By Andrea Vasquez
The Town of Edgewood announced that ECHO Ridge Park will be temporarily closed for renovation from March 3 to late May.
The plan is to upgrade park roadways and parking and picnic areas. The parking lot upgrades will also include establishing an ADA-compliant parking pad.
“The project includes repairing the entry gate, widening the roadway leading into the park so that two vehicles can pass and enlarging the parking area to accommodate horse trailers and larger vehicles,” said Linda Burke, Community Liaison.
During this timeframe, access to the ECHO Ridge area will be limited to hikers. Until further notice, only the outside side of all construction areas will be available.
This is part of a 12-week plan to upgrade different parks and create a more interactive space for the community.
While the leased land where ECHO Ridge Park is located is currently owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Edgewood has been working to acquire it through negotiations between the two.
“The town and BLM negotiated the planned purchase of the property many years ago. The process, in accordance with BLM practice, requires the applicant (town) to complete specific upgrades to the property prior to the final purchase,” added Burke.
Edgewood has completed other projects under this agreement, including fencing and trails, in recent years.
Additionally, certain Venus Park areas will be closed due to construction. This project will start on Feb. 17 and will last until March 21.
Phase II of the Venus Park expansion is starting. It will include a large parking lot expansion and additional restroom facilities.
This project is expected to be completed by mid-May. Phase II includes adding a multi-use sports field to the west of the existing field.
Sections of the park are set for temporary closure due to public safety concerns. The town will advise as needed and ask the community to stay alert for closure notices.
“Venus Park is the heart of many recreational activities within the Town of Edgewood. It is used for numerous town and private events, sports league practices and games, and cross-country events,” said Burke.