Montrose, CO — Bring your boat and join the float as the City of Montrose celebrates the opening of a new boat launch on the Uncompahgre River.
The city will lead a "town run" with boats launching from the new site, located off the north side of Chipeta Lake, on Thursday, May 30, at 4 p.m. The May 30 run will end at the West Main Street take-out located directly south of the West Main Bridge.
The Parks Division, with help from Public Works and community members, designed the river put-in to be used by small craft; kayaks, stand up paddle boards, inflatables, and small rafts.
Access to the area through an automated gate is allowed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. The area is intended as a loading and unloading area for boaters and walk-in users. Parking is allowed outside of the river access area.
Vehicles are not allowed to drive down to the river’s edge.
The city, along with help from local contractor Haynes Excavation, installed a gate, roadway improvements, turn-around area, picnic area, and boat ramp in late April. Parks and Special Projects Superintendent John Malloy said that increasing flows on the Uncompahgre River make it a good time to open the area for recreational access.
"Improvements to the river access at Chipeta Lake Park will help facilitate the use of our "town run" on the Uncompahgre River," Malloy said.
This access area is one of three river access improvements the city has made over the past three years. There is a ramp at the West Main Trailhead as well as a ramp at Taviwach Park.
"Along with the Water Sports Park, the city is making the Uncompahgre a great recreational amenity for locals and visitors to enjoy," Malloy added.
For other city news visit: CityofMontrose.org.