COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

Edwards River Park will set the example of sustainable planning principles through the reclamation of an abandoned industrial site. As noted by the Climate Action Collaborative, the Edwards River Park Park PUD and subsequent amendment achieves many goals and recommendations of the Collaborative:

  • Green certification of buildings
  • Solar energy projection from rooftops
  • Electric car charging onsite (minimum of 16 stations within the PUD)
  • Efficient water fixtures (WaterSense) and appliances (EnergyStar)
  • Integrated bike and pedestrian network, including connection of the multi-use path on the south side of Highway 6 to new sidewalk on north side
  • Bicycle parking, storage, charging, and related facilities onsite
  • New transit stop with state of the art facilities
  • Energy offset for snowmelt systems – Helps protect wetlands from salts and chemicals
  • Recycling and compost facilities
  • Dark sky lighting requirements
  • Wetland and wildlife habitat protection
  • Most up to-date Building Code
  • Stormwater quality treatment – state of the art

Of the total 53-acre site, 35 acres are open space/wetlands (66%) and will be preserved as such. In order to protect the elk, water fowl, fish, and other species of wildlife, the open space will be closed during the winter in the same manner as the adjacent Eagle River Preserve. Edwards River Park is in the process of placing a conservation easement on the open space. Boardwalk piers will be constructed to organize and control pedestrian access within the open space, reducing the impacts, while also allowing the public to interact with nature in a conservation-oriented way. The plans also reflect funding of a trail connection to the Eagle River Preserve should it be desired by Eagle County and the Eagle Valley Land Trust, who own and control the Eagle River Preserve.

Edwards River Park has established wetland and stream setbacks, as well as managed wetland buffers, that will contribute to the overall water quality. The development team has repeatedly stated the importance that the environment and wildlife enhancements are to them and their future residents.