Historic Leaders Unveil Alternate Plans for a Museum and Police Sub-station
Trevor Phipps
As a major multi-use development project emerges in downtown Woodland Park, city leaders are presenting plans for a new modern look for Bert Bergstrom Park and the adjacent rest area, located near the currently constructed, multi-million-dollar Tava House in the heart of Woodland Station.
The revamping of a large section of the city’s downtown strip provides an opportunity for the city to give the park some upgrades.
However, some key leaders of the local Historical Society are worried about destroying a key element of the town’s past, dealing with its rail station era, and are presenting an alternative vision.
The discussion started last year at Downtown Development Authority (DDA) meetings during which DDA members and other stakeholders outlined possible plans for the park property. Some DDA members stressed the need to have the restrooms removed, but wanted to retain the old baggage building since it’s a part of the area’s railroad history.
Most of the DDA members agreed that the restrooms, located at the park, were a blight and should be replaced with something else. Woodland Park Police Chief Chris Deisler also chimed in and outlined issues with growing crime incidents taking place at the restrooms. “The police department would like to see the bathrooms closed,” Deisler said.
Then on May 28, the city held an open house in which officials presented several possible concepts of what the park could look like in the future. “Development of the adjacent property to Bergstrom Park provides an opportunity to re-imagine the park site for compatibility with the new development; better circulation for vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes; connections to existing and future trails; activation of historic buildings; and improved functionality as a destination for residents and visitors in the heart of the city,” WP officials stated on the What’s Up Woodland Park website.
At the open house meeting, a site analysis that was provided for the park pointed out several issues with the existing site. The site analysis pointed at remedies, such as having better signage and replacing the amphitheater and turning the area into a more usable downtown amenity. Improving the baggage building and creating more security to deter camping in restroom facilities were issues that were raised at the recent meeting.
During the open house event, the city presented three possible concepts that would solve many issues with the park and make it a more valuable city asset. Residents were then given a week to log onto Whatsupwoodlandpark.com to give their feedback about which concept they would prefer.
One concept suggested adding several new features, such as a water tower lookout, a train play structure, a roundhouse plaza and a terraced picnic area. Another concept highlighted future amenities, including a nature play area, a colored concrete entrance and railroad tie terraces. The third concept presented Bergstrom Park with new shade structures, picnic areas and a flexible amphitheater, which could be used for a large variety of events.
Ever since the discussion stated, some civic leaders expressed their concerns about the city adding more parking to the area. “The park can’t become a parking lot for Tava House,” said Jerry Good, the owner of Williams Log Cabin Furniture business, who also serves as a DDA board member, at the open house meeting.
Historical Society Presents an Alternative Concept
Bergstrom Park was built in 1986, a year after the city’s famous philanthropist Bert Bergstrom passed away. The park was built on a piece of land that Bergstrom donated to the city in 1960. The restrooms were built as a replica of the Midland Railroad to preserve the town’s railroad history after trains running on the Colorado Midland Railway made their last trip in 1949.
Just days before the open house meeting for the public, Charlie Chamber, the president of the Ute Pass Historical Society (UPHS), was seen on Fox 21 News stressing the importance of saving the park’s history. “It’s incumbent of our city leaders to preserve our history,” Chambers said an interview aired on the station.“By doing this, it would fall right into that category. Our leaders should really respect that.”
During the open house, UPHS also presented their own concept drafted by a local architect. The concept presented by the historical society suggested revamping the park in a way that stressed historic preservation over modernization.
The historical society suggested that instead of removing the restroom building, it should be transformed into a museum and police sub-station. A gazebo and children’s play area would be added, and the amphitheater would be taken out.
The historical society also wants to add picnic pavilions to the park to make it more of an area where people can hang out. UPHS has proposed moving three of their buildings (the Carrol Den, Brockhurst Cabin and the calaboose) to the property to be a part of the museum.
The city plans to take feedback from the community and determine which concept the public prefers. More open houses are scheduled for the revamping of the park as the city continues the decision-making process on what needs to be done to revamp Bergstrom Park.
