Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail and Iselin Courts Reconstruction projects to begin construction in April
City of Aspen/Courtesy image
The Aspen Parks and Open Space Department has announced plans to begin construction on the Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail and the Iselin Courts Reconstruction projects next month. City staff anticipate the projects will enhance the city’s recreational landscape.
Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail involves the construction of 5,245 linear feet of ADA-accessible multi-use trail to connect the Colorado Highway 82 roundabout to the Aspen Recreation Center and beyond. Staff have stated the initiative will address concerns regarding school safety, the rising use of e-bikes, and the need for clarity in the current trail system.
“The Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail enhances accessibility and safety within our community. Additionally, this project lays the foundation for sustainable transportation infrastructure by providing a link between downtown Aspen and the Maroon Creek Valley,” said John Spiess, the city’s open space and natural resource manager.
He said the trail’s project will specifically address safety in several ways, one of which being the project’s separation of the trail from the central part of the school campus. According to him, the increasing number of people accessing the Maroon Bells via bike and the significant uptick seen in e-bikes has created a potentially dangerous situation on the Aspen School District campus where students are moving between classes on foot and cyclists are moving quickly through the largely pedestrian environment. He added that the current public trail through the campus also presents a significant risk with regard to school violence.
“The grade separated trail will provide an alternative to riding within the roadway on Maroon Creek Road,” Spiess said. “This will provide significant safety improvements for drivers and cyclists who currently share the narrow road platform.”
Located near the Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail, the Iselin Courts Reconstruction project is simultaneously on track to commence by renovating the existing pickleball courts adjacent to Iselin Field as a response to what Aspen landscape Architect and Construction Manager Mike Tunte called a “strong desire” expressed by the community for additional pickleball courts. He said the recreation department devoted extensive efforts to meet demands of the pickleball community while also making efforts to not lose sight of the tennis community, as well.
“Despite this being a highly sought after and growing sport, we have not been able to provide adequate facilities,” he said. “For years, our pickleball community has played on a converted tennis court, which does not meet dimensional standards and makes for a compromised play experience. We currently offer one tennis court at Iselin, and we acknowledge the desire to retain tennis facilities at this location. Accordingly, our plan includes one new regulation-size court for tennis enthusiasts.”
The renovation project plans to address structural flooring damage, court regulation standards, and other facility-related issues, ensuring high-quality courts that meet community needs. In January, Aspen City Council approved a contract with Gould Construction Inc. to provide construction services for Iselin Courts after Tunte explained how staff was able to lower the bid price back within budget.
“The lowest bid we received exceeded the budget allocation, which had been determined through professional cost estimates,” he said. “In response, we conducted a thorough review to identify opportunities for cost reduction while preserving the project’s essential attributes. Certain features, such as the landscape seating overlook and bathroom facility, may be considered for implementation in future phases. Other elements like the trench drains have been designed out of the project without compromising its usability or overall aesthetic.”
Once completed, staff expect to see a multitude of benefits resulting from the Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail and Iselin Courts Reconstruction projects such as enhanced safety, improved accessibility, and enriched recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors. Staff have stated that these initiatives create vibrant spaces that promote health, wellness, and community engagement.
For more information about the Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail, Iselin Courts Reconstruction, and other initiatives led by Aspen Parks Department, visit aspen.gov/Maroon-Creek-Trail-Project.
To reach Jonson Kuhn, email him at jkuhn@aspentimes.com.
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