Photo Credit: Courtesy of Clear Creek RV Park (Golden, Colo.)
The Clear Creek RV Park has been owned and operated by the city of Golden, Colo., for over 20 years. Located in the heart of the city, it is nestled along the bubbling sounds of Clear Creek next to a community recreation center and a short walk from the quaint downtown. Golden is most famously known as the home of Coors Brewery, a popular tourist destination. The park has enjoyed several successful years due to the demand for RV sites in he state, the recent growth of the industry, and its ideal location.
In 2011, the City of Golden adopted a master plan for the Clear Creek corridor. The purpose of the plan was to enhance parkland, expand recreation opportunities, and create an integrated corridor. Space is at a premium in Golden, and many people envisioned alternative amenities in the park’s desirable creekside location. The choices were keeping the RV Park, removing it, and/or seeking alternative amenities for the area. Staff also surveyed existing park users and various stakeholders along the corridor. The area, however, was limited on affordable options for visitors (especially those looking to camp or RV), the park was drawing repeat visitors, and several local residents were using the park on the weekends as a getaway or staycation for themselves and/or visiting relatives. Ultimately, there was more support for keeping the RV park right where it is.
Because Clear Creek RV Park has been in transition over the last two years, it has experienced a small decline in revenue. Acknowledging the need for change and reinvention, RV staff members decided to find ways to make the park not only a better place to visit, but also an amenity that could hold its own when long-term viability came into question.