Park Avenue - Stormwater and Pedestrian Project

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low-level stone curb next to green grass

For future updates, please follow this project page. Previous updates from city staff can be found below in the "Updates" section of the Tools menu.

The City of Aspen hosted a virtual and in-person open house for Park and Midland residents on March 19, 2025. If you were unable to attend the meetings, please view a copy of the presentation on the right-hand side of this page under "Document Library."

Project Background:

Since 2008, the City of Aspen has been working with local community members to explore options to improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians and motorists that travel through this area. This project has been rooted in the following goals:

  • Enhance safety and ways of moving around the Park and Midland neighborhoods for residents and users.
  • Engage with the neighborhoods and community to better understand their values and insights, which inform the City’s direction for potential improvements.
  • Comprehensively study traffic and neighborhood movement.

The Chosen Path:

At the January 25, 2021, Council Work Session, Council and staff discussed feedback from the community outreach conducted in 2020. Council directed staff to proceed with the conceptual design of Park Avenue as a two-way scenario and realign the east side of the roadway to install a sidewalk.

Key benefits include:

  • Accomplishes goal of pedestrian safety.
  • Detached trail is aesthetically pleasing.
  • Wide trail allows for more uses.
  • No change to existing traffic patterns.

While this option was chosen as the preferred option to increase safety and connectivity in the Park Avenue neighborhood, it does come with a relatively high cost as it is difficult to construct, will be an intrusion into existing landscaping and property, and will have some impact on existing on-street parking.

Thanks to the feedback collected through the public engagement process, we will be better able to alleviate the concerns voiced by our community regarding:

  • Safety at the intersection of Hopkins and Park Avenue.
  • Significant and rising levels of vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes on residential streets.
  • Ill-defined paths prompt poor interactions between vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes.
  • Poor site lines making it difficult for motorists to see pedestrians.
  • Connectivity with other destinations in town.
  • Traffic speeds.
  • Snow storage.
  • Drainage.
  • Limited street width.
  • Construction and cost of solutions.

For future updates, please follow this project page. Previous updates from city staff can be found below in the "Updates" section of the Tools menu.

The City of Aspen hosted a virtual and in-person open house for Park and Midland residents on March 19, 2025. If you were unable to attend the meetings, please view a copy of the presentation on the right-hand side of this page under "Document Library."

Project Background:

Since 2008, the City of Aspen has been working with local community members to explore options to improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians and motorists that travel through this area. This project has been rooted in the following goals:

  • Enhance safety and ways of moving around the Park and Midland neighborhoods for residents and users.
  • Engage with the neighborhoods and community to better understand their values and insights, which inform the City’s direction for potential improvements.
  • Comprehensively study traffic and neighborhood movement.

The Chosen Path:

At the January 25, 2021, Council Work Session, Council and staff discussed feedback from the community outreach conducted in 2020. Council directed staff to proceed with the conceptual design of Park Avenue as a two-way scenario and realign the east side of the roadway to install a sidewalk.

Key benefits include:

  • Accomplishes goal of pedestrian safety.
  • Detached trail is aesthetically pleasing.
  • Wide trail allows for more uses.
  • No change to existing traffic patterns.

While this option was chosen as the preferred option to increase safety and connectivity in the Park Avenue neighborhood, it does come with a relatively high cost as it is difficult to construct, will be an intrusion into existing landscaping and property, and will have some impact on existing on-street parking.

Thanks to the feedback collected through the public engagement process, we will be better able to alleviate the concerns voiced by our community regarding:

  • Safety at the intersection of Hopkins and Park Avenue.
  • Significant and rising levels of vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes on residential streets.
  • Ill-defined paths prompt poor interactions between vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes.
  • Poor site lines making it difficult for motorists to see pedestrians.
  • Connectivity with other destinations in town.
  • Traffic speeds.
  • Snow storage.
  • Drainage.
  • Limited street width.
  • Construction and cost of solutions.

  • 4/7/25 Park Ave Stormwater & Pedestrian Project Update

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    Dear Neighbors,

    We’d like to share the latest updates on the Park Avenue Stormwater and Pedestrian Improvement Project, including upcoming road closures, water service changes, and project adjustments.

    Upcoming Road Closures:

    • The Park & Midland intersection will be closed from April 7 to April 9.

    • The Hopkins & Park intersection will close from April 9 through April 11.

    • Once the Hopkins & Park intersection closes on April 9, the Park & Midland intersection will reopen.

    • The Hopkins walking bridge will be closed for three weeks beginning on April 9.

    • Alternative walking routes include Park Ave to Cooper Ave or Park Ave to King St.


    Bus Detour Information:

    • During the Park & Midland closure, bus service will be temporarily rerouted via Gibson Ave and Neale Ave.

    • Once the Park & Midland intersection reopens on April 9, the bus detour will return to its usual route along Midland Ave.

    Water Service Interruptions

    • April 8 (7 AM–7 PM): Temporary water shut off for Park and Midland area neighbors.

    • April 10 (7 AM–7 PM): Temporary water shut off for Park & Hopkins area neighbors.

    • Flyers were distributed to all nearby residents with these updates.

    Thank you for your continued patience as we make important long-term improvements to our neighborhood’s infrastructure and pedestrian safety. Please reach out to the project team with any questions or concerns.

    Sincerely,

    Emily Ford, Communications Specialist

  • Park Avenue Neighborhood Open House – Upcoming Construction & Traffic Impacts

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    Dear Neighbors,

    We invite you to attend a neighborhood open house to learn about the Park Avenue Stormwater and Pedestrian project that will impact traffic, pedestrian routes, and public transportation in this area.

    Open House Details:

    Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

    Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

    Location: Aspen Police Department Community Room,

    540 E. Main St, Aspen, CO 81611

    If you are unable to join us in person, we will be hosting a virtual open house on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Join the virtual open house by clicking here.

    Project Overview:

    This critical infrastructure project aims to improve drainage and pedestrian safety in our neighborhood. Construction is set to begin on March 31, 2025, weather dependent. Completion is anticipated by the end of October.

    What to Expect:

    Road Closures & Traffic Detours: Park Avenue (Midland Ave to Hopkins Ave) will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic and bus routes will be detoured to Midland Ave. Expect temporary parking restrictions on Midland.

    Pedestrian & Cyclist Impact: The Hopkins walking bridge will be closed for portions of this project. Trail reroutes will be in place. Please visit the project website to stay up to date on closures and reroutes throughout the project.

    Public Transportation: The Hunter Creek shuttle will be rerouted from Park Ave to Midland Ave for the duration of this project.

    Project Benefits:

    This project includes the installation of a stormwater main line to alleviate ponding, enhance water quality, and protect the health of Roaring Fork River. A long-awaited sidewalk connection on the east side of the street will also be completed to improve pedestrian safety.

    This project aligns with the 2015 Smuggler Hunter Surface Drainage Masterplan and city goals to improve infrastructure, environmental protection, and safety.

    We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to improve our community. If you have any questions, please contact the project team. We look forward to seeing you at the open house!

    Sincerely,

    Emily Ford, Communications Specialist, emily.ford@aspen.gov

  • New Vendor Contract Approved by Aspen City Council

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    Dear Park Avenue Neighbors,

    The Aspen City Council approved the new vendor contract for the Park Avenue Safety and Connectivity project. The contract went before the City Council for consent on July 23, 2024. Now approved, we will proceed with preparations for the construction phase. City staff will begin working with the contractor to develop a construction plan. Neighbors can expect more information in the coming months as plans are built.

    Construction is set to begin in April 2025 and will continue through the summer. This timeline is designed to work within the Right of Way season and to ensure the project is completed efficiently and effectively.

    Please email us if you have any further questions.

    Best regards,

    Emily Ford

    ParkandMidland@aspen.gov

  • 2024 Bid Update and Construction Schedule

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    Dear Park Avenue Neighbors,

    I hope this letter finds you well. As your neighborhood liaison, I wanted to provide you with an update on the Park Avenue Safety and Connectivity Project, which has been a topic of interest and discussion among our community members.

    As mentioned, the improvements will consist of finishing the sidewalk connection along the east side of the roadway and installing critical stormwater infrastructure along the northern block of Park Ave and along the E Hopkins trail corridor.

    The project went out to bid in late March 2024. The bidding process is set to close on June 10th, 2024, and we look forward to reviewing the bids from qualified contractors.

    Following the bid closure, this project will go to Aspen City Council for approval. While the exact date for this presentation is yet to be determined, we will keep you informed and provide ample notice.

    Once the bid is awarded and all necessary approvals are obtained, preparations will begin for the construction phase. The construction schedule will be determined and promptly shared with you once we have an approved contract. During this phase, you can expect to see work crews on Park Avenue as they undertake the necessary improvements outlined in the project plan.

    Throughout the construction process, we are committed to keeping you informed and addressing any concerns or questions you may have. Regular updates will be provided through neighborhood letters, email communications, and signage posted at key locations.

    Your patience, cooperation, and feedback are invaluable as we work together to realize the vision of a safer and more connected Park Avenue. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please contact me directly.

    Warm regards,

    Emily Ford, Communications Specialist

    Emily.ford@aspen.gov or 970.379.9373

  • Project Update | August 2022

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    The City of Aspen’s Engineering Department has been working to address safety and infrastructure issues in the Park and Midland corridor in direct response to neighborhood concerns. The project remains a priority, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2023.

    COMPLETED

    • Install stop signs
    • Engineering survey
    • Project team meetings with Park Avenue homeowners
    • Conceptual design approved by City Council

    WHAT’S NEXT

    • Finalize design elements
    • Meet with affected property owners to review detailed plans
    • Prepare bid documents and present them to Aspen City Council (fall 2022)
    • Begin construction and improvements (summer or fall 2023)
    • Complete the sidewalk connection on the east side of Park Avenue by slightly shifting the roadway
    • Regrade to convey and collect drainage more effectively
    • Install a stormwater pipe and outlet to serve this block of Park Avenue and the greater east-end neighborhood that will eventually tie into it

    The project team will continue to share updates through this email newsletter and on the project webpage. Thank you for your continued involvement; please reach out with any questions.

    Best regards,

    Park and Midland Project Team

    aspencommunityvoice.com/parkandmidland

  • Project Update | September 2021

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    Park and Midland Project Update:

    Hello to all. The City of Aspen Engineering Department is preparing to go before Aspen City Council at its next work session on Monday, September 20, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. to present a preliminary conceptual design for the road and sidewalk improvements in the Park and Midland neighborhoods. A video link of the design will be emailed and posted on Aspen Community Voice by Friday, September 17.

    The City’s engineering team spent months working through the sidewalks' design and conceptual layout, including road widths, sidewalk widths, grading, and assessing right-of-way. While unique conditions presented design challenges, widths were finally determined for the road and sidewalk. Coming soon will be designs schemes for intersection and stormwater improvements.

    The Park and Midland project was launched in 2020 with a comprehensive study of traffic and neighborhood movement, data from which is now used to enhance safety and mobility for the Park and Midland neighborhoods. Concerns in the area that are being addressed include snow storage, rising foot, bike, and vehicular traffic levels, and pedestrian and intersection safety.

    The project team will continue to share updates through this email newsletter and on the project webpage. Thank you for your continued involvement; please reach out with any questions.

    Best regards,

    Park and Midland Project Team

    Webpage: aspencommunityvoice.com/parkandmidland


  • Project Update | June 2021

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    Park and Midland Project Update:

    Happy summer to all. Over the last several months, the City of Aspen Engineering Department has been designing the Schematic Design phase of the improvements to Park and Midland, focusing on the Conceptual Design of the sidewalk on the east side of the north portion of Park Avenue.

    Design work includes:

    • Improvement survey
    • Initial topography
    • Right-of-way review
    • Sidewalk design
    • Drainage considerations
    • Engineering Standards


    The design team continues to work through the sidewalks' conceptual layout, including road widths, sidewalk widths, and grading. Unique conditions present design challenges that the project team is working through to determine the best solution for the Conceptual Design ahead of outreach meetings. Much of the summer will be spent designing improvements; in late August and September, we will be scheduling meetings with neighbors before presenting the conceptual plan to City Council in September.

    The project team will continue to share updates through this email newsletter and on the project webpage.

    As we get closer to determining specifics on the conceptual design solutions, we will connect individually with impacted neighbors. Thank you for your continued involvement, and please reach out with any questions.

    Best regards,

    Park and Midland Project Team

    Phone: 970-618-9251 (Call or Text)

    Webpage: aspencommunityvoice.com/parkandmidland

  • Project Update | February 2021

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    Hello all,

    We are reaching out to recap the January work session with City Council and share what is up next for the project.

    WORK SESSION RECAP

    At the work session, City Engineering reviewed options for improving safety in the Park and Midland neighborhood. After reviewing all the information, including public feedback, Council directed staff to begin the schematic design for a sidewalk connection on Park Ave between Midland and Hopkins that would maintain two-way traffic and incorporate improvements to the Hopkins and Park Avenue intersection and Hopkins trail drainage. Council also asked that drainage concerns on Midland Avenue be addressed in an earlier timeframe.

    View the January 25 work session »

    NEXT STEPS

    There is still a lot of work to be done for this project, but we are very grateful for your participation up to now and we look forward to continuing the process with you.

    City Engineering staff is now starting the design process for the sidewalk. The first step in this design process will be to obtain an improvement survey which will detail important boundaries. This will likely be conducted in late-April after snow and winter conditions have cleared. Staff plans to incorporate drainage concerns along Midland Avenue as part of the 2022 budget discussion this fall.

    City Engineering will contact property owners along Park Avenue, between Hopkins and Midland Avenue via mailed letters to encourage involvement in the schematic design process. The project team hopes to work with property owners so that the design is as equitable as possible while prioritizing safety and engineering best practices.

    The project team will continue to share updates through this email newsletter and on the project webpage. Thank you for your continued involvement and please reach out with any questions.

    Best regards,

    Park and Midland Project Team

    Phone: 970-340-4334

    Webpage: aspencommunityvoice.com/parkandmidland

  • Project Update | January 2021

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    Hello all,

    The agenda and call-in information for the Monday, January 25 work session with City Council is now posted. You can find that information at https://www.cityofaspen.com/1225/Current-City-Webcast-Meetings-Agendas.

    Please reach out with any questions.

    Best regards,

    Park and Midland Project Team

    Phone: 970-340-4334

    Email: ParkandMidland@cityofaspen.com

    Webpage: aspencommunityvoice.com/parkandmidland

  • Project Update | January 2021

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    Hello all,

    City Engineering is scheduled to meet with City Council during the January 25, 2021 work session to discuss a number of projects including the Park and Midland project. A staff memo that reviews all the options, data, input, and best engineering practices, will be made publicly available at cityofaspen.com by Friday, January 22.

    During the work session, Engineering staff will review improvement options for this corridor including pros and cons, present the results of the community survey and the traffic study, and feedback submitted through Aspen Community Voice. Ultimately, City Council will make the decision on if additional action will be pursued and what that action may be.

    We sincerely appreciate how involved everyone has been throughout this process. This is a challenging area and we heard very passionate discussion on what the best path forward would be. Thank you for your continued involvement and please feel free to reach out with any questions.

    Best regards,

    Park and Midland Project Team

    Phone: 970-340-4334

    Webpage: aspencommunityvoice.com/parkandmidland

Page last updated: 07 Apr 2025, 03:16 PM