South Fork Republican Restoration Coalition (SFRRC)

Scope: Market Analysis

Services: Camping, Picnicking, Water-based Recreation

Issue: The SFRRC sought assistance in understanding what the recreation redevelopment options were for a recreational lake.

Process/Outcome: The SFRRC engaged CHMGS to complete a market analysis exploring alternatives for recreation opportunities at the former Bonny State Park site along the South Fork Republican River in northeastern Colorado. As one of the few public recreation areas in the region, the former state park site was an important public recreation asset to visitors from Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. The region considered the area an important water-based recreational resource, as well as a destination for camping and picnicking. After the drawdown of the Bonny Reservoir, recreational visitation declined. CHMGS’s market feasibility analysis included evaluating the supply of and demand for 12 possible recreation and hospitality uses. This work included both primary and secondary market research with the competitive supply, as well as local and regional stakeholders. The market analysis identified favorable market demand for a specialized motorized/non-motorized area with support amenities, including camping and either a bunkhouse and/or special event venue.

The SFRRC will use the CHMGS market analysis to pursue future development planning for the site.