The town of Oak Creek, in collaboration with the Oak Creek Mountain Park Committee and the South Routt Recreation Association, is working to raise $90,000 in community donations for a long-envisioned downhill mountain bike flow trail at the park, according to a recent joint statement.

Grant and Community Efforts to Build Trail

The fundraising efforts, which will be at events throughout the valley over the next several months, come after the park was awarded a $55,200 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado. This grant will allow the town to partner with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps for a month of dedicated construction this summer.

The proposed 2-mile beginner-to-advanced trail will wind through the park’s existing trail network and include smooth berms, rolling terrain and jump features. The trail is designed to accommodate riders of all skill levels, providing both challenge and fun.

While the Great Outdoors Colorado grant covers a significant portion of the costs, local leaders say reaching the finish line will require continued community support. The additional $90,000 will cover design, machine work and final shaping of the trail, according to officials.

Park’s History and Community Role

Spanning 150 acres on the northwest side of Oak Creek, the community park has become a cornerstone of daily life since its creation in 2020. Once part of a larger tract owned by Russ and Clay Garrity, the land was permanently preserved through partnerships between the Garrity family, the town of Oak Creek, Routt County and the Yampa Valley Land Trust.

Today, the park offers 5 miles of trails weaving through aspen and oak groves, with more than 800 feet of elevation gain and sweeping valley views. Its terrain supports mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, skiing and dog walking year-round. The park’s popularity has grown significantly since its opening, with locals and visitors alike using it for recreation and exercise.

With the addition of the downhill flow trail, local officials hope to strengthen the park’s reputation as South Routt’s own ‘Emerald Mountain’ — a hub for outdoor recreation, volunteer spirit and community pride. The trail is expected to draw more visitors and further solidify the park’s role as a regional destination.

Future Implications and Community Involvement

The trail’s completion is expected to bring economic benefits to the area by attracting more visitors and increasing local business activity. The project also aligns with broader efforts to promote outdoor recreation and environmental conservation in the region.

Community involvement has been key to the park’s success so far, and officials are hoping to continue that trend. ‘This trail is not just about bikes — it’s about building a space that brings people together and supports the health and well-being of our community,’ said a local official.

Residents are being encouraged to participate in the fundraising efforts through various events and donation drives. The town has set a goal of raising the remaining $90,000 by the end of the year to ensure the trail can be built in time for the summer construction period.

The project represents a significant investment in the community’s future and highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in developing local infrastructure. As the town moves forward with its plans, it is clear that the success of the downhill flow trail will depend on the continued support of the community and the broader region.