By Shannon Lukens.
Part of the Yampa River is temporarily closed to boat traffic in Moffat County right now, for the development of a whitewater park. It’s the stretch of river from the Pebble Beach access point at Yampa Valley Golf Course to downriver of the active project area at the City of Craig Diversion Dam. Boaters will have to take out at Pebble Beach to avoid the construction zone. No one is allowed to tube, boat, or fish in that area.
The public access points at Loudy-Simpson Park will open this spring including the new boat ramp and parking area made possible by the Yampa River Corridor Project. This project was initially championed by the Northwest Colorado Parrot Head Club in 2016.
Questions? Reach out to Melanie Kilpatrick with the City of Craig at 970-826-2016 mkilpatrick@cityofcraig.org
Here’s more from the City of Craig’s website.
ABOUT THE PROEJCT:
Development of a whitewater park and public access amenities on the Yampa River in the City of Craig was initially championed by our local chapter of Parrotheads in 2016 with the completion of a feasibility report and conceptual plans. Over time, the idea has attracted more interest, engagement and support as a project consistent with multiple community strategic planning documents for the City of Craig and Moffat County. The City of Craig and Moffat County have teamed up with a broad array of partners to move forward with the community vision and plans for the Yampa River Corridor Project (YRCP). Implementation of the Yampa River Corridor Project will create a cohesive park system along the Yampa River on the south side of Craig. The YRCP consists of three related components:
- Loudy Simpson Park improvements will include construction of a new concrete boat ramp, access road and parking area. The new parking area will include 9 boat trailer parking spaces, 28 single vehicle spaces, and 3 ADA accessible spaces. TO OPEN FOR USE SPRING 2024!
- A fish-friendly, in-channel recreational water feature to be constructed near Craig’s municipal water intake structure. The existing degraded municipal water intake diversion dam will be reconstructed to include two navigable whitewater drop structures with associated fish passage structures. The play feature is designed to provide a moderate whitewater opportunity for a broad variety of river recreationalists at varying flow levels. Riverward improvements include 2 small amphitheater structures planned for the riverbank and associated eddy/swimming/wading areas; these will be family friendly and appropriate for environmental education activities. COMING SPRING 2025!
- Upland-based amenities will be constructed adjacent to the water feature to create the beginnings of an integrated river park complex. This component will include a gravel access road, parking areas, walking trails and river access for anglers and small watercraft (kayaks, paddle boards, inner tubes). All features are being designed to provide family-friendly river access for park users and to protect municipal water supply infrastructure. COMING SPRING 2025!
Similarly implemented projects have shown that whitewater parks and river-focused amenities provide multifaceted community benefits. Specifically, the Yampa River Corridor Project
- Supports local and regional economic stimulus, resilience, and diversification goals,
- Contributes new recreation opportunities identified in local planning documents,
- Is sensitive to riparian habitat and fish passage needs,
- Protects the City of Craig’s municipal water supply,
- Creates multi-use amenities in support of recreation, environmental education, and river advocacy,
- Integrates with existing Yampa River State Park amenities located upstream and downstream of the proposed project,
- Has broad local, regional, state, and national support and
- Adds an exciting new recreational/educational amenity in an economically challenged and under-served community.
