The town of Oak Creek, in collaboration with the Oak Creek Mountain Park Committee and the South Routt Recreation Association, is seeking 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. 

The fundraising efforts, which will be promoted at events throughout the valley over the next several months, come after the park was awarded a $55,200 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, which 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. 

While the Great Outdoors Colorado grant covers a significant portion of 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. 

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.

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.

To donate to the project, visit tinyurl.com/3dxh43bx. Contributions may be tax-deductible.