LOVELAND — Before the 2013 flood, Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park was a haven of greenery and calm tucked alongside the Big Thompson River. Now, it is mud and debris.
Glade Park was a prime fishing and tubing spot, filled with people and laughter on sunny days. Now, it is roped-off rocks and downed trees.
The Narrows, the Forks and Sleepy Hollow Parks, popular for fishing and picnicking, also are damaged and closed.
Residents have been wondering how, when and even whether Loveland and Larimer County will repair these public recreation areas?
The city and county are working together to make a plan on how to handle damaged recreation areas and to look at new opportunities for recreation in the Big Thompson Canyon.
Together, they are in the process of an evaluation, which includes gathering public input on what people would like to see in the canyon.
“It’s so important to Loveland citizens,” said Debbie Eley, open-lands specialist for Loveland. “It’s the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Most of the (Big Thompson) corridor is in the county, but it really does affect Loveland residents. People from the city visit these places.”
A roundtable meeting, seeking public input, was recently held in Loveland.
“We want to bring everyone to the table and hear what everyone wants,” said Zac Wiebe, specialist with the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources.
The Big Thompson Canyon draws anglers, artists, wildlife watchers, hikers and cyclists year-round to enjoy its natural wonders.
The city and county have worked since the 1976 flood to create public-access areas. Many of these were pieced together as officials could after parcels and slivers of land that were unsuitable for rebuilding came up for sale.
Since the most recent flood, the city and county have been working to create a vision — a proactive plan — for recreation in the canyon.
Looking ahead will benefit everyone and allow the opportunity to work with the Colorado Department of Transportation during permanent repairs of U.S. 34, said Walt Graul, fishing activist and founder of Friends of the Big Thompson.
“The timing is right to get this done before the roadwork begins,” said Graul. “The potential is there. I’m happy the county has the foresight to look at the design, at what this is going to look like.”
While most of the Big Thompson corridor is in Larimer County, Loveland does own property in the canyon, including the 10 acres that were Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park.
