The City of Grand Junction has announced it has received a $400,000 grant from the state Department of Parks and Wildlife, which completes the funding needs to build the Lunch Loop Connector Trail.

A total of $2.5 million has now been secured to build the 1.5 mile connector trail to one of the Grand Valley’s most popular hiking and biking trails.

Below is the complete announcement from the City of Grand Junction:

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The City of Grand Junction and Colorado West Land Trust are thrilled to announce that the recent $400,000 award from the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife brings the fundraising effort to construct the Lunch Loop Connector Trail to the finish line. This $2.5 million project will link some of the Grand Valley’s most popular amenities and neighborhoods to the world renown and community favorite Lunch Loop and Three Sisters trail system. With the construction of this 1.5- mile Trail in late 2019, outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities will enjoy a safe and almost seamless outdoor linear park that connects Las Colonias, the Audubon Trail, Connected Lakes, downtown Grand Junction, and the Lunch Loop and Three Sisters open space.

Lunch Loop project mock up.jpg

Connector Trail Project Mock Up

“This paved connection linking the Colorado Riverfront Trail to the Lunch Loop and Three Sisters trail systems will help meet goals outlined in the City of Grand Junction’s Comprehensive Plan to enhance outdoor recreation amenities that improve the quality of life for our residents and promote local economic development,” said Grand Junction City Manager Greg Caton.

Sarah Shrader, owner of Bonsai Design, relocating to Las Colonias Business Park has advocated for this connection, “The ability to ride and commute to the Lunch Loop trails from our office at Las Colonias will be strategic in attracting young professionals to our local labor force.”

The City and the Land Trust partnered with Mesa County and the BLM to gather public input throughout 2017 from trail users and local organizations on the alignment of the Trail. Public meetings and focus groups during this process also yielded desired improvements to the Lunch Loop Trailhead. A number of these suggested changes that will improve safety and the overall visitor experience at the Trailhead will coincide with the construction of the Lunch Loop Connector Trail.

Partners for this tremendous community project include Great Outdoors Colorado, Mesa County, City of Grand Junction, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program /NPS, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bacon Family Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Goodwin Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, One Riverfront, and the Bureau of Land Management.