LONGMONT, Colo. — A park in Boulder county is making a comeback. Pella Crossing had to rebuild after the massive September 2013 flood, leaving 80,000 yearly visitors with a closed gate and no access to the recreation area for three and a half years.
Construction work began in September 2016. Crews built breaches between ponds, rebuilt trails and restored the trailhead. In some areas of the park, there are emergency spillways with pathways going over the top of them, which will help avoid another flooding situation in the future.
The $3.5 million project took years to approve and plan and now is complete. The park reopens next week.
"We had to assess all the damage and then go through a process of engineering design and permitting with several federal agencies," said Justin Atherton-Wood, Boulder County Parks and Open Space Resource Planner. "We wanted to make sure we did a good job out here because it's such a popular place."
With all the re-building came some additions. There will be equestrian parking next to the parking lot. One of the ponds will also be used as a nursery for native fish species.
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at the park on Wednesday April 26 at 4:30 p.m.
Enjoy this content? Follow Denver7 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and download the Denver7 app on iOS and Android devices for continual access to breaking news, weather and sports.