The North Fork Miners Trail

The North Fork Miners Trail project promises to enhance connectivity and accessibility for the Hotchkiss community, providing a much-needed infrastructure that has been envisioned for decades. With the community’s unwavering support and the collaboration of dedicated stakeholders and landowners, the trail is set to become a cornerstone of local recreation and transportation.it 

Historical Context:

• Fairgrounds: Established in 1919, with updates in 2008 and 2021.
• Hotchkiss High School: Opened in 1982-1983, merged with Paonia High School in 2021 and rebranded as the Miners.
• North Fork Pool, Park, and Recreation District: Founded in 1994, this facility includes a pool, soccer fields, parking, and concessions.
• Hotchkiss Home Plate: Three new ball fields were added in 2019, along with improvements like a concession stand and restrooms, and there are plans for another baseball field.
• The Nature Connection: Established in 2017, it offers mountain bike trails and summer and winter outdoor low-cost or free youth programs.

A Vision Realized:

Delta County District 3 Commissioner Wendell Koontz shared his enthusiasm: "In early 2020, I had ambitious plans for this project. The need for the trail is clear—it’s been discussed for decades. Now, after nearly 3.5 years with the Stakeholder Team, we are breaking ground!"

He continued, "Be aspirational! Set clear goals and stay motivated. As Walt Disney said, 'You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make that dream a reality.' Let's work together to bring our dreams to life!"