RIFLE, Colo. — June 11, 2026 — The City of Rifle has completed the Rifle Activity Center Feasibility Study, a planning effort that evaluates the need, scale, potential location, cost, and long-term operational considerations for a future indoor recreation facility serving Rifle residents and the surrounding community.
The study was developed through community outreach, stakeholder engagement, site analysis, market research, conceptual design, cost estimating, and operations planning. It responds to a clear community interest in more year-round indoor recreation opportunities, particularly for youth activities, court sports, fitness, walking, aquatics, and flexible multi-use spaces.
"This study gives Rifle residents and decision-makers a clearer picture of the opportunities, costs, and choices involved in planning a future community recreation facility," said Austin Rickstrew, Parks and Recreation Director. "It represents an important step in evaluating how additional indoor recreation opportunities could serve residents for years to come."
The study identifies Metro Park as the preferred location for the proposed facility. Metro Park emerged as the preferred location because of its central location, proximity to existing recreation amenities, connection to the current pool complex, accessibility for pedestrians and vehicles, and potential to serve as a community recreation hub.
The recommended facility concept includes a mix of indoor recreation and community spaces, with potential features such as:
Court gymnasium space
Indoor turf fieldhouse
Indoor walking/jogging track
Fitness and multi-use studio areas
Indoor playground
Locker rooms, staff areas, and support spaces
Optional indoor aquatic center with lap and leisure pool components
The study evaluates two cost scenarios. Option A, a facility without an indoor pool, has an estimated total project cost of approximately $30.2 million. Option B, a facility with an indoor aquatic center, has an estimated total project cost of approximately $46.6 million. Both estimates include construction and non-construction costs such as design and engineering, furnishings and equipment, surveys, testing, development fees, and contingencies.
Operations planning completed as part of the study also outlines a potential City-owned and City-operated model. The preliminary pro forma anticipates a cost recovery range of approximately 60 to 68 percent over five years, with revenue generated through memberships, daily admissions, programs, rentals, and other potential opportunities.
"The Activity Center has the potential to become a year-round gathering place that supports recreation, wellness, and community connection," said Rickstrew. "By providing flexible spaces for programs, activities, and events, it could serve residents of all ages while enhancing Rifle's quality of life for generations to come."
The feasibility study is intended to help the community and City leaders make informed decisions. Residents are encouraged to review the study, learn more about the proposed concept, and stay engaged as the City continues evaluating the future of indoor recreation in Rifle. The full Rifle Activity Center Feasibility Study is available on the City of Rifle website at https://www.rifleco.org/ParksAndRec.
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About Rifle: A small municipality on Colorado’s Western Slope, Rifle blends rugged landscapes with vibrant local culture. From scenic hikes to authentic cowboy heritage, adventure and hospitality await around every corner.
The City of Rifle values full inclusion and access for all of our facilities, programs, activities, and services. We are pleased to provide meaningful accommodations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonably provide translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids, and services.
To request special assistance, call Kathy Pototsky at 970-319-8288 or email our ADA Team at [email protected]. Please allow 48 hours for your requests to be met.
La Ciudad de Rifle valora la plena inclusión y acceso para todas nuestras instalaciones, programas, actividades y servicios. Nos complace proporcionar alojamientos significativos para cumplir con la Ley de Estados Unidos con Discapacidades (ADA) y proporcionar razonablemente traducciónes, interpretaciónes, modificaciones, adaptaciones, formatos alternativos, ayudas auxiliares y servicios.
Para solicitar asistencia especial, llame a la Kathy Pototsky al 970-319-8288 o envíe un correo electrónico a el equipo ADA a [email protected]. Por favor, permita 48 horas para que se atiendan sus solicitudes