EAGLE - The Eagle County Fairgrounds are a source of entertainment, pride and commerce for the entire county. But what about the other attractions in the fairgrounds complex, including the much-used playing fields and the Eagle River?

County officials are exploring ways to make the fairgrounds complex function as a regional park with new features and more entrances.

"The intent is to look at the entire property and do the best job we can," says Brad Higgins, Eagle County Fair Manager.

Expansion plans include new playing fields, picnic areas, a river promenade, a white water park, possible pavilion and conference center.

Planning consultants Shapins Associates is helping the county update the park. The concept is to create more of a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, with expanded recreational opportunities along the Eagle River.

The name for the regional park has yet to be determined. The county is considering "Eagle River Regional Park," or "Sawatch Regional Park," the latter referring to the mountain range in southern Eagle County that includes Mount of the Holy Cross.

"We would be open to other names," Eagle County senior planner Cliff Simonton said.

The concept for the pavilion is similar to the Donovan Pavilion in Vail, which is used for special events.

"We don't see anything like that currently in the lower end of the valley," Simonton said.

But because of its probable costs, Simonton said the pavilion probably won't be built for at least a few years. What might come sooner are enhanced pedestrian walkways, including one tracing the edge of the Eagle River.

Help Wanted Eagle County is creating a new position for management and enhancement of year-round activities at the regional park at the county fairgrounds. The coordinator will oversee fair and rodeo events; but the job will encompass far more as plans are developed to expand amenities and recreational uses throughout the park, Eagle County Manager Bruce Baumgartner said.

The county would also like to relocate the playing fields within the complex, as the gravel mining operation on the site moves in that direction. That would likely happen in about three years.

"We believe the park would operate much better if the area where the ball fields are currently located could be lowered to an elevation more consistent with the rest of the park," Simonton said.

Such a move would also lower ballpark lights so they would be less visible from the highway.

Soccer fields, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and picnic shelters also are in the plans for the future. 

The county hopes to see some improvements occur in and around the fairgrounds as well. Those improvements might include widening or moving trails around the complex so livestock and horses don't mix with pedestrians.

"There are improvements being talked about, such as new horse stalls for the Eagle River Center and cantilevered decks for vendors," Brad Higgins said. "Hopefully, what comes of this plan will be looked at together, so that whatever we do as a park will benefit the fair and rodeo as well."

Still, Higgins says these improvements are just in the discussion phase at the moment. "Right now, the sky's the limit."

Timing of the development depends on money. The county commissioners will be seeking funding sources and partnerships. The county has earmarked $250,00 for improvements to the fairgrounds this year.