Our Vision #22: Ice Rink and Expanded Ice Climbing

n - ice!

There are several opportunities for winter recreation on the site of the Ute Ulay.  Capitalizing on the ice climb that is already in use just below the dam on Henson Creek could make it a site of particular interest to experienced climbers.  Another possibility is the installation of a low maintenance ice-skating rink in the tailings pond after remediation.  Winter sports could help to expand the season of the hostel, drawing both locals and non-locals alike.

Our Vision #21: Old Mill Ruins / Gathering Space

The site of the original mill (no longer present) could become an outdoor gathering space, with the foundation creating natural walls around the concrete platform.  A screen could be hung from the hydropower structure, facilitating films, talks, and other events.  

I think they're watching 'Lucky Texan'

Our Vision #20: Tailings Pile

The largest mine tailings pile at the Ute-Ulay mill site has been estimated at 4,000 cubic yards in volume. Nearly a century ago, the pile was considerably larger. The pile may contain metals and other poisons that are lifting into the air, creating dust, and entering storm-water runoff. Sealing the tailings is the only practical way to reduce leaching and the threat of respiratory illness in visitors. We suggest using a powerful polymer emulsion that will retain the form of the pile. The sealant will bond the surface dust and aggregate together and "cement" it to the base to create a hard, dust-free, water-resistant, and resilient surface. This remediation technique will essentially freeze the tailings pile in time, establishing a memorial-like feature, a tribute to the work that took place at the site.

A monument to hard work

Our Vision #19: Underground Passage

a slide into the river through the unknown underground?

Though the mountains appear to be solid, miners have carved out veins of metals, leaving voids deep in the earth. Because the mines, and the creek—far below the level of the mine site—are inaccessible, a new route to reach the creek could be carved through the hillside in the spirit of the mine.