I’m writing this on the first day of autumn, and the flowers are mostly gone along the trails, the purple asters are always the last-er. My wife and I awoke to several inches of snow on our tent at Lawn Lake on September 14. Enjoy the fall! Here’s my seasonal cornucopia, my catch-up column.
Preserving Paradise: I appreciated Mark Guenther’s Sept. 12 Trail-Gazette letter to the editor. I think we’re in agreement on the core issue. We both seem to say that Town decision-makers should always consider preservation of the beauty and character of our town. We should not “slam the door” on paradise. Thanks, Mr. Guenther, for engaging.
Ballot Issues: In the Nov. 4 election, we have two Preserve Estes Park ballot initiatives. You’ve heard, and will hear, a lot of opinions and thoughts about these. I hope every eligible voter votes. Several have stated support of these items. The Estes Chamber of Commerce and the Estes Park Housing Authority have issued statements opposing the initiatives. Several experts have listed many of the potential legal challenges if these pass. Most importantly, we must be civil as we discuss this contentious topic.
Budget: The Town Board and staff publicly held the first 2026 budget session. The next is on Oct. 3. It’s a conservative, lean budget. We’re safer taking that approach in these times of financial uncertainty. This helps explain why some cash layouts have shrunk, Community Initiative Funding being one example.
ScotFest: Many folks were saddened that the Town’s cash layout for parade and barricade management was eliminated. ScotFest was the only private event that received this type of cash support. But that’s what a lean, conservative budget means. We have to first fund all the necessary and critical Town staff, services, equipment, and maintenance. There are several other good projects that we can’t afford right now.
The Town continues to give at least $70,000 of in-kind services, support, equipment, and facilities to the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival because of the unique cultural and historical nature of that festival. I enjoy it. Peggy Sue Young works hard and smart to keep it going. Those who attend have a wonderful time. Linda and I were there for two days, for music, shopping, and the Tattoo. At the Tattoo, you get the whole show, you don’t just get a “parade minute.” I wish more people had come to the Tattoos and filled up the grandstands. According to Peggy, 2026 is the 50th year, so let’s all be there.
Scooters, bikes, and other e-transports: We have a problem with the increasingly dangerous speed and in-and-out-and-in maneuvers of the various micromobility devices out there. We do have rules, regulations, and limits, but it’s tough to catch them in the act. Tell your e-riding friends and relatives to ease up. We want safety for the riders, safety for the pedestrians, and safety for vehicle drivers.
Development Code: Participate. There are plenty of options to get your input in.
EPPD: The school’s Top Field is one of about fifteen potential sites that have been studied for a new police department. There are other sites that I like better, though there are barriers to all of them. And yes, we do need 30,000 square feet for a functional, modern department that will last for several years into the future. Click here to watch the Sept. 9 joint session of the Town Board and the Estes Park School Board about this proposal. The Town will continue to explore all options.
Visit Estes Park: Kudos to Mike Zumbaugh for holding down the fort as interim CEO for over a year. We recently discussed summer events. It’s a long-lasting and erroneous rumor that VEP only focuses on shoulder-season events. In fact, they’re acutely aware that we must keep the legacy events strong. I won’t list all of their substantial marketing efforts to reinforce the summer – but there are many. Let me know if you want the broad list.
Estes Park Visitors: F. O. Stanley said, “Nature has endowed Estes Park in a wonderful manner. The grandeur of its scenery; its deep blue skies; its clear, cool, and invigorating air; its mountain streams of sparkling soft water; its sunny days and delightfully cool nights are things the summer visitor never forgets, and having enjoyed once, desires to enjoy again.”
Estes offers a lot, but the overriding draw will continue to be the mountains, the forests, the streams, the wildlife. The magic of the natural surroundings and Rocky Mountain National Park are the biggest factors that bring visitors back. Those natural elements are the foremost qualities that we must protect and maintain beyond summer’s end, to next summer when town bustles again.