By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio News/Birchwood Communications LLC.
In Rangely, there’s a new boat ramp and terraced gathering area for recreation called River’s Edge East along the White River. Rangely Town Manager Jonah Bollinger says it’s something the town of Rangely has been talking about for over ten years.
“Rangely has a lot of special things. We have some great OHV trails, we’ve got a lot of great amenities. We’ve got a great rec center. But this gives us something fantastic that we can access the river with. I think it’s been a challenge historically, getting into the White River. And it’s a great river for beginners. It’s a great river for families. It’s a great place for people to come play in the river and for kids to come hang out.”
The official dedication of River’s Edge East was earlier this month.
Bollinger says 99.9% of the $1 million cost was paid for with grants, including just under $400K from the Office of Just Transition.
A press release from the Town of Rangely says, “The project was conceived by former Town Manager Peter Brixius and Town Engineer, Planner, and Recreation Development Coordinator Jocelyn Mullen.” Brixius later became the town manager of the City of Craig.
YouTube video of River’s Edge East Boat Ramp at Rangely, Colorado
The new Craig River Park opens to the public this Friday. It can be accessed off of the Yampa Valley Golf Course Road. The Craig River Park will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The smaller riverside picnic shelters are available on a first come, first served basis. The larger picnic shelter is available for reservations through Craig Parks & Recreation. Be aware of water conditions in the Yampa River and wear a life jacket or proper safety gear when recreating.
A grand opening ribbon cutting celebration is at 10 a.m. Friday, June 26.
Press Release from the Town of Rangely; May 4, 2026
Town of Rangely to Dedicate New Boat Ramp on the White River Community Celebration Features Ribbon Cutting and Main Street Revival Market
RANGELY, Colo. (May 4, 2026) — The Town of Rangely invites the community, visitors, and residents to celebrate the official dedication of the new boat ramp on the White River on Friday, May 15, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. The new ramp is officially called River’s Edge East at Rangely and is located near Camper Park. The ramp represents a significant enhancement to river access for residents and visitors alike.
“We’re thrilled to open this new boat ramp and give our community and visitors even better access to the beautiful White River,” said Jonah Bollinger, Town Manager. “This project strengthens our outdoor recreation offerings and supports local tourism and economic growth.”
The project was conceived by former Town Manager Peter Brixius and Town Engineer, Planner, and Recreation Development Coordinator Jocelyn Mullen. Funding was secured in 2022 through the Colorado Office of Just Transitions (OJT), which awarded a $396,225 grant in February 2023 for engineering, permitting, and construction. River Restoration.org, LLC of Carbondale was selected in April 2023 following a competitive bidding process. The firm prepared the design and submitted the required permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The permit was issued on January 10, 2025.
Following a competitive bid process in May 2025, Bolton Construction of Meeker, Colorado was awarded the contract. The Town reduced project scope initially due to budget constraints and a narrow permitting window (July 16–November 30, 2025), then restored elements as additional funding was secured.
Key contributions included:
- Colorado Housing Finance Authority: $30,355
- Colorado Water Conservancy Board: $33,275
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): $44,055 (final installment allowing completion in May 2026)
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Fishing is Fun program: $39,913 for signage and education
In-kind support from Rangely Public Works and invasive species removal assistance from Rivers Edge West further reduced costs.
About the Town of Rangely
Rangely, Colorado is a rural, western Colorado community nestled along the White River. Known for its outstanding outdoor recreation, friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of community, Rangely invites residents and visitors to explore all it has to offer.