Boathouse on the Pueblo Riverwalk is set to open

The Pueblo Riverwalk Boathouse, part of a nearly $16 million Riverwalk improvement that included a Phase IV channel extension, will hold its grand opening on April 23 after nearly two years of construction.

The Pueblo Riverwalk Boathouse is scheduled to hold its grand opening at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 23. The two-story, multi-use facility was built as part of the Riverwalk Boathouse and Phase IV channel extension project, which finished after nearly two years of work. The Phase IV channel extension opened earlier this year and completed a new walking loop linking Gateway Park with Santa Fe Avenue. The Boathouse will provide space for HARP offices and public amenities including boat storage, ticket sales, concessions, restrooms, conference rooms and a rooftop deck. Key details: - The overall project cost is reported as $15.97 million, with construction beginning in June 2024 and completing in April 2026. - The official grand opening is set for 3 p.m. Thursday, April 23 at the Boathouse, 130 E. Riverwalk. - The Boathouse includes HARP Authority offices on the second level, two waterfront conference rooms, an open-air rooftop party deck, and facilities for boat storage, maintenance, ticket sales and concessions. - The Phase IV channel extension created a direct pedestrian connection between Gateway Park and Santa Fe Avenue and completed a new walking loop on the east end of the Riverwalk. - Reported funding sources include a $1 million grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs matched by $1 million from the city, $9 million from the 2016 Pueblo County ballot measure 1A, $3.31 million from the half-cent sales tax, $1.4 million in ARPA funding, $200,000 from the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority, and $699,000 raised by the HARP Foundation. - HARP will transition its operations to the Boathouse in the days before the ceremony, and full Riverwalk boat operations and public rentals are expected to begin in May. Summary: The new boathouse and channel extension complete a multi-year Riverwalk improvement focused on improving pedestrian connectivity and downtown access. HARP will relocate its offices into the facility and begin welcoming visitors after the April 23 opening, with full boat operations slated to start in May.