Photo: Commissioner Richard Cimino listens to Brandon Parsons of THK Associates present details on the Fraser River Corridor project.   Photo by Casey Malon, Winter Park Times

On Tuesday night, the Town of Fraser held an open house at the Crooked Creek Saloon and Creekside Eatery in celebration of the recently approved plans for the development of the Fraser River Corridor, located south of the Safeway shopping center.

Fraser residents came to see the final development plans and to learn more about what happens next. Town Planner, Catherine Trotter, Mayor Philip Vandernail, Town staff and Trustees were on hand to talk about the project. Brandon Parsons and Ellie Garza of THK Associates, the Landscape Architecture firm hired by the Town to develop the Plan, were also available to discuss the Plan and answer questions.  

Town Planner, Catherine Trotter, said “We want to thank everyone for all the community engagement and input the Town of Fraser has received over these past six months as we have created a Fraser River Corridor Master Plan!  Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) partially funded this project with a grant of $65,000 and we look forward to a continued relationship with GOCO as we begin implementation of the Master Plan. A big thanks to our consultants, THK for spearheading this project.  We chose a fabulous consulting team that has been committed to this project and has helped Fraser develop a long-term vision for the Cozens Ranch Open Space. We want to protect, connect and inspire!”

Trotter went on to say “There are six projects identified in the Master Plan, in addition to the 2018 Pilot Project implementation, which is currently in the design phase. This Pilot Project will reconstruct the majority of the trails around the Lions Ponds to provide ADA access and plant a border of shade trees on the southern edge of the Lions Ponds.” She said that “The Town Board will utilize remaining GOCO grant funds and has allocated monies in the 2018 budget to fund this Pilot Project.”

Parsons added, “The Town will seek competitive bids from contractors to complete the initial phase. It is likely the Town will also hold a volunteer event this summer to aid in construction and build momentum for the project.”  

Trotter also shared that the Town will seek grant funding in the fall to move forward with further implementation of the Master Plan in 2019.

County Commissioner Richard Cimino told the Winter Park Times that the Pilot Project work “improving ADA access, trails and planting trees will be very beneficial” and will create excitement in the community. He also said he “looks forward to enjoying music in the natural setting” of the planned amphitheatre.  

Trustee Parnell Quinn said “I am glad we are finally doing something with this piece of active open space. Adding more outdoor activities will draw people to Fraser.”.

For more information on the project, visit: frasercolorado.com