GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) — Golden City Council discussed restrictions to local tube rental businesses ahead of the summer, and there are concerns.
Golden City Council is considering shutting down local tube rental companies this summer on at least a few peak days. They are worried about overcrowding and safety on Clear Creek.
Beth Battilla, owner of Adventure West, told FOX31 she understands the need. As a Golden resident, she sees the crowds but has concerns about what it would mean for her business.
“It is really hard financially and it is really confusing to customers. I do understand the need to balance user groups, to balance the wants and needs and rights of the citizens who live here,” Battilla said.
The city is considering shutting down rental spots when river traffic is most crowded, but it would be limited to five days. These restrictions would not shut down the creek altogether but rather the rental and sales of tubes.
“The potential to shut us down up to five days for special events, if those were to be five peak weekend days, that would be hard on our business,” Battilla said.
From the council’s discussion on Tuesday night, it seemed as though their goal was to shut down the rental units at least once this summer on a peak day, like the Saturday during Buffalo Bill Days weekend, to gain data about how much these businesses contribute to the crowds.
During the council’s study session on Tuesday, not all were on board with the proposal.
“Trying to decide something as big as closing down an operation on their business day when we don’t have the data seems misplaced,” Ward 2 Council Member Paul Haseman said.
‘Are we creating a safe environment?’
Safety was another issue brought up in the discussion, as rental agencies have helmets and residents who recreationally use the creek normally do not.
“We leave it in the hands of the people who are just showing up to the creek, are we creating the safest environment?” Mayor Laura Weinberg said.
Adventure West says its business is about safety too.
“I’m very concerned that if nobody’s actively teaching and distributing or even requiring life jackets and helmets with such a large event coming to town, there could be a safety piece there,” Battilla said.
The council is set to vote on the restrictions in May. To watch the full city council study session discussion on the proposal, click here.
Gabby Easterwood
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