An artist rendering of an outdoor amphitheater proposed in Rifle, Colorado.

Contract set for CSU outdoor classroom design

Glenwood Springs firm awarded contract for engineering work on educational amenity

PRESS RELEASE
July 20, 2023

Garfield County has contracted with Rosenfeld Design LLC out of Glenwood Springs for engineering and design work on a proposed outdoor classroom area next to the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle. The contract is not to exceed $100,000 for the open space classroom and multi-purpose event space, which will be run by the Colorado State University (CSU) Extension Office.

CSU is operating the classroom, but since its being built on county property, the county’s procurement process is being followed for contracts. It will be located on a 2.83-acre open space near Rifle Creek just off Railroad Avenue.

“Because it is on county land, the county wanted involvement in the procurement process to make sure we’re following county standards,” said Garfield County CSU Extension Director Carla Farrand. “It was requested back in 2019, to make sure this is constructed in the best way for the citizens of Garfield County.”

More than $61,000 of the funding comes from a Generation Wild Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant, plus $10,000 from an Alpine Bank matching grant, and the remaining $29,000 comes from donations to CSU, she added.

“That $100,000 is in the bank,” Farrand said. “We are good to go.”

The design and engineering is slated for completion this year. A 12,000-square foot Garfield County Education Center is also planned in the future inside an existing building on Railroad Avenue in Rifle, adjacent to the Rifle Creek Trail. While the building remodel is designed, CSU continues to fundraise for its eventual construction.

The outdoor education area is envisioned to contain an amphitheater, open-air classroom, community garden, pollinator garden, gathering space, picnic tables, a field in which to conduct science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities, and more. A display detailing both facilities is available at the Garfield County Fair and Rodeo from July 22-30, and staff is present to answer any questions.

Donations are also being accepted to help fund construction and can be made by calling Carla Farrand at (970) 319-9377. Donors will be recognized on the 4-H Clover Wall of Fame. The contract was approved unanimously, 3-0.