Article Contributed on: 11/6/2009 1:33:44 PM
Church construction poses hurdles
Parishioners shuttle makes best of no parking space
Parking a hurdle during construction
Locals who drive along Colorado 74 north of Evergreen Lake can't help but notice the transformation of the landscape in front of Christ the King Catholic Church.
Major changes have occurred, the removal of several large pine trees, the most dramatic. The Cabrini House and Parish Hall have been demolished and work has begun on the foundation of a new Parish Center. The church building and Pastor Christopher Renner's residence will remain intact.
Parish administrative assistant Pat Conway said, "People have been lamenting the beautiful trees we've taken down, but for every one removed, we have to plant three six-inch diameter trees."
In a $4.5 million project the church is expanding its facilities and re-orienting its site. The anticipated completion date is June 2010. The 17,000 square foot renovation and expansion includes a new facility adjoining the existing church structure that will house a 3,400 square foot parish hall, classrooms, kitchen, a 1,600 square-foot youth center, offices and miscellaneous special purpose rooms. When finished, the social and educational spaces will triple their former size. More parking and handicap access will be added.
Pastor Renner said, "With 1,100 families, we are the largest church in Evergreen. We needed a lot more space. Our focus in moving forward with this has been to serve our parishioners and our community."
Construction is by Evergreen-based Catamount Constructors. Over the roar of excavators digging the foundation and red ESCO dump trucks driving in and out, Catamount Superintendent Barry Venturella said "We're trying to get some building done before the weather sets in."
Since the parking lots have been scraped away, members of the Knights of Columbus Council 6905 began offering a short shuttle service for parishioners attending the Sunday mass service.
"One of the biggest concerns is access for members who are elderly or disabled. It's an awfully long walk from down below up the ramp," said Frazer Lockhart a Knights of Columbus and church member.
Lockhart said he witnessed a man who had had knee surgery struggling at a Nov. 1 mass.
"I caught him about 10 feet away from his car. To save him 100 yards of walking was a good service," Lockhart said.
Pastoral assistant Chris Moore said "Our site actually lies wedged between Dedisse Park, the frontage road and Bear Creek Cemetery. It's much smaller than people think. To get all the equipment on site and provide them the space to work, we needed to close off a significant chunk of our parking."
Lockhart said the shuttle service would be offered before and after the 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday masses. Since different volunteers work each Sunday, he said people should wait at the RTD bus shelter and look for vehicles with a sign.
"It's pretty loose, but we are trying to make a tough situation a little better," said Lockhart.