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Here’s the release from Denver Water (Stacy Chesney):
Waterton Canyon will be closed for three weeks beginning at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, for a Denver Water contractor to remove its 75-ton dredge and other equipment from Strontia Springs Reservoir. The canyon will reopen Monday, April 23, at 7 a.m.
Waterton Canyon reopened March 1, 2012, after being closed since August 2010 for a contractor to dredge Strontia Springs Reservoir. This three-week closure was announced earlier this year, and is the final phase in demobilizing the project, which was needed in the aftermath of the Buffalo Creek and Hayman fires.
“We are glad to see people enjoying the canyon since it reopened earlier this month,” said Doug Raitt, construction project manager for Denver Water. “The recent warm weather melted the ice on the reservoir quickly, so the contractor needs to remove its machinery soon. In the interest of public safety, we have to close the canyon while the work to demobilize this complex project is completed. Unfortunately, we can’t open the canyon during this three-week process. We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as this project wraps up.”
While the canyon was closed, Denver Water made improvements to the popular recreation area. “We wanted to make subtle changes, so we didn’t drastically alter the look and feel that people love about Waterton,” said Neil Sperandeo, recreation manager for Denver Water. “Recreationists will notice new mini-shelters to get out of the sun or rain, more parking spots, and improved signs with information about wildlife and the canyon.”
For questions related to recreation, email recreation@denverwater.org.