Estes Park

Estes Park trustees consider parks plan without funding commitment

October 14, 2026·Estes Park·Larimer County

From the Estes Park Town Board meeting of October 13, 2026

The Estes Park Town Board took up a motion Oct. 13 to adopt a Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan. Trustee Mark Igel said it should guide future development without guaranteeing funding for its proposals.

Town counsel said adopting the plan would make it the town’s guiding document, enacted through the budget, though the difference from approval would not fundamentally change the town’s approach. “I would ask that you not have any expectations these are funded,” Igel said. Trustees would discuss the proposals over time, Igel said.

Mayor Gary Hall praised the plan’s attention to accessibility and its interconnected, visually cohesive approach. Hall envisioned more and smoother trails and connectors over time. A public commenter who reported frequent visits to Thumb Open Space praised its trail improvements and said contract workers had been working there. “I would like to have a bench at the top so you could rest once you got up there,” the commenter said.

The plan presenter said work and public outreach began in May 2005. Input came from farmers markets, Pumpkins and Pilsners and surveys. At trustees’ suggestion, the team conducted additional surveys and held two middle-school and two high-school classes to hear from teenagers, children and families.

The presenter asked to remove Castle Mountain properties from the map before the plan was finalized. The map showed them within town limits even though they are within the park, the presenter said. A trustee said the plan’s matrix left climbing and bouldering unmarked at Thumb Open Space, although both were mentioned elsewhere in the plan.

More from this meeting

Estes Park Town Board, Oct. 13, 2026
Estes Park reports power utility inventory buys above $30,000 lacked required bids; Estes Park approves $100,000 more for Prospect Mountain water consultant; Estes Park board postpones decision on proposed rezoning criteria; 3 consent items adopted.
Town Administrator ReportEstes Park reports power utility inventory buys above $30,000 lacked required bids
While purchasing policies are revised, the town plans to seek a quote through SourceWell, which uses public bids, but may buy elsewhere if that quote is higher. Staff plan to report both issues at the regular Policy 3.4 review in March 2027.
Item Consent Agenda.5Estes Park approves $100,000 more for Prospect Mountain water consultant
The amendment pays JVA to guide the town through a resolution with the contractor, beyond its base contract. The leaking tank remains unresolved as discussions continue.
Item 1.AEstes Park board postpones decision on proposed rezoning criteria
The proposed tests cover consistency with the future land use plan, neighborhood compatibility and public facilities, with exceptions for changed conditions or technical errors. The language remains open to changes before it returns to an agenda.
Item 1.BEstes Park requires neighborhood meetings for most development applications, retains weekends
The community development director may require more meetings for complex projects, potential adverse impacts or unresolved issues. Applicants must submit a summary of questions raised and intended responses with the application; staff will make it public.
Item Action Items.1Estes Park approves development fee waivers for child care facilities
The waivers apply to qualifying projects that establish, expand or preserve local child care capacity. Water tap fees remain in place, and building-permit relief is limited to the portion the town retains.
Item Action Items.3Estes Park adds $35,000 for EVICS childcare tuition aid
The funding covers school-age assistance provided during the year and the gap between the existing award and projected program needs. Tuition assistance is expected back for discussion in 2027.
Item Action Items.4Estes Park board considers plan to expand options, preserve workforce housing
The proposal would explore pre-approved accessory dwelling unit designs and streamlined approvals, while coordinating housing investments with utilities, transportation and community services. If approved, it must go to the state within 60 days.
Item Action Items.5Estes Park board considers Hostetler for Visit Estes Park seat
The Estes Park Town Board took up a motion to appoint Susan Hostetler to the Visit Estes Park board. The four-year term would begin Jan. 1, 2027.
Item Reports and Discussion Items.1Estes Park weighs partial refund for 440 Valley Road
The municipal code has no refund mechanism, and any reimbursement would need a documented public purpose. No action was taken; a decision would have to be scheduled for a future board meeting.