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Proposed Marolt / Thomas Skill Trails Sparks Community Engagement and Input
Project Overview:
The City of Aspen Park’s Department is excited to announce a new project in collaboration with Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association (RFMBA) aimed at enhancing the recreational offerings for our community.
The proposed Marolt / Thomas Skill Trails has initiated a public engagement campaign to gather feedback and provide further information about this project. The city has organized a series of community engagement opportunities designed to inform, educate, and seek input from our valued residents.
The proposed location of this project lies in the Thomas parcel of the Marolt / Thomas Open Space. Nestled between Castle Creek Road and Marolt Place, this location remains separate from many Marolt Open Space activities such as the Community Garden or Aspen Paragliding. Please see the proposed trails rendering and ariel map below.
Currently, the outreach phase for this project has concluded. The Open Space and Trails Board and Aspen City Council are reviewing the input from residents. The City of Aspen values the input of our residents, and we look forward to utilizing that feedback to shape a valued amenity that benefits our community while also preserving our natural resources. For future updates on this project, please follow this page.
Past Outreach:
Survey: During the outreach phase of this project, we are conducting a survey to gather public perceptions regarding the proposed bike skill trails. This survey has concluded.
Site Visit: To help community members visualize the location and better understand how this trail would function, we will be hosting an on-site event featuring walking tours of the Marolt / Thomas area. This event will offer a hands-on opportunity to explore the potential trail route and its benefits.The site visit was held at the proposed Marolt / Thomas location on October 19, 2023.
Information Session: Leading up to the November Open Space and Trails Board meeting, we will hold an informational session. This session will serve as a platform for project leaders to showcase detailed plans, maps, and visuals of the proposed bike skill trail. Community members are encouraged to attend this session, ask questions, and provide feedback.This information session was held on November 16, 2023.
Toggle between guestbook and survey below to share your input.
Proposed Marolt / Thomas Skill Trails Sparks Community Engagement and Input
Project Overview:
The City of Aspen Park’s Department is excited to announce a new project in collaboration with Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association (RFMBA) aimed at enhancing the recreational offerings for our community.
The proposed Marolt / Thomas Skill Trails has initiated a public engagement campaign to gather feedback and provide further information about this project. The city has organized a series of community engagement opportunities designed to inform, educate, and seek input from our valued residents.
The proposed location of this project lies in the Thomas parcel of the Marolt / Thomas Open Space. Nestled between Castle Creek Road and Marolt Place, this location remains separate from many Marolt Open Space activities such as the Community Garden or Aspen Paragliding. Please see the proposed trails rendering and ariel map below.
Currently, the outreach phase for this project has concluded. The Open Space and Trails Board and Aspen City Council are reviewing the input from residents. The City of Aspen values the input of our residents, and we look forward to utilizing that feedback to shape a valued amenity that benefits our community while also preserving our natural resources. For future updates on this project, please follow this page.
Past Outreach:
Survey: During the outreach phase of this project, we are conducting a survey to gather public perceptions regarding the proposed bike skill trails. This survey has concluded.
Site Visit: To help community members visualize the location and better understand how this trail would function, we will be hosting an on-site event featuring walking tours of the Marolt / Thomas area. This event will offer a hands-on opportunity to explore the potential trail route and its benefits.The site visit was held at the proposed Marolt / Thomas location on October 19, 2023.
Information Session: Leading up to the November Open Space and Trails Board meeting, we will hold an informational session. This session will serve as a platform for project leaders to showcase detailed plans, maps, and visuals of the proposed bike skill trail. Community members are encouraged to attend this session, ask questions, and provide feedback.This information session was held on November 16, 2023.
Toggle between guestbook and survey below to share your input.
We want your feedback! Drop in your thoughts on the proposed Marolt / Thomas Skill Trails below.
Have more thoughts after the survey? Leave your feedback here!
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Aspen has needed this skills park for 20+ years. This will be a great amenity for our community. Please build it. - No E Bikes
Dough
Almost 2 years ago
Aspen has needed this skills park for 20+ years. This will be a great amenity for our community. Please build it. - No E Bikes
Dough
Almost 2 years ago
This would be such a great addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn't affect the open space that's currently being used. It would be a great asset to the upvalley mtb community, specifically kids, that's currently only available if you drive downvalley. Can't wait for this project!
ecyoung211
Almost 2 years ago
This project would be an awesome addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn’t affect the open space we all use currently. It would be a great asset for the upvalley MTB community, specifically kids and those learning/getting into the sport and this type of skills park is only available if you can drive downvalley. Can’t wait for this project!
ecyoung211
Almost 2 years ago
This project would be an awesome addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn’t affect the open space we all use currently. It would be a great asset for the upvalley MTB community, specifically kids and those learning/getting into the sport and this type of skills park is only available if you can drive downvalley. Can’t wait for this project!
ecyoung211
Almost 2 years ago
This would be such a great addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn't affect the open space that's currently being used. It would be a great asset to the upvalley mtb community, specifically kids, that's currently only available if you drive downvalley. Can't wait for this project!
ecyoung211
Almost 2 years ago
This would be such a great addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn't affect the open space that's currently being used. It would be a great asset to the upvalley mtb community, specifically kids, that's currently only available if you drive downvalley. Can't wait for this project!
ecyoung211
Almost 2 years ago
This would be such a great addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn't affect the open space that's currently being used. It would be a great asset to the upvalley mtb community, specifically kids, that's currently only available if you drive downvalley. Can't wait for this project!
ecyoung211
Almost 2 years ago
This would be an awesome addition to the community! The location is in unused area of the open space so wouldn't affect any current usage. It would be a great asset to our trails system, and allow access to upvalley direct access instead of having to drive downvalley/to another location. Can't wait!
ecyoung211
Almost 2 years ago
As City Council looks to vote out the small number of deer & wildlife homes in Aspen city limits... I appreciate your time in recognizing our sorrow at the loss of habitat for our fellow creatures. Once this tiny sliver of land is razed, none of us will see the old growth of sage, service berry and shrub oak return in our lifetime. Dr. Jane Goodall at ACES this past year "asked us to become compassionate in our planet needs, everything is connected." Her youth-led Roots & Shoots would have been in awe of the deer right there feeding to be strong through the winter. Open Space & Parks should find balance in their mission. The activity envelope pendulum has swung too far. Do the bike riders know they are razing the homes of the four young deer? Teach them to care for the flora and fauna. I urge you to care for Nature in Aspen. Bridget Balentine
Bridget
Almost 2 years ago
As City Council looks to vote out the small number of deer & wildlife homes in Aspen city limits... I appreciate your time in recognizing our sorrow at the loss of habitat for our fellow creatures. Once this tiny sliver of land is razed, none of us will see the old growth of sage, service berry and shrub oak return in our lifetime. Dr. Jane Goodall at ACES this past year "asked us to become compassionate in our planet needs, everything is connected." Her youth-led Roots & Shoots would have been in awe of the deer right there feeding to be strong through the winter. Open Space & Parks should find balance in their mission. The activity envelope pendulum has swung too far. Do the bike riders know they are razing the homes of the four young deer? Teach them to care for the flora and fauna. I urge you to care for Nature in Aspen. Bridget Balentine
Bridget
Almost 2 years ago
I strongly support the Marolt/Thomas Skills Trails development. As Executive Director of Roaring Fork Cycling (RFC), dedicated to promoting safe cycling and getting more kids on bikes, these trails align perfectly with our mission. They will provide a safe environment for cyclists of all ages to improve their skills, reducing accidents on community trails. The trails will also inspire young riders, fostering a love for cycling and healthy lifestyles. Supporting this initiative with RFMBA and the City of Aspen is crucial for enhancing our community's cycling experience.
kristen.heath
Almost 2 years ago
Putting a bike skills park at this location is absolutely ludicrous, and will greatly disrupt the peaceful quality of the dedicated open space that is already full of deer, gardeners, walkers, dogs, and paragliders. This will absolutely spill across the street and change the quality of the Marolt field and its surrounding wild life. I absolutely oppose this. There are several other more conducive areas for this construction that would be a much safer, and saner choice.
Gaby Rafelson
Almost 2 years ago
The Marolt Open Space has been used for passive recreation for years. Which has allowed wildlife to coexist on the property. Bike Parks are not a passive use, they are destructive, go out to the Elk Camp " kiddie" bike park not a tree or blade of grass has survived. What is to keep riders staying in the designated area? there will be riding all over the meadows turning them into a dirt parks also. Who is going to monitor the kids? There will of course be conflicts with other users. That said, why on earth would you put a bike park between two roads! The potential of children riding onto the road ... Why not build the kiddie bike park at Burlingame where the kids live and can ride their bikes to the park instead of being driven. Please re think this development. This is not appropriate for the Marolt Open Space. Yasmine dePagter
jackyasmine
Almost 2 years ago
Thje Marolt Open Space was preserved as meadows for a nod to our ranching history and it's uses of the years have been passive recreation, which enables the wildlife including deer that call it their home. Bike parks are very heavy handed on the land, go take a look at the bottom of Elk Camp it's a giant dirt pile, not a tree or blade of grass has survived . That said, why on earth would you put it on the Marolt Open Space , between 2 roads where kids could ride off park onto the roads! The kids will of course start riding in the meadows eventually turning them into a dirt park also, there will of course be conflicts with passive users. Who is going to monitor this "park" to keep it safe for children. Why not put this at Burlingame where kids can ride to it from their homes. Please re think this development.
jackyasmine
Almost 2 years ago
Strongly opposed to the bike park. Put it somewhere else where it won’t affect the wildlife, the dogs of Marolt, the paragliding landing zone, and add to traffic near the roundabout. How about putting this at the base of Buttermilk or Highlands or further down valley. There is plenty of space for kids to practice their skills at the Moore open space.
Catrios1
Almost 2 years ago
I am strongly opposed to this proposal. Please stop chipping away at the Marolt Open Space!!! Why do certain special interest groups think Marolt is fair game for their particular passion? STOP!!! Leave it as an OPEN SPACE.
Further, I am opposed for safety reasons. And although there is a pedestrian/bike bridge across Castle Creek road, kids might also try to cross from Meadowood. So dangerous!!
Question: why not locate this bike park on the Moore property behind the ARC? Ready access from schools and much much safer!
Please stop chipping away at our open space!! BP
barbpitchford
Almost 2 years ago
The Marolt Open space is always a target for the proposal du jour because its free land and not protected enough in the City. MOORE open space wasn't considered becauae the County has stronger protections than the City on their open space. That is sad. Marolt has been proposed as a site for the commercial horse stables for the horses that were used with the carriages, a lighted ball field, a bmx track, a kids single track on the Midland ROW (filled with mine tailings as roadbed), and others. The bike park is on a sensitive hillside filled with old growth oak and service berry. It is important to the birds and bears and other small animals, and there is precious little of that left around here. Bike parks are intensive uses that tend to denude their areas of vegetation. Parking will be an issue, taking the bulldozers to that hillside won't be gentle on the land. Please put this somewhere more approppriate than the easy path of stealing our open space!
Ed Zasacky
Almost 2 years ago
We had this proposal a few years ago I thought we decided to not use this small piece of land. This particular piece is really important for wildlife, vegetation (food for bears), birds nesting etc… the paragliders will be effected in a very negative way. PLEASE, be honest with the folks in the community, dog walkers, bird watchers, commuters (more traffic with moms dropping kids off) , whom don’t like this spot for a “skills” and tell us the real reason you’re shoving this in such a poor spot? The COA and The RFMBA must be lining up for an award of some kind. Honestly I’m tired of the NGO’s getting involved with our open spaces. Let’s put this at the base of Buttermilk near Panda Peak where families can gather and be with heir kids a watch them and we can have classes for kids. Plus Buttermilk is next to our biggest stock of housing with much safer access. The kids could use the underpass from the AABC N. 40 and The Burlingame and the new housing going in.
Misa
Almost 2 years ago
The skills trails are a long time coming and something Aspen kids want and need. The acreage is currently unused and tucked off the main road so a perfect spot for the project. RFMBA and the City are collaborating to bring a design together that meets the needs of the community. This will be an asset for generations to come.
Aspen has needed this skills park for 20+ years. This will be a great amenity for our community. Please build it. - No E Bikes
Aspen has needed this skills park for 20+ years. This will be a great amenity for our community. Please build it. - No E Bikes
This would be such a great addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn't affect the open space that's currently being used. It would be a great asset to the upvalley mtb community, specifically kids, that's currently only available if you drive downvalley. Can't wait for this project!
This project would be an awesome addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn’t affect the open space we all use currently. It would be a great asset for the upvalley MTB community, specifically kids and those learning/getting into the sport and this type of skills park is only available if you can drive downvalley. Can’t wait for this project!
This project would be an awesome addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn’t affect the open space we all use currently. It would be a great asset for the upvalley MTB community, specifically kids and those learning/getting into the sport and this type of skills park is only available if you can drive downvalley. Can’t wait for this project!
This would be such a great addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn't affect the open space that's currently being used. It would be a great asset to the upvalley mtb community, specifically kids, that's currently only available if you drive downvalley. Can't wait for this project!
This would be such a great addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn't affect the open space that's currently being used. It would be a great asset to the upvalley mtb community, specifically kids, that's currently only available if you drive downvalley. Can't wait for this project!
This would be such a great addition to the community and our MTB trail system! The location is currently unused and wouldn't affect the open space that's currently being used. It would be a great asset to the upvalley mtb community, specifically kids, that's currently only available if you drive downvalley. Can't wait for this project!
This would be an awesome addition to the community! The location is in unused area of the open space so wouldn't affect any current usage. It would be a great asset to our trails system, and allow access to upvalley direct access instead of having to drive downvalley/to another location. Can't wait!
As City Council looks to vote out the small number of deer & wildlife homes in Aspen city limits...
I appreciate your time in recognizing our sorrow at the loss of habitat for our fellow creatures. Once this tiny sliver of land is razed, none of us will see the old growth of sage, service berry and shrub oak return in our lifetime. Dr. Jane Goodall at ACES this past year "asked us to become compassionate in our planet needs, everything is connected." Her youth-led Roots & Shoots would have been in awe of the deer right there feeding to be strong through the winter.
Open Space & Parks should find balance in their mission. The activity envelope pendulum has swung too far. Do the bike riders know they are razing the homes of the four young deer? Teach them to care for the flora and fauna.
I urge you to care for Nature in Aspen.
Bridget Balentine
As City Council looks to vote out the small number of deer & wildlife homes in Aspen city limits...
I appreciate your time in recognizing our sorrow at the loss of habitat for our fellow creatures. Once this tiny sliver of land is razed, none of us will see the old growth of sage, service berry and shrub oak return in our lifetime. Dr. Jane Goodall at ACES this past year "asked us to become compassionate in our planet needs, everything is connected." Her youth-led Roots & Shoots would have been in awe of the deer right there feeding to be strong through the winter.
Open Space & Parks should find balance in their mission. The activity envelope pendulum has swung too far. Do the bike riders know they are razing the homes of the four young deer? Teach them to care for the flora and fauna.
I urge you to care for Nature in Aspen.
Bridget Balentine
I strongly support the Marolt/Thomas Skills Trails development. As Executive Director of Roaring Fork Cycling (RFC), dedicated to promoting safe cycling and getting more kids on bikes, these trails align perfectly with our mission. They will provide a safe environment for cyclists of all ages to improve their skills, reducing accidents on community trails. The trails will also inspire young riders, fostering a love for cycling and healthy lifestyles. Supporting this initiative with RFMBA and the City of Aspen is crucial for enhancing our community's cycling experience.
Putting a bike skills park at this location is absolutely ludicrous, and will greatly disrupt the peaceful quality of the dedicated open space that is already full of deer, gardeners, walkers, dogs, and paragliders. This will absolutely spill across the street and change the quality of the Marolt field and its surrounding wild life. I absolutely oppose this. There are several other more conducive areas for this construction that would be a much safer, and saner choice.
The Marolt Open Space has been used for passive recreation for years. Which has allowed wildlife to coexist on the property. Bike Parks are not a passive use, they are destructive, go out to the Elk Camp " kiddie" bike park not a tree or blade of grass has survived. What is to keep riders staying in the designated area? there will be riding all over the meadows turning them into a dirt parks also. Who is going to monitor the kids? There will of course be conflicts with other users. That said, why on earth would you put a bike park between two roads! The potential of children riding onto the road ... Why not build the kiddie bike park at Burlingame where the kids live and can ride their bikes to the park instead of being driven. Please re think this development. This is not appropriate for the Marolt Open Space.
Yasmine dePagter
Thje Marolt Open Space was preserved as meadows for a nod to our ranching history and it's uses of the years have been passive recreation, which enables the wildlife including deer that call it their home. Bike parks are very heavy handed on the land, go take a look at the bottom of Elk Camp it's a giant dirt pile, not a tree or blade of grass has survived . That said, why on earth would you put it on the Marolt Open Space , between 2 roads where kids could ride off park onto the roads! The kids will of course start riding in the meadows eventually turning them into a dirt park also, there will of course be conflicts with passive users. Who is going to monitor this "park" to keep it safe for children. Why not put this at Burlingame where kids can ride to it from their homes. Please re think this development.
Strongly opposed to the bike park. Put it somewhere else where it won’t affect the wildlife, the dogs of Marolt, the paragliding landing zone, and add to traffic near the roundabout. How about putting this at the base of Buttermilk or Highlands or further down valley. There is plenty of space for kids to practice their skills at the Moore open space.
I am strongly opposed to this proposal. Please stop chipping away at the Marolt Open Space!!! Why do certain special interest groups think Marolt is fair game for their particular passion?
STOP!!! Leave it as an OPEN SPACE.
Further, I am opposed for safety reasons. And although there is a pedestrian/bike bridge across Castle Creek road, kids might also try to cross from Meadowood. So dangerous!!
Question: why not locate this bike park on the Moore property behind the ARC? Ready access from schools and much much safer!
Please stop chipping away at our open space!!
BP
The Marolt Open space is always a target for the proposal du jour because its free land and not protected enough in the City. MOORE open space wasn't considered becauae the County has stronger protections than the City on their open space. That is sad. Marolt has been proposed as a site for the commercial horse stables for the horses that were used with the carriages, a lighted ball field, a bmx track, a kids single track on the Midland ROW (filled with mine tailings as roadbed), and others. The bike park is on a sensitive hillside filled with old growth oak and service berry. It is important to the birds and bears and other small animals, and there is precious little of that left around here. Bike parks are intensive uses that tend to denude their areas of vegetation. Parking will be an issue, taking the bulldozers to that hillside won't be gentle on the land. Please put this somewhere more approppriate than the easy path of stealing our open space!
We had this proposal a few years ago I thought we decided to not use this small piece of land. This particular piece is really important for wildlife, vegetation (food for bears), birds nesting etc… the paragliders will be effected in a very negative way. PLEASE, be honest with the folks in the community, dog walkers, bird watchers, commuters (more traffic with moms dropping kids off) , whom don’t like this spot for a “skills” and tell us the real reason you’re shoving this in such a poor spot? The COA and The RFMBA must be lining up for an award of some kind. Honestly I’m tired of the NGO’s getting involved with our open spaces. Let’s put this at the base of Buttermilk near Panda Peak where families can gather and be with heir kids a watch them and we can have classes for kids. Plus Buttermilk is next to our biggest stock of housing with much safer access. The kids could use the underpass from the AABC N. 40 and The Burlingame and the new housing going in.
The skills trails are a long time coming and something Aspen kids want and need. The acreage is currently unused and tucked off the main road so a perfect spot for the project. RFMBA and the City are collaborating to bring a design together that meets the needs of the community. This will be an asset for generations to come.