River's Edge opening for fishing on July 4th

The three ponds of River's Edge Natural Area will be open for what is described as "temporary public access" beginning July 4th.  The new natural area adjacent to Jayhawker Ponds was set for opening last fall but was heavily damaged Big Thompson River flooding.

This should be a great spot for club outings, and we'll get something on the calendar for July.  We won't have any scheduled events in the first full week of July.  Here's the news release we received from Brian Hayes, Loveland Natural Areas Resource Coordinator.  Bill 

City of Loveland, Colorado

MEDIA RELEASE

Public Information Office:	Lisa Schwartz, 962-2556, lisa.schwartz@cityofloveland.org
Media Contact:	Brian Hayes, Natural Areas Resource Coordinator    brian.hayes@cityofloveland.org | 970-962-2726
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   June 27, 2014

River’s Edge Natural Area Interim Opening July 4^th Weekend

The temporary opening of River’s Edge Natural Area is planned for the weekend of July 4^th.   Regular hours will be 6:00 am to 10:30 pm daily.  Parking will be available at Centennial Park, with walk-in access to River’s Edge via the Recreation Trail underpass at 1^st Street.  Walk-in access will also be available from the Thompson School District parking lot at 800 S. Taft Ave.  

Trails, ponds, restrooms and a bridge to Jayhawker Ponds will be open for use. Fishing will be allowed in accordance with CO Parks & Wildlife regulations (all rules & regulations are available on the city’s website:  www.cityofloveland.org/riversedge). 

Damaged areas will be identified with signage – visitors should proceed with caution in these areas.  Temporary fencing around the core area (parking lot and picnic pavilions) will remain in place until permanent repairs are completed for safety. 

River’s Edge will be open for approximately 6 months, while re-design takes place.  The site was scheduled to open last September but due to extensive damage from the 2013 flood, has remained closed for repairs.  The interim opening was prioritized in response to citizen interest for access to trails and fishing.  Temporary conditions exist and restoration projects will be ongoing.  Permanent repairs will be completed during winter/spring 2015, requiring a full site closure at that time.  A grand re-opening is planned for summer 2015.