Bonfire Brewing has kept The Eagle River Park Project nestled close under its wing as improvements are made on the popular river in the I-70 Corridor.

The park project was launched to build four world-class whitewater features and an adjacent park area on the north side of the Eagle River near the town of the same name. Bonfire’s contribution supports ongoing work to construct additional amenities and secures the naming rights for the Eastern Firepit that serves as a central hub for the park. Bonfire recently made a large donation to expedite the project.

Established in 2015, the park was planned to become a central part of the Eagle River Corridor Plan. Following adoption of the plan in April of 2016, town of Eagle voters approved a 0.5-percent sales tax to fund a variety of park and trail improvements including this project.

Most recently, a private group of local residents formed a fundraising committee to help finance various elements of the park that were not funded by the town's initial budget.

Town of Eagle Trustee Matt Solomon said Bonfire has definitely stepped up. “Without hesitation, Bonfire Brewing reached out to be the first major donor of the park,” Solomon said. “The Eagle River Park has been on the wish list of boaters and residents for decades. This amenity will truly connect the soul of the river to the heart of our valley. This partnership with Bonfire Brewing is an eternal representation of this balance of nature and spirit.”

Bonfire Brewing Owner & Co-Founder Andy Jessen pushed for the park initiative as a member of Eagle’s Board of Trustees. Now serving a second term, Jessen reflects on turning the initiative into a reality. “Watching this park come to fruition as a trustee, citizen, and business owner in Eagle has been perhaps the most gratifying experience I can recall during my 10 years here,” Jensen said. “Given Bonfire’s long-standing commitment to community, there was never a question of if we would directly support making it a reality— just when and how.”

Click here for more information about The Eagle River Park project.

- Natasha Lovato