Riverdale Regional Park Sustainability Improvements
As part of Adams County’s efforts to become a leader in this space, the Facilities & Fleet Management department and their Sustainability division are working to install renewable geothermal energy options inside the Waymire Dome. The geothermal project will affect areas of the park adjacent to Park Blvd., include temporary road closures along Park Blvd., and will be taking place in alternating zones within the Waymire Dome. Please follow any marked signage during the project.
Any groups or individuals whose rentals may be impacted by the project will be contacted prior to their event by Adams County staff. If you have questions, please call 303.637.8000.
Project Summary
Adams County is implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure improvements at the Waymire Dome as part of its Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) program. EPC allows the County to fund and implement capital improvements using projected future utility cost savings.
The program supports the County’s 2030 Sustainability Plan initiatives and efforts to comply with Colorado’s building benchmarking and performance standards. These improvements will help modernize County facilities, improve energy efficiency, address equipment maintenance needs, and reduce ongoing utility costs.
Following a competitive selection process, Adams County selected CMTA to conduct energy audits and identify improvement opportunities across County facilities. Based on the audit results, projects were prioritized according to facility needs, energy savings potential, and financial feasibility. The County entered into an EPC agreement with CMTA in 2024, and implementation of the selected improvements has been underway since then.
At the Waymire Dome, the project includes LED lighting upgrades, installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system, and replacement and upgrades to HVAC equipment and controls.
Project Schedule and Phases
Construction began in October 2026 and will conclude in June 2027. Work will be completed in four phases. Construction timelines are subject to change.
Phase 1: October 12-December 8
Equipment replacements and upgrades in the loading dock and boiler room, along with drilling the geothermal well field. The geothermal system will included 62 vertical wells, each approximately 400 feet deep.
Phase 2: January 14-February 25, 2027
Mechanical equipment replacements and upgrades in the mezzanine above the Waymire Dome kitchen.
Phase 3: February 26-April 9, 2027
Mechanical equipment replacements and upgrades in the area above the men’s restroom in the Waymire Dome.
Phase 4: April 21-June, 2027
Removal of the existing cooling tower, boilers, and pumps in the mechanical room, followed by sod and irrigation repairs in the geothermal well field.
Park Access and Closure Areas
Throughout the improvements process, areas within the park and facilities will be closed to the public for varied durations. Please avoid all areas under construction when visiting Riverdale Regional Park and follow all marked signage.
Waymire Dome
Access to the Waymire Dome may be limited from time to time as work is underway inside the building. Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Arts staff have been in contact with individuals or groups whose reservations may be affected by the improvements.
Park Boulevard
Park Boulevard will remain open for a majority of the project; however, a brief closure of Park Boulevard is required on November 12 and 13 so the contractor can bore underneath the roadway to install geothermal piping. Access within the park will remain open; please follow all marked detours.
Other Closure Areas
- A storage area will be fenced off for contractor use for the duration of the project. The storage area will be north of the Waymire Dome in the crusher fine parking lot.
- The lawn on the southeast side of the Waymire Dome and west of Park Boulevard will be closed for the month of November.
Frequently Asked Questions
The geothermal project at the Waymire Dome will create commercial heating and cooling through ground source heat pumps and do not directly supply renewable energy to a facility. They do create more efficient heating and cooling and eliminate the use of natural gas.
The introduction of geothermal heating and cooling will avoid 58.4 tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the annual energy usage of 7.2 homes. The project will provide a 12% savings on the Waymire Dome’s annual utility costs.
Please refer to the Project Schedule and Phases section above. If you are still uncertain, please call 303.637.8000.
Pavilion rentals for the 2026-7 winter season are closed and will reopen April 4, 2027. Pavilion usage is on a first-come, first-served basis until that point, and pavilions within the park will remain open during the project. If a pavilion should close due to unforeseen project requirements, please abide by all closure signage.
