The town council in Oak Creek voted unanimously last week to pursue the purchase of nearly 200 acres of land to protect public access to a popular hiking trail right at the edge of town. To us, the $1.25 million planned purchase is emblematic of a renaissance for the small south Routt County town.

For 15 years, Russ Garrity has graciously allowed neighbors and the general public to use the trail system he built on his property just west of Oak Creek. The trails have been used for long-distance training, for school field trips and for those looking to get outside and recreate just a few blocks from downtown Oak Creek.

The trail amenity is not dissimilar to the access Steamboat residents have to Spring Creek Trail and Emerald Mountain, just on a little smaller scale.

Read more at Steamboat Today.