As originally published in the April 12 issue of The Mountain-Ear newspaper.

Kim Habicht, Central City.

Central City’s council voted to allow Denver Adventures, LLC to lease up to three acres of city-owned property around Chase Gulch Reservoir, at a regular meeting on March 20, 2018. The company plans to use the land to build adventure activities, like zip-lines and ropes courses.

The agreement between the city and Denver Adventures, LLC had been ongoing for several months. At a public hearing prior to the vote, community members vocalized their support of the company’s proposal. David Josselyn, Gilpin Arts President, said that the company’s plans align with the city’s vision for the future.

The project is expected to bring additional revenue to the city, as well as bring attention to other local businesses.

The initial lease will have a 15-year term, with the potential for two 10-year renewals. Construction on the property is slated to begin late this summer.

At a meeting on April 3, 2108, the council approved an agreement between the city and Whispering Pines, LLC for the purchase of 1.54 acres of city-owned land between the Central City KOA campground and Lost Gulch Road.

Joe Behm, member of the Central City Improvement District Board, commented during the public hearing on the ordinance.

“The Business Improvement District welcomes new businesses in town… However, that said, we’d like to ensure that properties that are commercial in nature do get included in the district,” Behm said.

The council also deliberated the approval of an event application for the Wild Bunch group, which stages gunfights on Central City’s Main Street. The council was concerned that gunfights might startle unassuming visitors, particularly in light of recent gun violence awareness.

The council will hold a special meeting with members of the Wild Bunch to discuss the issue.