St. Vrain Greenway makes me proud to live in Longmont

Several times a week I have the pleasure of walking the western section of the St. Vrain Greenway in Longmont. This is a wonderful way to avoid the negative news of the world and enjoy fresh air, gorgeous views, bald eagles, herons, hawks, and many other birds. The greenway is always cleared during the winter. I have the chance to talk to many people and say “hi” to their four-footed friends. Lately, as I have walked the greenway and taken in the beauty, I have wondered about its history. My first step was talking to Jim, the ecosystem management administrator for the city of Longmont. Jim suggested Paula Fitzgerald would be the best person to talk to, though Paula is retired. As an alternative, Jim forwarded my contact information to Steve, Parks & Trails senior project manager for the city of Longmont. Both Jim and Steve have been helpful in my research.

Though, lo and behold, it is a small world. Recently, as I was walking the St. Vrain Greenway, I ran into Rick and Paula Fitzgerald. Rick and I know each other, though I have never met Paula. Paula introduced herself, and I was thrilled that I had a chance to meet her. Paula was wonderful about walking and talking about the history of the greenway and answering my questions. Paula worked as the senior project manager for the city of Longmont, and oversaw the development of the greenway. The greenway goes from Golden Ponds to the Sandstone Ranch Open Space area. There were many areas of the greenway that were damaged during the major flood in Longmont in 2013. Work on the greenway is a continuous project.

I learned that Golden Ponds used to be a gravel mining site and was donated to the city of Longmont in 1990 by Vernon Golden with the V.V. Golden Foundation, as a place to fish, walk and enjoy nature. Just west of the parking area is a bronze sculpture of Vernon helping a boy fish. This sculpture was donated by the family. I walk by this sculpture several times a week and until now never knew the significance of it. This is my favorite place to view Longs Peak, and I enjoy the waterfall near the area. Golden Ponds features 88 acres including 56 acres in four ponds. Golden Ponds was heavily damaged during the flood of 2013. Work was completed on the spillway in the easternmost pond in 2018.

Another area I walk by on the greenway is Izaak Walton Nature Area. This area was donated to the city of Longmont in 1989 by the V.V. Golden Foundation. This area was used by the Izaak Walton League as a sport fishing and skeet-shooting facility. There were not any improvements made to this area until 1999. The Izaak Walton Nature Area is 21.5 acres in size, including a 15.7 acre pond. The pond was dedicated as a youth fishing pond and is considered a youth fishing spot. There are signs by the pond about the youth fishing program.

Walking the St. Vrain Greenway has always been my favorite thing to do in Longmont. Now it takes on a historical place in my heart. As I take in Longs Peak, and the bald eagles flying above me, I am proud to live in Longmont and be able to enjoy this beautiful greenway.