Waterwheel Park

Waterwheel Park is an important point of interest along the Clear Creek Greenway trail and serves as an interpretive location for the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel, an iconic structure in Idaho Springs. The project has also developed educational features that discuss the significance of Native Americans in the area and the adjacent Brown Trout habitat in Clear Creek.

The redesign and reconstruction of Water Wheel Park is being done in conjunction with a larger regional project, Peak Period Shoulder Lane. These park improvements will mitigate the impacts to the park as a result of the road widening. The park improvements include constructing river access to Clear Creek, an enlarged park space, native plantings, and aesthetic features relating back to the history of the site.

Water Wheel Park was completed in July 2016.

Client

Clear Creek County

Location

Idaho Springs, CO

Services

Conceptual Planning

Construction Observation

Related Projects

Badger Gulch Park at Ridgegate

Badger Gulch Park, spanning 3.36 acres, is poised to become a serene yet vibrant natural gathering place on the east side of RidgeGate. It will be situated in the RidgeGate Village Center, where RidgeGate Parkway splits into one-way streets. This park will be a focal point for the community, accessible via an iconic pedestrian bridge that connects both sides of the park, providing access to the Badger Gulch regional trail, as well as connections to the nearby residential communities of Lyric at RidgeGate™ and the future South East Village.

Residents, especially those from the forthcoming senior housing community, will enjoy an array of amenities designed for relaxation and recreation. The park will feature a pavilion, picnic tables, a restroom, a showcase garden, fitness equipment, children’s play areas, and an inspiring public art installation, creating a lively and inclusive environment for all.

With generous support from the Rampart Range Metropolitan District, Badger Gulch Park will not only provide a beautiful space for leisure but also play a crucial role in preserving the local natural habitat for years to come.