Vision Statement
The purpose of the Del Norte Riverfront Project is to improve recreation opportunities and access and the ecological condition of the riparian areas for fish and wildlife habitat on the Rio Grande near North Park in Del Norte. The Del Norte Riverfront Project will, most importantly, create connectivity between the communities and visitors of the San Luis Valley and the river that sustains it.
Current Status
The Instream elements of the project have been completed, including a grouted rock playwave, pedestrian river access, channel shaping, and fish habitat structures. Willows have also been planted to improve riparian habitat and bank stability. Robins Construction will soon begin work on the ADA accessible picnic shelter, designed by Spencer Architecture with inspiration from CU landscape architecture students. Additional park amenities include benches overlooking the playwave, wildlife-proof trashcans, and a privacy structure for river users to change in. A kiosk will also be added, which will include boating safety rules, local information, and map of the Rio Grande highlighting major landmarks and hazards. Construction on the north side of the river is scheduled to finish in early June, at which point the park will be fully open to the public.