The Nederland Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board (PROSAB) met on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the Visual Identity Rebound Project, share PROST updates, and examine the current design of the pump track rink.

Public comment on non-agenda items were shared before the list of agenda items were discussed. May Jarril spoke about wanting to create a future discussion regarding the extension of the pasture. Jarril expressed her concern about Envision 2030, noting the possibility of industrializing that area, whether that means building a parking lot or something similar. The pasture alongside the creek serves as a wetland for animals such as horses, as well as creates a fire break. In the case of a wildfire, open land with wet terrain is beneficial in halting the spread.

Jarril stated, “Waterways and public space that’s accessible is really precious so I would like to ask for guidance towards the discussion of the creekside.” PROSAB acknowledged that they are open to hearing what residents and wildlife preservers wish for the land.

Nicki Dunn, although not in attendance at this month’s meeting, prepared notes that were read by Miranda Fisher. Fisher gave Dunn a shout-out by thanking her for always putting the town’s safety above all. A safety meeting was held in early October that covered various topics, such as safe driving, chemical handling, back injury prevention, trench safety, and confined space. Another meeting was held for kids and parents to learn about equipment used for streets, parks, and utilities. The public works team even demonstrated the operation of fire hydrants.

With winter approaching, the parks management team is switching gears to prepare for the weather. Water facilities will begin shutting down and holiday lights will soon be put up. As for the Rink, new hoses and hydraulic lines are getting installed to replace the old cracking lines. Maintenance is also being done on the Zamboni to help the staff operate efficiently.

Another important topic discussed was the Godot Visual Identity Rebound Project. The town applied for a tourism management grant and hired Godot to assist with branding and identity work. They ultimately chose Godot Communications because of their understanding that Nederland’s goal is not to increase tourism but to create an identity for the town and communicate its story to those who are visiting. Godot representatives Beckett Taylor and Christopher Vu Gandin Le came to share their visions with the rest of the PROSAB board.

Taylor explained, “This is an opportunity for Nederland to define itself, ‘post-Frozen Dead Guy era’ with tourists and skis and all this stuff happening. It’s a chance for Nederland to take control of their own identity and tell the world who they are before the world comes in and decides who Nederland is for them.” Face-to-face interactions with the community are planned, as well as sessions to gather input and ideas for the project. More sessions will be planned for November and December once feedback is received from all of the October meetings.

The PROST update focused on Chapter 2 of the plan, which included a methodology section change to a less extensive survey methodology for now. PROSAB is currently in the process of recruiting CU Denver students to help with survey-related tasks, such as data analysis and survey construction for this chapter. Chapter 3 Section A is all demographics so the team will save the revisions of that chapter for the new year. At November’s meeting, the team will discuss Chapter 3 Section 4, and Chapter 4 instead.

The final topic discussed at October’s meeting was the Chipeta Park pump track. Jesse Seavers presented the first draft of the pump track created by the American Ramp Company, featuring an asphalt track and a dirt-like riding area with obstacle equipment for younger kids. Community members joined the meeting to share their opinions about the plan. There were two major concerns: the location of the park and the children’s play section.

May Jarril argued that the skate park should not be located in Chipeta. Since the park was originally dedicated to tribal leader Chipeta, wife of Ute Chief Ouray, Jarril believes that the roots of the park should remain. To her, it is a place of peace and tranquility that is accessible to all. While PROSAB acknowledged Jarril’s opinion, they stated that the location had already been chosen and that the team has moved on to the next step of design. Unfortunately, a lot goes into designing the park so it’s not as simple as just picking a new location. Not the funding nor the building permit have been attained yet so while the process is progressing, nothing is official yet.

Many had concerns about the children’s section of the park, arguing that it’s not worth it to put the funding towards that structure. PROSAB members agreed that if they extended the main ramp to take up the whole section, they could easily install a more practical and affordable structure for younger children along the sides of the park. The team will meet with the American Ramp Company before the next PROSAB meeting to discuss the ideas regarding the next design draft.

The Nederland Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board meets on the third Thursday of every month. Their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2023, and can be attended online.