By Peter Baumgartner
Redstone Review

LYONS – Recently I invited Julie A. McKay, a transportation planner from Boulder County; Kristine K. Nelson, a regional trails planner also from Boulder County Transportation Department; Dave Cosgrove, Lyons Parks and Recreation Director; and local outdoor recreation activist from Lyons, Arn Hayden, on a walk about Lyons. The purpose of the walkabout was to look at a possible trail route from Lyons Bohn Park to the intersection of Highways 66 and 36. Boulder County Regional Trails plan calls for trails from that intersection to the Boulder Reservoir and also to Longmont’s Golden Ponds.

We began our little trek at the town hall and walked east and then south into Bohn Park. We pointed out the Heil Valley Ranch Open Space adjoining the park, and then at the southern edge of the park the clarifier structure that is to become a work of art. As we continued our walk, Hayden and Cosgrove pointed out the ponds that will be stocked with trout and the whitewater river feature called the Black Bear Hole. Thence, we ambled eastward along the path paralleling the highway, until we encountered the McConnell Drive Bridge. The bridge is a problem as it effectively interrupts the trail.

During the bridge pre-construction phase both Hayden and I pushed for an underpass unsuccessfully. We discussed the possibility of an underpass now and concluded it’s still needed. After crossing over McConnell Drive, we walked on a rough trail towards the river and encountered Boulder County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Parker patrolling on a mountain bike. Deputy Parker listened as Hayden described an observed water feature known as the October Hole. Deputy Parker concluded aloud the next two features must be the November and December Holes.

Formally, these water features mark the eastern terminus of the Lyons trail system. However, the Town of Lyons does own the former railroad right-of-way, which was purchased with an intention of utilizing parts of the acquisition for a trail.

Regrettably, the railroad right-of-way does cross through commercial stone yards making such a route unattractive and not particularly safe. As an alternative for the trail location, we looked at the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District road which services a major irrigation ditch. No formal discussion has yet been held with the NCWC District for trail usage of this western section of service road.

Collectively, we concluded the challenges to create a good trail link are thus: the lack of a pass under the McConnell Drive Bridge; the lack of negotiations with the NCWC District for this western section of road usage; the need for bridges over small ditches; and the engineering challenge of passing under the U.S. Highway 36 bridge, just to the south of the 66/36 intersection. While this bridge does have a paved path beneath it, there is not yet any gradual grade down and back up. The space for the gradient is limited.

The challenges are significant, but they can be met. In case one might ask, “why bother?”

Arn Hayden said, “This is one of the last spokes of the Lyons Trail System to complete. We can’t even safely walk or ride a bike to Clark’s Hardware without this trail. The trail would link us not only to existing stores, but also contemplated developments in the eastern corridor of Lyons.” This “spoke” would provide our link to the Boulder Reservoir and the St. Vrain trails.

In a search for funding, Parks Director Cosgrove has arranged the Town Board of Trustees to meet with a director of Great Outdoors Colorado to learn more about what grant opportunities are available.

Julie McKay, the Planning Division Manager of Boulder County’s Transportation Department said that the Boulder County Transportation Department could lend support to an application for trail funding. The Lyons to Boulder trail plan is likely to be completed this fall and is scheduled for construction between 2010 and 2015.

The trail is not yet officially named, however it has been jokingly referred to as the Dale’s Pale Ale Trail. It has a nice ring don’t you think?

Your humble servant,

Peter Baumgartner,
Lyons Trustee

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