with Fourmile Canyon Drive
For more information please contact Bicycle Planner Brian Graham at 720-564-2667 or bgraham@bouldercounty.org.
Incentives draw another outdoor retailer to Boulder
Jul 12th
City Manager Jane S. Brautigam has approved a flexible rebate application for Boulder-based American Rec for up to $25,000 in rebates. The rebates were authorized for sales and use taxes, and permit-related fees.
“American Rec’s decision to expand its operations in Boulder allows the city to be home to the company’s ten major outdoor industry brands, strengthening Boulder’s outdoor industry sector,” Brautigam said. “We are pleased that the flexible rebate program helped American Rec with its investment at its Gunbarrel location.”
The flexible rebate program is one of the city’s business incentives, covering a wide range of fees, equipment and construction use taxes. Under this program, the city manager may consider a specific incentive package for tax and fee rebates to meet a company’s specific needs. The company is then eligible for the rebate after it has made its investment and paid the taxes or fees to the city.
American Rec is a collection of ten prominent outdoor industry brands, including Kelty, Royal Robins, Sierra Designs, Wenzel, Slumberjack, Rokk, Insta-Bed, Mountain Trails, Ultimate Direction and ISIS. The company was founded in St. Louis, MO, and in 2010, moved its headquarters to Boulder where several of its brands were already based, and because of the strong outdoor industry and lifestyle. With the move, American Rec grew to 60 employees. After purchasing ISIS for Women and moving it to Boulder, American Rec now has almost 100 employees. The company recently remodeled its space at 6235 Lookout Road to better accommodate its growth.
“The Boulder location and exposure from the Diagonal Highway is an integral part of our corporate identity,” said Brett Jordan, chief executive officer of American Rec’s Equipment Group. “The new building remodel will meet the new demands of the consolidated divisions along with anticipated growth over the next several years.”
The flexible rebate program uses social, community, and environmental sustainability guidelines. Companies choose the guidelines that best fit their circumstances, but must meet minimum requirements in order to receive the rebate. American Rec has met the requirements and, of note, has a commute trip reduction program that includes alternative work schedules, showers, secure bike parking, and designated carpool parking. In addition, the company participates in volunteer industry initiatives, runs a recycling program, and will participate in the city’s energy assessment and EnergySmart programs.
American Rec’s application is the first 2012 flexible rebate application. The city’s approved 2012 budget includes $350,000 in funding for 2012 flexible tax and fee rebates for primary employers.
