In a recent City Council meeting, Parks & Recreation Director Ryan Dennison presented a comprehensive funding update for anticipated improvements to Alice Pleasant Park, a central hub in downtown Craig.

Dennison highlighted the ongoing revitalization efforts, emphasizing the integral role of Alice Pleasant Park as the heart of downtown and a crucial connectivity point.

Despite a notable increase in community activity and park reservations, Dennison pointed out that the current park infrastructure falls short of meeting the evolving needs and interests of the community.

And recognizing its significance, Craig city officials have prioritized the Alice Pleasant Park improvements, which are in line with broader infrastructure objectives aimed at enhancing the economic vitality of the downtown area.

In 2022, Dennison’s department began work with engineering consulting firm Ayres & Associates to redesign the park, focusing on creating a more purposeful space for the community and downtown events. The initial estimated budget for the project was $600,000, with $240,000 coming from the city and the remaining $360,000 in projected grant funding.

This fall city staff submitted a $300,000 funding request to the Gates Family Foundation for improvements to the park. Dennison acknowledged that the request “was a big reach and it was aggressive, but (he thinks) it was worthwhile.”

He shared that the foundation “found merit in the project,” and it was awarded $20,000 toward its completion in December. The Kiwanis Club of Craig also pledged its support to the project, committing $10,000 in a letter to the city.

Due to the grant funding shortfall, Dennison proposed a revised funding breakdown to City Council, including the postponement of two previously approved capital projects.

“We realigned and shifted gears in order to move the project forward,” he told council members, “and we’re going to rethink some funding mechanisms for the project.”

Among the postponed projects is the North Park Playground, originally budgeted at $131,250 for 2024. Dennison suggested reallocating the funds to prioritize the completion of the Alice Pleasant Park improvements. Additionally, maintenance vehicle improvements in the amount of $20,000 would be delayed until 2025, with the funds likewise redirected to the park project.

Dennison highlighted the use of approximately $100,000 from the Conservation Trust Fund, bringing the total funding to $521,250 and leaving a gap of $66,650 to meet the anticipated budget of $587,900.

In a bid to potentially bridge this difference, Dennison informed the council about a grant opportunity through the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Revitalizing Main Streets program, which could provide up to $240,000.

The grant application is expected to be submitted this month with a decision anticipated in March.

Dennison noted that receipt of the full award amount would also allow for the completion of the currently postponed capital projects, in additional to the Alice Pleasant Park improvements.

Council member Derek Duran expressed his support for the project, sharing that his only issue was ensuring that the postponed capital projects remain high priorities for future budget sessions.

Dennison reassured City Council that the CDOT grant is being pursued and, while significant, it won’t be the determining factor for the project’s success, as the funds allocated for the project are already in the budget.

Nichols concluded discussion by voicing his full support for the park improvements while recognizing the positive impact it could have on the community and downtown merchants’ activities.