Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden — Pedestrians and bicyclists who currently use the streets in Hayden might be able to pursue their recreational activities away from traffic before the end of the year.

The town received a $68,700 grant in April from Great Outdoors Colorado funding to construct a bike path along Dry Creek between Third Street Park and Jefferson Avenue, but the funds had to spent by the end of 2002.

The town, however, received a new contract that goes until the end of 2003.

The pressure may be removed somewhat, but Town Manager Rob Straebel said he would still like to see the path made available in time for summer use.

With a year of work behind it and the grant funding in place, the town should move forward with the project, Straebel said.

"We have plenty of time to complete it, but it certainly is my intention to have it completed by the end of the summer," he said.

The town of Hayden recently received the results of a wetlands study of land along its proposed bike path, which would take pedestrians and bikers out to West U.S. 40 at the end of town.

Straebel said the town plans to incorporate the wetlands study into a second study.

An engineer will then be able to calculate the amount the town owes people who own property along the 10-foot-wide trail.

The Town Board would like to purchase a 30-foot easement along the trail.

The town holds an informal agreement with the landowners, who earlier agreed to accept the town's appraisal of the property, Straebel said.

"We are working with the landowners," he said.

Property owners suggested during a November Town Board meeting that efforts be made to protect the people who use a portion of the trail along U.S. 40.

The path will be a soft surface trail, Straebel said.

The town hopes to incorporate the efforts of the Boy Scouts and representatives from the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps to help improve the aesthetic qualities of the trail.

"We want to make it more attractive," Straebel said.