Located at the banks of the Yampa River, with majestic views of Mount Werner to the east, Bear River Park will be a signature park in Steamboat Springs. Located in the under served western portion of the community, the park will become a major destination for residents, businesses, and tourists. Park features will include a bike park, skate park, basketball and volleyball courts, a riverside playground, pavilion, restroom, event green, boardwalk and trails, wetland viewing and boat launch area. Riparian and xeric landscapes define the park, offering visitors opportunity to engage with the river through both passive and active recreation. Once an active lagoon sewage treatment facility, the restored site breathes new life into the west side of Steamboat Springs, and is a welcome destination for marginalized communities who lack infrastructure and amenities in comparison to the tourist core of the City. Raising the park's grade and creating new stone terraces for river access has re-established both physical and visual connections to the river, which were previously obstructed by the lagoon's terracing.
Office: Norris Design
Client: City of Steamboat Springs
Contributions: Project director, lead designer, entitlements and construction documents
