Site work, paving and new construction of a mixed-use development in Rifle, Colorado. Conceptual plans call for the construction of a playground / park / athletic field; for paving for a sidewalk / parking lot; for site work for a playground / park / athletic field; road / highway; road / highway; and water / sewer project.

As of June 22, 2023, this project is in the conceptual phase. An architect has not been selected. Although a firm timeline for construction has not been determined, construction is not expected to start prior to June 2024. First phase: Parking lot and parking lot lights Utilities in road Playground Plaza and shelters with lighting Port-a-lets and enclosure Irrigation pond improvements Extension of Birch Avenue Park entry feature Multi-use fields Pickleball courts Pickleball plaza with shelter Perimeter trail and trail lighting Vegetative screening Third phase: $668,194 Futsal Court “Lookout” shelters and play equipment The “Summit” Soft scape bike trails Pollinator garden Connection trails to Raynard Ditch Trail. Vegetative screening The real question: Who’s paying for what? Rifle Parks and Recreation Director Austin Rickstrew said the city is currently vying for a $1 million Great Outdoors Colorado grant as well as two other grants to defray costs, which would likely increase if the project doesn’t break ground sooner than later. “The costs will probably go up depending on when we get the grant,” he said. The project would also prompt the city to extend Birch Avenue north to the entrance of a 36-stall parking lot. City documents state that pedestrian crosswalk and enhanced park entry with signage is “critical at this junction for safe access into the site.” Last week’s city council meeting addressing this property was just a presentation, and no action has yet been taken. “I’m in support of it,” Mayor Pro Tem Brian Condie said. “We’d love to do it all at once — I think it’d get better economies of scale. “But let’s see what kind of grants we get.” Post Independent Assistant Editor and lead western Garfield County reporter Ray K. Erku can be reached at rerku@postindependent.com or 612-423-5273.