Hot Springs State Park Master Plan by mundusbishop-denver

Hot Springs State Park Master Plan

October 2016

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Steering Committee Brad Basse, Hot Springs County Commissioners Ellen Sue Blakey, Greater Learning Foundation Justin Bleak, C/O Best Western Plaza Jim Boles, Burlington Northern Railroad Dave Deutz, State Engineer, Division III Dave Evans, HSC Recreation District State Senator Gerald Geis, Legislator Stefanie Gilbert, HSC Economic Development Board Angie Guyon, Wyoming Dinosaur Center Dan Herdt, Owl Creek Graphics James Lash, HSC School District Andy Layton, C/O Best Western Plaza Roland Luehne, C/O Star Plunge Bill Malloy, Town of Thermopolis Dorothy Milek, Pioneer Association and Historical Society Jim Mills, C/O Days Inn Mary Mills, C/O Days Inn Amanda Moeller, Travel & Tourism Dan Moriarity, C/O Tepee Pool Michelle Panos, Office of the Governor Meri Ann Rush, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Don Schmalz, State Parks and Cultural Resources Commissioner Cheryl Shero, Gottsche Rehabilitation Center Barb Vietti, Citizen Randy Wahler, Citizen State Representative Nathan Winters, Legislator Lindsey Woodward, HSC Weed & Pest

Steering Committee (Invited â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unable to attend) Leslie Shakespeare, Eastern Shoshone Tribal Liaison Gary Collins, Northern Arapahoe Tribal Liaison

Wyoming State Parks, Hot Springs State Park Kevin Skates, Superintendent John Fish, Assistant Superintendent Jeff Dittmer, Landscape Designer Jody Lange, Trades Technician Monica Hamilton, Trades Technician Brad Handford, CCO-QC Trades Specialist William Motley, Law Enforcement to Hot Spring State Park Staff

Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Darin Westby, Director Domenic Bravo, Division Administrator Bill Westerfield, Chief of Operations/Field Support Mabel Jones, Planner Todd Thibodeau, Planning and Grants Manager Julie Huntley, Concessions and Revenue Manager Lance Marrs, Engineering Manager Ryan Sirdoreus, GIS Specialist

Consultant Team Tina Bishop, ASLA, Principal, Mundus Bishop Becky Froeter-Mathis, ASLA, RLA, Landscape Architect, Mundus Bishop Shelby Scharen, ASLA, Landscape Historian, Mundus Bishop Madalyn Shalkey, Graphics and Production Designer, Mundus Bishop Chris Lidstone, Water Resource Engineer, Lidstone and Associates Marty Jones, Water Resource Engineer, Lidstone and Associates Adam Maxwell, PE PTOE, Transportation Engineer, Martin/Martin Aldo Coronado, Director of Aquatic Design, Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................................1-1 Introduction Study Area ...........................................................................................................................................................2-1 Project Purpose and Scope ..................................................................................................................................2-1 Planning Process ..................................................................................................................................................2-2 Master Plan Vision and Goals .................................................................................................................................... 2.3 Historical Development Summary .............................................................................................................................................................3-1 Chronological Development ................................................................................................................................3-1 Recommendations Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................4-1 Park Program .......................................................................................................................................................4-1 Recommendations by Topic ................................................................................................................................4-6 Resource Protection .....................................................................................................................................4-6 Thermal Mineral Water ................................................................................................................................4-7 Buildings, Facilities, and Grounds .................................................................................................................4-9 Visitor Orientation / Park Entry / Wayfinding ............................................................................................4-14 Bighorn River ..............................................................................................................................................4-16 Recreational Opportunities ........................................................................................................................4-17 Circulation ..................................................................................................................................................4-18 Land Use .....................................................................................................................................................4-21 Maintenance and Operations.....................................................................................................................4-21 Partnerships and Concessionaire Agreements ...........................................................................................4-22 Implementation Priorities .................................................................................................................................4-23 Summary of Existing Condition Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................5-1 Facilities Summary and Condition Assessment ...................................................................................................5-1 Natural Resource Inventory Summary ..............................................................................................................5-18 Cultural Resources Summary.............................................................................................................................5-24 Recreational Use and Potential Summary .........................................................................................................5-26

Table of Contents

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Appendices A. Bibliography B. Master Plan Alternatives Considered a. Limited Action Alternative b. Action Alternative A – Legacy Plan c. Action Alternative B – Adaptation Plan C. Summary of Stakeholder and Public Comments on Draft Master Plan Attachment C-1 – Meeting Summary, Community Open House #1, January 26, 2015 Attachment C-2 – Sign Up Sheets, Community Open House #1, January 26, 2015 Attachment C-3 – Meeting Photo, Community Open House #1, January 26, 2015 Attachment C-4 – Public Comment Period Summary, January 26, 2015 to February 26, 2015 Attachment C-5 – Meeting Summary, Community Open House #2, May 11, 2015 Attachment C-6 – Sign Up Sheets, Community Open House #2, May 11, 2015 Attachment C-7 – Meeting Photos, Community Open House #2, May 11, 2015 Attachment C-8 – Public Comment Period Summary, May 11, 2015 to June 11, 2015 Attachment C-9 – Comments on Hot Springs State Park Master Plan Alternatives Attachment C-10 – Star Plunge Expansion Proposal Attachment C-11 – Meeting Summary, Community Open House #3, September 14, 2015 Attachment C-12 – Sign Up Sheets, Community Open House #3, September 14, 2015 Attachment C-13 – Public Comment Period Summary, September 14, 2015 to October 23, 2015 Attachment C-14 – Sign Up Sheets, Community Open House #4, May 2, 2016 Attachment C-15 – Public Comment Period Summary, April 18, 2016 to June 6, 2016 D. Steering Committee Report of Recommendations Introduction Project Purpose Mission of the Steering Committee Goals of Steering Committee Site History Summary Existing Condition Summary

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

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Hot Springs State Park

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming is a popular destination attracting visitors from throughout Wyoming, the region, and internationally. The state park is in the Bighorn Basin, 4,000 feet above sea level, and the setting of one of the world’s largest hot mineral springs. The state park lands include the one‐square mile area around Big Horn Spring sold in 1897 through a treaty between the Shoshone and Arapaho Indians and U.S. federal government, which were later ceded to the State of Wyoming. Today, Hot Springs State Park has the highest visitation of all Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, providing significant economic benefit to the local community and the state. The mineral springs, and particularly Big Horn Spring, continue to provide healing waters as they have for hundreds of years. The historic park developed as a national public health retreat and many of its historic features remain. Together, the thermal waters, abundant natural and cultural features, and intriguing recreational experiences make Hot Springs State Park a unique and compelling experience. Over the years, the Hot Springs State Park’s legacy as a premiere heath, wellness and outdoor destination has diminished. It has been more than 30 years since a master plan has been completed. Today, some concessionaire operated facilities are deteriorated with extensive need for improvement and redevelopment. Changes have occurred in the historic park core and natural areas. Facilities are not keeping pace with contemporary outdoor activities, recreational trends, and changing demographics. Additionally, land uses related to county operated public facilities need reevaluation. Most significant are the changes to the thermal waters of the Big Horn Spring, which are diminishing from historic flows, requiring a review of the resource management. The Hot Springs State Park Master Plan provides a 20‐year strategy to guide the long‐term physical improvement, use, and management of the 1,100‐acre state park. This comprehensive planning and decision‐making document creates the long‐range and comprehensive vision for improving the entire park to benefit stakeholders and the public. It includes development of recreational amenities, and improvements to facilities, access, and infrastructure in balance with the preservation / conservation of natural and cultural resources. It addresses issues related to water use and management, recreational needs and desires, resource protection measures, and partnership development. This master plan provides a framework for improvement which will be implemented based on need and available funding. The planning process was conducted over a multiple‐month period engaging the public, and civic and political leaders with staff, and leadership of Wyoming State Parks and the Governor’s Office. A steering committee was created, with representation from a broad spectrum of local and regional community, to develop recommendations that guided the development of the plan. Forums for community engagement informed the planning and consisted of five open house work sessions, an online community forum, outreach to local community organizations, and a website that solicited input from across the state and region. While the public rarely provides consensus on every issue, recommendations in this master plan are supported by public input. The steering committee directed the vision for Hot Springs State Park to be revitalized as a renowned health, wellness and outdoor destination, offering abundant natural and cultural resources, with diverse recreational and cultural opportunities. Building on its historic legacy, the park will conserve its core resource—the hot mineral waters. Key historical features and patterns will be restored, and the park’s diverse ecological zones will be

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protected. From bison pastures, to buildings and facilities, to thermal waters, improvements will be made to ensure visitors the highest quality experience in an unparalleled setting. Eight goals assist in achieving the vision. 1. Conserve / efficient use of the naturally occurring hot mineral waters at Big Horn Spring and within Hot Springs State Park, as they are the lifeblood of the park and region, having attracted users for centuries for healing and recreational experiences. Manage this diminishing, fragile resource, to ensure compliance with the 1897 treaty and Title 36, Chapter 8, Article 3 of Wyoming State Statutes for the “treatment of diseases and for sanitary and charitable purposes;” to maintain flows over Rainbow Terraces; and for bathing and wellness. 2. Provide recreational opportunities that can fulfill the park’s potential and maximize its benefit to its stakeholders; and that address the recreational needs of all users. 3.

Improve individual facilities, maximize opportunities by providing diverse product offerings, streamline operations, and provide high quality, safe and healthy visitor experiences.

Provide and encourage facility redevelopment to prioritize life, health and safety in accordance with the statewide Concession Master Plan — update and / or replace outdated features and providing new, compatible features to address the needs of a broad user group; and in compliance with park standards and guidelines.

Reestablish the cultural and natural legacy of Hot Springs State Park by restoring the park core, the natural river corridor, and key social and historical features.

Build upon the aesthetics of historical and iconic features. Create a sense of arrival and connectivity between all park areas.

Follow a sustainable approach to the improvement, and management of park space and facilities. Protect natural areas and plant communities, and conserve / efficient use of water, energy, and resources. Use materials and best practices that promote environmental stewardship.

Create opportunities for research throughout the park, and facilities to accommodate visiting researchers related to mineral water, geology, other natural resources, and archeological and cultural resources.

The thermal mineral waters of the Big Horn Spring are the primary resource of the state park. Studies show the flow of the Big Spring is declining; over the last 49 years it has reduced by two‐thirds. The rate of decline is unknown. More research is needed to understand why the flow is declining, and the potential rate of future decline. This master plan proposes a balanced water management approach to ensure these thermal waters will be prioritized for health and wellness. Prioritizing thermal waters to flow over the Rainbow Terraces and for the use at the State Bath House will protect the culturally significant terraces and ensure the state’s commitment to public use. Thermal mineral waters for private / concessionaire health, wellness and therapeutic use will be the third priority. Measures to maximize efficient thermal water use in visitor facility development will be encouraged. Further research, policy modifications, and design solutions will be explored to ensure an adequate supply of thermal mineral water exists to support natural features, and therapeutic and recreational uses. Beginning in the late 1800s, Hot Springs State Park was developed for therapeutic and recreational use of thermal waters and enjoyment of the natural setting. Several of the earlier bath houses and hotels are gone; however, the park core with its stately trees, historic structures, open lawns and free State Bath House remain. Over time, new uses and buildings have been added through concessionaire agreements, leases, and by the State. Today, some concessionaire properties are in disrepair due to age and condition of facilities and utilities. Currently two concession facilities, the Plaza Hotel and the Tepee Pool, have long term leases. Room for expansion and diversity

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of offerings for both lodging and aquatics is needed to address growing therapeutic and recreational needs, and changing demographics. Updated and diverse product offerings in lodging and aquatics would provide a more cohesive, year‐ round visitor experience where facilities complement, rather than compete with, one another. A focused land use approach organizes the state park into logical land use zones that meet state park needs and benefit the community: the park core, natural areas, institutional uses, and county recreation and public uses. Within the park core, aquatics and lodging are in locations compatible with their historic arrangement as an urban park, sited to preserve green space, and offer room for development that respects historic building patterns. Institutional uses remain in their current locations, including those leased to Hot Springs County School District, Gottsche Center, Memorial Hospital, and Pioneer Home. The development and improvement of buildings, structures, and facilities addresses the thermal water availability, growing health and wellness needs, and recreational demands at Hot Springs State Park. Locating aquatics and lodging into key land use zones enhances the historic quality of the park core, while consolidating uses and allowing for expanded concessionaire opportunities. Aquatic facilities will be consolidated into a central, expansive zone, with views from pools to the Rainbow Terraces and Bighorn River. The State Bath House will be enhanced with outdoor spas in a natural setting. One or more concessionaire buildings and facilities will offer a broad array of compatible aquatic experiences, all connected by a tree‐lined pedestrian plaza. The aquatics area will provide a cohesive footprint for multiple concessionaires, additional adjacent parking, expansion into areas less prone to flash flooding, opportunity for improved utilities, an increase in diverse product offerings, and a more efficient thermal water delivery system. The aquatics area will be a campus setting with an improved visitor experience and a wider range of recreation and health offerings for all ages. The lodging zone reestablishes the historic park entrance, where stately buildings will flank Park Street, and front facades will face Bighorn River, Park Street, and the park core. The Plaza Hotel will continue as the historic anchor on the north. On the south, the buildings and land will be repaired / developed to reestablish the historic front entry and orientation to Bighorn River. One or more concessionaire operated facilities will offer a wide range of options for visitors, attracting a broad demographic and extending visitor stays. Visitors may choose a historic room in the Plaza Hotel, or stay in an updated full service hotel with conference / event center / full service restaurant. The more adventurous may choose camping, or a stay in a unique yurt or stylized platform tent. The west side of Bighorn River, on the river’s edge, will offer sites for tent camping and recreational vehicles. Set in the heart of the state park and connected to the Bighorn River, these accommodations will offer a respite, all within a short walk to the state park’s pools and spas, and to downtown where visitors can shop or dine. The historic setting of the park core will be repaired to reinstate this central green space as the heart of Hot Springs State Park. Modifications to some state park roads will reinstate the full grid and provide more direct access to, and parking for, aquatic and lodging destinations, and the park’s natural areas. New paths and shade trees will provide for pedestrian continuity and an even greener oasis. New facilities, from buildings to restrooms and shelters, will be sited as part of the historic grid, with aquatics and lodging facilities oriented to this central green space. Historic features will be repaired, and new features will be designed to be compatible with the park’s architectural character. A new, centralized visitor orientation facility will be located at the modified park entry, at Highway 20 and Park Street. This public‐private partnership will integrate the state park’s visitor center with the Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Learning Foundation Discovery Center. Orientation is critical to enhancing the visitor experience.

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This center will offer information, interpretation, and education on the state park and surroundings. The Discovery Center will offer meeting rooms, a gift shop, art and educational exhibits, and a children’s nature park. A comprehensive circulation system will provide improvements to roads, parking, paths, and trails within the state park. Improved wayfinding features in the Town of Thermopolis and along Highway 20 will make the state park easy to find, navigate, and enjoy. The park entrance will be reconstructed with a new intersection at Highway 20 and Park Street. Road improvements and a new streetscape will enhance the entrance road through the railroad underpass. Within the park core, parking will be increased by 94 spaces at destinations – new parking at the visitor orientation center and boat ramp, and additional parking near aquatics and lodging. New paths will be added in the park core. The intersections of Tepee and Buffalo streets will be modified, reducing circulation conflicts. Eight miles of natural surface trails will be added, offering more hiking and biking experiences. Pedestrian connections will be increased within the park and between the park and downtown. The expansion of trails and overlooks provides for miles of additional recreation for residents and visitors alike. River edges will be repaired to create a broad natural corridor, easily accessible for fishing, kayaking and boating, and water‐based recreation. Trails will connect lodging, aquatic, and park facilities with the Bighorn River. A riverwalk between Park Street and Broadway Street will connect the park to downtown Thermopolis. Overlooks will offer spectacular views of Bighorn River. River edges will be more naturalized, where native landscaping will be interspersed with river access points, gathering spaces, and premier fishing locations. The transformation of Bighorn River as the park’s central spine will offer expanded opportunities for active river‐based recreation. The implementation of this master plan and the successful management of Hot Springs State Park as a recreation, health, and wellness destination relies upon the many partnerships, concessionaire agreements, and leases within the state park. General costing for improvements identified by this master plan, and associated with state park infrastructure including roads, trails, green space and natural areas, is estimated at approximately $26 million dollars to be completed over a 20‐year period. This number does not include costs that will be borne by concessionaires for improvements to concessionaire owned and operated facilities. Collaborative working relationships will need to be strengthened to implement the thoughtful recommendations. Options for funding the State Park projects will include state revenue sources such as legislative appropriation; State Parks funds including special reserve account and major maintenance account; state and federal grant funding; and the Federal Highway Administration Recreation Trails Program. The local community will have a role as well with support through a Friends of Hot Springs State Park Group, and funding through corporate sponsors and private donations. In accordance with the Steering Committee recommendations the master plan offers a holistic and comprehensive approach to establishing Hot Springs State Park as a premiere destination, offering a diverse range of recreational opportunities in an unparalleled natural and cultural setting. It offers guidance on the enhancement and management of Hot Springs State Park to fulfill the state park’s role as a preeminent place of abundant natural and cultural resources with a broad range of recreational experiences. This plan encourages reinvestment in public and private facilities, replacing outdated features to prioritize life, health and safety; and offers opportunities for collaborative partnerships to meet the Division’s key mission of public benefit, resource protection, and high‐ quality visitor experiences.

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Executive Summary

Introduction

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

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Vicinity Map. Hot Springs State Park is within the town of Thermopolis, Wyoming in Hot Springs County.

Introduction

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

INTRODUCTION Study Area Hot Springs State Park, in Hot Springs County, Wyoming is set along the Bighorn River, and within the Town of Thermopolis. The park is in west‐central Wyoming, approximately 150 miles from Yellowstone National Park, 85 miles from Cody, Wyoming, and 130 miles from Casper, Wyoming. Hot Springs State Park is a popular year round destination attracting visitors from throughout Wyoming and adjacent states as well as visitors in route to Yellowstone National Park. The park has the highest visitation of all Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, providing significant economic benefit to the local community and the state. Hot Springs State Park is within the heart of the intermountain plateau known as the Bighorn Basin, set at 4,331 feet above sea level. The park is the setting of one of the world’s largest hot mineral springs, dominated by geologic elements that include Big Horn Spring, the Bighorn River, Rainbow Terraces, Monument Hill, and Thermopolis Hill (T Hill). The park’s mineral springs, particularly Big Horn Spring, have been recognized for their healing waters for hundreds of years. In 1897, a one‐square mile area around Big Horn Spring was established as the original park lands through a treaty with the Shoshone and Arapaho Indians and the U.S. federal government (later ceded to the State of Wyoming), and named Hot Springs State Reserve. In 1929 the reserve officially became Hot Springs State Park. Over time, the boundaries of the park have grown from the original 640 acres to the 1,108.67 acres of land held by title and through agreements/leases. The park is composed of a broad array of natural and cultural resources including foothills; Bighorn River; rolling grasslands; a bison herd; hot mineral springs including Big Horn Spring, White Sulphur Spring, some now‐defunct hot springs; several smaller springs; and the Rainbow Terraces. Since the mid‐1800s the Big Horn Spring has been used by people either living in or visiting the area for therapeutic and water related purposes. Cultural and historical elements within Hot Springs State Park include buildings, the Swinging Bridge over the Bighorn River, shelters, stone walls and walkways, and the park core. A wide offering of recreational and tourist amenities are owned and managed by state parks, such as the free State Bath House with soaking tubs, picnic areas, accessible and natural surface trails, interpretive areas, group shelters, playgrounds, public gardens, and river access. Long term concessionaires offer visitor services at privately owned facilities including two pools: Star Plunge and Tepee Pool, and two hotels: Plaza Best Western and Days Inn. Several public facilities operate on state park land. These include Memorial Hospital, Pioneer Home (Senior Living), County Fairgrounds, Wyoming Department of Transportation, Hot Springs County School District, Hot Springs Recreation District, County Library, Weed and Pest, and the county sewage disposal plant. Project Purpose and Scope Hot Springs State Park is a unique and compelling resource that provides abundant recreational and cultural experiences. Over the years, the state park’s legacy as a premiere heath, wellness and outdoor destination has diminished. It has been more than 30 years since a comprehensive assessment of the state park has been completed. Challenges to the legacy include emerging leisure and recreational trends, changes made to the built and natural environments within the state park, the need for renovation, replacement or rehabilitation of some facilities, and the diminishing water flow from the Big Horn Spring.1 1

CHM, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Concessions Master Plan, 2013. CHM, Draft Assessment, Days Inn Thermopolis, Cheyenne, WY, 2011. Wyoming State Parks, Concessionaire Inspection Reports, yearly. Chase, Andy, Memorandum – Hot Springs State Park, 2014. Lidstone & Associates, Inc., Hot Springs State Park Master Plan, Level 1, 2003. 2‐1 Introduction

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The purpose of this master planning process for Hot Springs State Park is to evaluate existing conditions and to take a long‐range and comprehensive look at the entire park, while engaging the public, and civic and political leaders. This planning project is needed to address issues related to water use and management, recreation needs and desires, resource protection, and partnership development. This comprehensive master plan is key to identifying needs, wishes and desires for improving the state park to benefit stakeholders and the public. In particular, is the importance of improving visitor experiences and increasing visitation, which in turn will increase economic vitality of the community, the region, and individual concessionaires. The scope of this master planning project ranges from evaluating water resources, to investigating options to enhance or sustain recreational amenities and elements, to identifying feasible options for facility redevelopment or new construction. Recommendations for concessions and public facilities, and developing goals for interpretation, education, and promotion and marketing are included. Implementation guidance is a key task, needed to assist State Parks and their partners in maximizing available funding, and minimizing operations and maintenance costs. Lastly is the evaluation of potential methods for land conservation to enhance resource protection and visitor experiences. Planning Process The planning for the Hot Springs State Park Master Plan was organized as a collaborative process involving park and field support staff, a steering committee representing a broad range of interests, and numerous opportunities for engaging the general public. This master planning effort was based upon facilitating broad community involvement of local and statewide stakeholders and park visitors developed through an interactive process that ensured participants were engaged, understood the project, and had their issues and ideas heard. At the onset of the planning process the existing condition of built and natural features were evaluated. This assessment included review of historical documents, related planning documents including those prepared by State Parks as well as the town, and current facility assessments. A summary of historical development is presented in Chapter 3, and the detailed existing condition summary is presented in Chapter 5. A steering committee, representing the broad spectrum of the local and regional community, assisted in the planning process at key intervals. Steering committee members included civic leaders, representatives from Hot Springs County (who owns several facilities on leased state park land), county commissioners, local residents, staff from key state agencies including the State Engineers Office, state legislators, the Governor’s Office, and representatives of each concessionaire. Five steering committee meetings, and the committee’s report of recommendations, informed the planning process. The mission of the steering committee was to provide guidance and a report of recommendations to the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails for the development of a master plan that addresses development, land use, maintenance, natural and cultural resource preservation, management, programming, interpretation and education, promotion, partnerships and public accommodation at Hot Springs State Park. Community involvement included several forums for engagement that occurred throughout the planning process. These included open house workshops and meetings in Thermopolis, a series of online community meetings, and web‐based outreach. Four community open house workshops informed the planning process. The initial open house workshop introduced the planning effort on January 26, 2015 with a description of the project purpose and need, a presentation of initial findings, and an interactive session with the community to identify needs, desires, and ideas. Two sessions with discussions on alternatives followed. The first on May 11, 2015 introduced three

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Introduction

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approaches to the master plan and focused on soliciting input on community preferences. A preferred plan and implementation strategy were developed using these preferences, and discussed at the third community open house workshop on September 14, 2015. The fourth community open house was held on May 2, 2016 where the final draft master plan was discussed, and additional community ideas and modifications were identified to further improve the plan. A public comment period followed each open house. A series of online community meetings and web‐based outreach solicited community input and suggestions through the Hot Springs State Park Master Plan website. The website was continually updated to provide current information on the planning process. This online presence allowed individuals to directly post thoughts, ideas and concerns. The web‐based outreach included email blasts. Throughout the planning process hard copies of draft planning concepts and documents were made available locally. State Parks staff met with service groups and community organizations including Rotary, Town Council, and Kiwanis in Worland, Riverton and Thermopolis. MASTER PLAN PROCESS

MASTER PLAN VISION AND GOALS In accordance with Steering Committee recommendations, Hot Springs State Park will be revitalized as a renowned health, wellness, therapeutic, and outdoor destination, offering abundant natural and cultural resources, with diverse recreational and cultural opportunities. Building on its historic legacy, the 1,100 acre park will conserve its core resource—the hot mineral waters. Key historical elements and patterns will be restored, and the park’s diverse ecological zones will be protected. From bison pastures, to buildings and facilities, to thermal waters, improvements will be made to ensure visitors the highest quality experience in an unparalleled setting.

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This master plan vision will be realized following these eight goals: 1.

3. 4.

Conserve / make efficient use of the naturally occurring hot mineral waters at Big Horn Spring and within Hot Springs State Park, as they are the lifeblood of the park and region, having attracted users for centuries for healing and recreational experiences. Manage this diminishing, fragile resource, to ensure compliance with the 1897 treaty and Title 36, Chapter 8, Article 3 of Wyoming State Statutes for the “treatment of diseases and for sanitary and charitable purposes;” to maintain flows over Rainbow Terraces; and for bathing and wellness. Provide recreational opportunities that can fulfill the park’s potential and maximize its benefit to its stakeholders; and that address the recreational needs of all users. Improve individual facilities, maximize opportunities by providing diverse product offerings, streamline operations, and provide high quality, safe and healthy visitor experiences. Provide and encourage facility redevelopment to prioritize life, health and safety in accordance with the statewide Concession Master Plan — update and / or replace outdated elements and providing new, compatible elements to address the needs of a broad user group; and in compliance with park standards and guidelines. Reestablish the cultural and natural legacy of Hot Springs State Park by restoring the park core, the natural river corridor, and key social and historical elements. Build upon the aesthetics of historical and iconic elements. Create a sense of arrival and connectivity between all park areas. Follow a sustainable approach to the improvement, and management of park space and facilities. Protect natural areas and plant communities, and conserve / efficient use of water, energy, and resources. Use materials and best practices that promote environmental stewardship. Create opportunities for research throughout the park, and facilities to accommodate visiting researchers related to mineral water, geology, other natural resources, and archeological and cultural resources.

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Introduction

Historical Development

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HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT Summary The thermal springs along the Bighorn River have attracted people for hundreds of years. The springs were originally held by the Shoshone and Arapaho Indians, who viewed them as important due to their healing powers. By the late 1800s, European Americans began to flock to the region. In 1897 a treaty ceded the springs to the federal government, which then granted these to the State of Wyoming on the stipulation that there always be free public access to the therapeutic waters.1 Immediately afterwards, the surrounding community boomed and the state granted leases to various businesses: bathhouses, sanitariums, and hotels. The adjacent area became settled with ranchers and farmers, and outlaws hid out in the surrounding mountains. Despite the remoteness of the area, the sick and ailing made the difficult journey to stay at the hot springs for extended periods of time. Hot Springs State Park was formally established in 1929, and today it maintains the healing and therapeutic tradition. Several private and public organizations continue to lease park land. The park remains the most popular among all of Wyoming’s State Parks, with recreational amenities in addition to the free State Bath House. Chronological Development The following presents the development of the hot springs, from the earliest use of the area to present day. The narrative is followed by figures and photographs at the end of the chapter. prehistory People inhabited the Bighorn Basin as early as 11,200 years ago. They were hunter/gatherers and probably passed through the hot springs area.2 American Indians used the hot springs for thousands of years. The hot springs were important to the native peoples, who recognized their therapeutic properties and thought of them as inhabited by spirits. The Shoshone called the hot springs “Bah Guewana” (smoking waters). The hot springs were a place of peace, where people from all tribes (including the Shoshone, Crow, and Arapaho) were welcome.3 c. early 1800s Mountain men arrived in Wyoming, trapping and hunting wild game, they likely used the hot springs. 1825 The first Europeans traveled through the Wind River Canyon in 1825 as part of the Ashley Fur Party. 1826 Fur trapper Daniel Potts described the hot springs in a letter to his home in Pennsylvania as early as 1826.4 mid to late 1800s Wagon trains and pioneers traveling through Wyoming stopped and rested at the hot springs.5 1

United States Senate, Document No. 247 ‐54th Congress 1st Session, 1936. Hot Springs State Park, Legend Rock Visitor Pamphlet, 2014. 3 Milek, Dorothy. The Gift of Bah Guewana: A History of Wyoming’s Hot Springs Park. Cheyenne: Frontier Printing, 1985. 4 Wyoming State Historical Society, “Hot Springs County,” 2014. www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/hot‐springs‐county‐ wyoming (accessed: November 2014). 5 Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 14. 2

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1868 On July 3, 1868 the United States Senate ratified a treaty with the Eastern Shoshone Tribe in which a portion of the present day Wind River Indian Reservation was ceded to the Shoshone Tribe. This included the hot springs. 1874 Bates Battle was fought on July 4, 1874 between the Arapaho, led by Chief Sharp Nose, and U. S. troops and their Shoshone allies, led by Chief Washakie. 1875 Dr. Thomas G. Maghee, the post surgeon at Camp Brown, visited hot springs and made note of their medicinal value.6 1878 The first cabin in the Bighorn Basin was built by John Woodruff who brought his cattle and homesteaded on Owl Creek. 1894 Approximately 600 people lived in the Bighorn Hot Spring area, in dugout dwellings (cave like structures). The area became known as Smokey Row.7 1895 The first suspension bridge was built across the Bighorn River.8 1896 Upon authority from the U.S. Congress, the Indian Commissioner sent James McLaughlin to negotiate a treaty for the purchase of the hot springs. 1897 An agreement was secured where approximately 100 square miles of the Shoshone and Arapaho reservation was ceded to the U.S. government. The treaty was signed by Chief Washakie of the Eastern Shoshone and Chief Sharp Nose of the Northern Arapaho. According to legend, Chief Washakie stipulated that the waters should remain free of charge. The treaty stated the U.S. government would pay $60,000 over a six year period in cash, cattle, bacon, sugar, and coffee. The Hot Spring State Reserve was formed. After this deal had been reached, the U.S. Senate decided not to accept the land. Wyoming Congressman Frank Mondell proposed a new arrangement in which the federal government would make the payments on the property, but the square mile containing the springs would be given to the state for development of the public hot springs (this would become present‐day Hot Springs State Park), and the remaining 99 square miles would be opened for settlement.9 post 1897 The town of Thermopolis sprang to life with tourist activity as a series of hotels were built in the new state reserve. The name Thermopolis came from Dr. Julius Schuelke, who combined the Latin root thermae (hot springs) with the Greek root polis (city). An older town, Andersonville, was located at the mouth of Owl Creek, and after the treaty for the hot springs was ratified by Congress the people of Andersonville picked up and moved to present‐day

Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan. Cheyenne: State of Wyoming, 1984, 7. Hot Springs State Park Quick Facts Pamphlet, 2014. 8 Service, Alex and Dorothy Milek. Hot Springs County Wyoming, Images of America. Chicago: Arcadia Publishing, 2002, 14. 9 United States Senate, Document No. 247 ‐54th Congress 1st Session, 1936. Wyoming State Historical Society, “Hot Springs County,” 2014. www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/hot‐springs‐county‐wyoming (accessed: November 2014). 7

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Thermopolis, which had been platted and surveyed. Provisions had been made for the growth of a large city. The town was organized under townsite laws, and the title was issued to corporate authorities, in trust.10 The first bathhouses were built as holes dug into the mineral formation and filled with water from the springs. Crude stone walls were constructed and covered with canvas or sod.11 1898 Coal was discovered about 12 miles north of Thermopolis, and within the next several years, mines opened nearby setting off a mining boom.12 1899 The Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 58, which placed control of the ceded one square mile with the State Board of Charities and Reform, and set aside the land for the “treatment of diseases and for sanitary and charitable purposes,” and established Hot Springs State Reserve. A power plant was built by excavating under the terraces and mounting a water wheel powered by the thermal springs. It soon failed due to corrosion of the machinery.13 1890s to early 1900s Thermopolis became a stopping spot for many of Wyoming's outlaws. It was the nearest town to many of their hideouts, and notorious characters such as Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and Kid Curry were popular figures around town. Tom Skinner's saloon was one of the outlaws' favorite haunts, and was supposedly named after their Hole‐in‐the‐Wall hideout about 70 miles from Thermopolis.14 Star Plunge was established as a wooden structure. This was also likely when the Vapor Cave was built, dug into the hillside behind the building.15 early 1900s Commercialization of the hot springs occurred as the restorative qualities of the healing waters became well‐ known. Facilities for the sick and ailing were developed, and people would often stay for extended periods of time. Several doctors relocated to hot springs, recognizing the value of the healing water. Dr. J.A. Scheulke of Lander, Wyoming; Dr. L.A. Gates of Marceline, Missouri; and Dr. C. Dana Carter — who built the famous Carter Hotel and Sanitarium – relocated their businesses to Thermopolis.16 The State Board of Charities and Reform began leasing property to build sanitariums to meet increasing public demand. The state bath house was built, which offered the public the use of the springs free of charge. People cured by the springs would carve their names or erect memorials on Monument Hill. The Smokey Row Cemetery was also established at this time.17 Other amenities were added to the landscape, including a pavilion used for dancing, and Mondell Shelter (gazebo), built in the early 1900s. 18

State of Wyoming, “Downtown Thermopolis Historic District,” 2014. wyoshpo.state.wy.us/NationalRegister/Site.aspx?ID=187 (accessed: November 2014). 11 Service and Milek. Hot Springs County Wyoming, 12. 12 Ibid, 8. 13 Ibid, 14. 14 Hot Springs Cultural Museum and Cultural Center, ‘Hot Springs County History,’ 2014. www.hschistory.org/outlaws/ (accessed: November 2014). 15 Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources, Star Plunge, Concessionaire Inspection Report. Thermopolis, WY: 2013, 10. 16 Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, Callaghan (Plaza) Apartments and Hotel, National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, 1993. 17 Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 30. 18 Oral communication, Dorothy G. Milek, 2014.

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Master Plan

By the 1900s, ranchers were using ditches from Owl Creek to irrigate hay and alfalfa crops for livestock feed. However, the high elevations and unsuitable land conditions made farming difficult for most. The Washakie Fountain also know known as the Mondell Shelter was built in the early 1900s. 1901 A steel bridge spanning the Bighorn River was built.19 1902 M.D. Gree built the McGannon Inn.20 1903 The first free, State Bath House was built of stone. The superintendent requested additional money for fencing and tree planting.21 1905 The Hot Springs Apartments were built as a single‐story structure west of the State Bath House. (The Hot Springs Apartments are non‐extant).22 1908 V.T. Mildward built the Washakie Hotel, considered the finest in the park. It was located on Park Street east of the Plaza Hotel.23 Tepee Fountain was built to vent the hot water coming out of the spring. A vertical pipe was constructed over a structure, and as the water flowed out, it deposited a layer of travertine.24 1910 By 1910, the superintendent reported a park area with sidewalk system, electric street lights, and a superintendent’s house and barn. Cooling ponds and piped water facilitated local irrigation projects and made shower baths a standard feature at the bath houses.25 1910 to 1915 Numerous oil fields began production in Hot Springs County, bringing more people to the area.26 1911 The Maret Apartments were built by W.K. Maret.27

Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 78. Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, Callaghan (Plaza) Apartments and Hotel, National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, 1993. 21 Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan. Cheyenne: State of Wyoming, 1984, 9. 22 Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 124. 23 Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, Callaghan (Plaza) Apartments and Hotel, National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, 1993. 24 Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 91. 25 Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan. Cheyenne: State of Wyoming, 1984, 9. 26 Hot Springs Cultural Museum and Cultural Center, “Hot Springs County History,” 2014. www.hschistory.org/outlaws/ (accessed: November 2014). 27 Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, Callaghan (Plaza) Apartments and Hotel, National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, 1993. 20

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In 1911 the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) railroad line from Kirby reached Thermopolis. The blasting of tunnels through granite walls on the west side of Wind River Canyon had slowed construction for several years. The line finally reached Casper on October 20, 1913.28 1915 The Wyoming Legislature authorized the transfer of two parcels of the square mile commonly known as the “Town Park” (26.32 acres) and “Fairgrounds” (20.88 acres) tracts to the Town of Thermopolis.29 Fred Holdrege was appointed superintendent. He removed old structures, bought new road and fire equipment, replaced the suspension bridge, graded streets, installed curb and gutters, and an irrigation system.30 In addition to the hotels and sanitariums, a number of privately‐owned bath houses were developed. The Washakie Plunge was opened around 1915.31 1916 The bison herd was established with 15 cows, acquired in Kansas City. A bull was later added from Yellowstone.32 A small zoo was established in the park, with bears, elk, bobcats, and coyotes, and other animals. It closed during the 1930s due to financial problems.33 A landscape plan was established and implemented. It included removing tent houses, livestock, and rotting wooden water systems, and the construction of the Swinging Bridge and the loop drive.34 1917 Dr. C. Dana Carter built the Carter Hotel/Sanitarium in 1917. It was located across Park Street from the Callaghan Apartments (current day Plaza Hotel).35 A.L. Owen built the Mineral Springs Hotel/Apartments west of the State Bath House adjacent to the Tepee Fountain.36 (The hotel is non‐extant, demolished by 1975). 1918 The Callaghan Apartments were built in 1918. It was one of six hotels catering to tourists using the Big Spring. The hotel employed nurses and a masseur for the guests. The two‐story brick building originally had 70 rooms with a common bathroom at the end of each hall; the baths were provided with mineral water.37 1919 The Carnegie Library was built. c.1920 A war memorial to Walter Haynes and other soldiers from World War I was erected from native stone. 28

Wyoming State Historical Society, “Burlington TransContinental Railroad,” 2014. www.wyohistory.org/essays/burlington‐ route‐wyoming’s‐second‐transcontinental‐railroad. (accessed: November 2014). 29 Hockman, Aaron S. Hot Springs State Park Abstract of Titles, Leases and Easements. 2007. 30 Service and Milek, Hot Springs County Wyoming, 19. 31 Dobson, G.B. “Wyoming Tales and Trails,” 2011. www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/therm2.html. (accessed: November 2014). 32 Hot Springs State Park Quick Facts Pamphlet, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails, 2014. 33 Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 90. 34 Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan. Cheyenne: State of Wyoming, 1984, 9. 35 Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, Callaghan (Plaza) Apartments and Hotel, National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, 1993. 36 Service and Milek, Hot Springs County Wyoming, 17. 37 Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, Callaghan (Plaza) Apartments and Hotel, National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, 1993.

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Master Plan

1921 Callaghan sold the Callaghan Apartments to Dr. P.W. Metz, who renamed the building the Plaza Apartments and Hotel. It has been referred to as the Plaza Hotel ever since.38 The steel bridge crossing the river was replaced with a concrete bridge.39 1922 The new state bath house was built.40 1924 The State Board of Charities and Reform transferred the Town Park and Fairground parcels to the Town of Thermopolis.41 1929 The park officially became “Hot Springs State Park.” 1935 to 1937 Members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built parking areas, fences, stone walls, roads, trails, and completed erosion work. A large CCC camp was located on the Hot Springs County Fairgrounds, on state park land.42 The signs and decorative rock work around the Big Spring and White Sulphur Spring, and the stone wall around the rodeo grounds were built by the Works Progress Administration.43 1937 An additional 291 acres of state land to the east was added to the park and utilized for bison pasture.44 1940 Two parcels of land equaling 50.42 acres adjacent to the square mile are transferred to the State of Wyoming through an executor’s deed.45 The original lease was executed between the State Board of Charities and Reform (Lessor) and the Wyoming Highway Department (Lessee), for State Highway 789.46 1948 Money was allocated by the state for a Pioneer Home for veterans. 1950 Although it was first celebrated in 1925, after 1950 the Gift of the Waters Pageant became an annual event.47 The outdoor pool at Star Plunge was built.48 38

Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, Callaghan (Plaza) Apartments and Hotel, National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, 1993. 39 Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 78. 40 Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan. Cheyenne: State of Wyoming, 1984, 9. 41 Hockman, Hot Springs State Park Abstract of Titles, Leases and Easements. 2007. 42 Service and Milek, Hot Springs County Wyoming, 121. 43 Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan. Cheyenne: State of Wyoming, 1984, 9. 44 Ibid, 10. 45 Hockman, Hot Springs State Park Abstract of Titles, Leases and Easements. 2007. 46 Ibid. 47 Service and Milek. Hot Springs County Wyoming, 8. 48 Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 126.

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Master Plan

1951 The Wyoming Pioneer Home was established.49 1953 A barn for feed and storage (Location #2131) was built. 1954 The Gottsche Rehabilitation Center was built after the William H. and Carrie Gottsche Foundation was incorporated on March 28, 1954. It was established as a non‐profit foundation providing diagnosis and treatment of crippling conditions for children and adults. William H. and Carrie Gottsche were sheep ranchers, butchers, and finally bankers in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Their daughter was stricken with polio and treated over much of the world, but they felt she gained most from her treatment in the Hot Springs State Park pools. Because of this, they left money to build a rehabilitation center, which remains today. 1957 The State Board of Charities and Reform executed a “Notice of Reentry and Declaration of Termination of Defensible Estate” on the Fairgrounds parcel, reverting the title to the 20.88 acres to the State of Wyoming.50 Original lease executed between the State Board of Charities and Reform (Lessor) and the County of Hot Springs and the Town of Thermopolis (Lessees). This included land for Hot Springs County Sewage Disposal Plant, Hot Springs County School District, Weed and Pest Control District, and Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital. Original lease executed between the State Board of Charities and Reform (Lessor) and the William H. and Carrie Gottsche Foundation Institution (Lessee). Original lease executed between the State Board of Charities and Reform (Lessor) and the County of Hot Springs, through the Board of Commissioners (Lessee).51 Original lease executed between the State Board of Charities and Reform (Lessor) and the Hot Springs County School District (Lessor). 1958 A six unit shop/service shop (Location #0093) was built.52 The superintendent’s house (extant) was built.53 1960 A free public campground served visitors to the springs.54 The campground was located between the Rainbow Terraces and the river. 1967 Tepee Pools was built.55 1966 The old State Bath House, built in the 1920s, was razed.56 49

Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 139‐140. Hockman, Hot Springs State Park Abstract of Titles, Leases and Easements. 2007. 51 Ibid. 52 “Hot Springs Assets Property Buildings” Unpublished Excel Spreadsheet. Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails, 2014. 53 Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 153. 54 Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan. Cheyenne: State of Wyoming, 1984, 9. 55 CHM, Final Wyoming Concession Master Plan Report, 2013, 21. 56 Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 175. 50

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Master Plan

The Carter Hotel and Sanitarium was demolished.57 1966 A new State Bath House was built.58 It opened in 1967. 1968 The oil refinery in Thermopolis closed, and the town lost many jobs. c. 1969 A Stage and Pavilion was built/acquired.59 1971 Holiday Inn (currently Days Inn) was built as an 80‐room hotel. The lease became effective October 1971, with an expiration of 2011. The lease continues month‐to‐month.60 The State Board of Charities and Reforms executed a Land Use Exchange with Charlotte McCarthy and Gladys Milek for 26.58 acres of grazing rights adjacent to Hot Springs State Park.61 The State Board of Charities and Reform (Lessor) leased land to the Wyoming National Guard (Lessee). An easement was granted to the Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company from the State Board of Land Commissioners.62 1973 Grace Werner donated a herd of bison to the State of Wyoming; a portion of the herd was placed at Hot Springs State Park.63 The original lease executed between the State Board of Charities and Reform (Lessor) and Northwest Wyoming Board of Cooperative Services of Thermopolis, Wyoming (Lessee), for the development of the Big Horn Basin Children’s Home.64 The Armory was acquired.65 1975 A new lease for Star Plunge began in 1975 after being purchased by Wolfgang Luehne. Renovations to the facility began. The lease expired in 2008.66 In 1975 the Tepee Pools building burned down. It was immediately rebuilt, but with a different aesthetic and materials.67 57

Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, Callaghan (Plaza) Apartments and Hotel, National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, 1993. 58 Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, 174. 59 “Hot Springs Assets Property Buildings” Unpublished Excel Spreadsheet. Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails, 2014. 60 CHM, Final Wyoming Concession Master Plan Report, 2013, 17. 61 Hockman, Hot Springs State Park Abstract of Titles, Leases and Easements. 2007. 62 Ibid. 63 Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan. Cheyenne: State of Wyoming, 1984, 27. 64 Hockman, Hot Springs State Park Abstract of Titles, Leases and Easements. 2007. 65 “Hot Springs Assets Property Buildings” Unpublished Excel Spreadsheet. Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails, 2014. 66 CHM, Final Wyoming Concession Master Plan Report, 2013, 24. 67 Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources, TePee Pools, Concessionaire Inspection Report. Thermopolis, WY: 2013, 6.

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Master Plan

1981 An easement was granted to Pacific Power & Light Company from the State Board of Charities and Reform.68 1982 Star Plunge installed a new water slide, and again in 1987 and 1989.69 1984 Hot Springs State Park was transferred from the Board of Charities to the Wyoming Recreation Commission. The Feather Fountain was built, to represent the Gift of the Waters with Chief Washakie with a peace pipe and Chief Sharp Nose with a buffalo horn of water symbolizing the transfer of hot springs to the government. 1985 Original lease executed between the Wyoming Recreation Commission (Lessor) and the State Board of Charities and Reform (Lessee) for the area commonly known as the Wyoming State Pioneer Home.70 1986 The Town of Thermopolis quitclaims the entire “Town Park” parcel (26.32 acres) to the Wyoming Recreation Commission.71 A lease is executed between the Wyoming Recreation Commission (Lessor) and the Hot Springs Senior Citizens Center (Lessee), which supersedes all previous leases (original earlier documents missing).72 1990 Tepee Pools Inc. purchased the prior lease for the Tepee Pool. The new owners replaced and resurfaced pool decks, added the outside slide, built the deck south of the outdoor pool, and installed the outdoor tubs.73 Control and authority of Hot Springs State Park is transferred to the Department of Commerce as the successor agency to the Wyoming Recreation Commission.74 1991 Legend Rock was acquired by the State.75 1992 Swinging Bridge was rebuilt.76 1993 Plaza Hotel was listed in the NRHP. 1997 Plaza Hotel was renovated. 68

Hockman, Hot Springs State Park Abstract of Titles, Leases and Easements. 2007. CHM, Final Wyoming Concession Master Plan Report, 2013, 24. 70 Hockman, Hot Springs State Park Abstract of Titles, Leases and Easements. 2007. 71 Ibid. 72 Ibid. 73 CHM, Final Wyoming Concession Master Plan Report, 2013, 21. 74 Hockman, Hot Springs State Park Abstract of Titles, Leases and Easements. 2007. 75 “Hot Springs Assets Property Buildings” Unpublished Excel Spreadsheet. Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails, 2014. 76 Hot Springs State Park brochure, Cheyenne: Wyoming Department of State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails, 2014. 69

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Master Plan

1998 The Best Western Plaza Hotel Suites Concession lease began in January of 1998, with an expiration date of 2043.77 2006 Heat exchange building and restrooms built. 2006 The Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (Lessee) enters in a Grazing Lease with Freda Johnstone et. al., c/o Roberta Treick (Lessor) for 40 acres adjacent to the Buffalo pasture.78 c.2010 Holiday Inn became the Days Inn when the franchise system decided not to complete the required property improvements program.79 2012 Tepee Pools lease renewed until 2046.80 2013 Smoking Water Group Area built.

CHM, Final Wyoming Concession Master Plan Report, 2013, 15. Hockman, Hot Springs State Park Abstract of Titles, Leases and Easements. 2007. 79 CHM, Final Wyoming Concession Master Plan Report, 2013, 17. 80 Ibid, 20. 78

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Master Plan

Hot Springs was used by American Indians for thousands of years. The Shoshone called Hot Springs, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bah Guewanaâ&#x20AC;? (Smoking Waters). (HSSP)

The Hot Springs Treaty was signed by Chief Washakie of the Eastern Shoshone and Chief Sharp Nose of the Northern Arapahoe in 1897. The agreement secured approximately ten square miles to create Hot Springs State Reserve. A stipulation of the treaty was that a portion of the waters should remain free of charge. (HSSP) 3-11

Historical Development

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Hot Springs, c. 1899, before the construction of hotels or bath houses. (Hot Springs County Wyoming, Images of America)

The first bath houses were made of stone block with sod or thatch roofs. (HSSP) 3-12

Historical Development

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The first free State Bath House was built in 1903. The superintendent also requested additional money for fencing and tree planting around the Reserve. (Hot Springs County Wyoming, Images of America)

Development of hotels and sanatoria began in the 1900s. The Washakie Hotel, foreground, was built in 1908. The Plaza Hotel, under construction, background, circa 1918. (Hot Springs County Pioneer Museum) 3-13

Historical Development

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Tepee Fountain was first built in 1909, top. By 1918 it had grown in size. (Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana, top. Hot Springs County Wyoming, Images of America, bottom)

Bison herd was added in 1916. They were pastured on the west side of the river. (HSSP) 3-14

Historical Development

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The Swinging Bridge was built spanning the Bighorn River in 1916. A concrete vehicular bridge was constructed across the river in 1921. (HSSP)

The Star Plunge first began in the late 1890s to early 1900s. (Hot Springs County Wyoming, Images of America) 3-15

Historical Development

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Hot Springs State Park with the town of Thermopolis in the background, c. 1920 (HSSP)

The Washakie Hotel was one of the nicest accommodations at Hot Springs. By the 1920s the park was well-visited with a sidewalk system, street trees, sidewalks, and piped water from the springs to the bath houses. (Hot Springs County Pioneer Museum) 3-16

Historical Development

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Washakie Fountain, also known as Mondell Shelter, was set within the park-like setting with paved sidewalks, streetlights, and trees planted on a grid. (HSSP)

The Civilian Conservation Corps built rock walls, paths, and shelters throughout the park in the 1930s. (HSSP)

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Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

By the 1970s the Tepee Spa, right, had been added. (HSSP)

View from Monument Hill, 1972. The Tepee Spa, center; pavilion to the left. A new shop, sewage plant and campground are between the railroad and cement bridge. (Milek, The Gift of Bah Guewana) 3-18

Historical Development

Recommendations

Page Intentionally Left Blank

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

RECOMMENDATIONS Introduction This master plan offers a holistic and comprehensive approach to establishing Hot Springs State Park as a premiere health, wellness, and outdoor destination, offering a diverse range of recreational opportunities in an unparalleled natural and cultural setting (Figure 4‐5). It offers guidance on the enhancement and management of Hot Springs State Park to fulfill the state park’s role as a preeminent place of abundant natural and cultural resources with a broad range of recreational experiences. This plan encourages reinvestment in public and private facilities, replacing outdated elements to prioritize life, health and safety; and offers opportunities for collaborative partnerships to meet the Division’s key mission of public benefit, resource protection, and high‐quality visitor experience. The core recommendation is the conservation / efficient use of the primary resource of Hot Springs State Park— the naturally occurring thermal mineral water of Big Horn Spring that has attracted people for centuries. Management of the thermal water is to be modified to conserve / make efficient use of this diminishing resource, and to ensure the continuation of its legacy of providing healing and recreational experiences for visitors from far and wide. Preservation of all the park’s resources from its historic buildings and structures to its red sandstone and unique geological formations to the Bighorn River to wildlife and native grasslands is a fundamental recommendation. Reinvestment in the state park includes improving individual facilities, maximizing opportunities by providing diverse product offerings, streamlining operations, and providing quality visitor experiences. Actions include zoning areas within the state park for lodging and aquatics expansion and redevelopment, with multiple opportunities for concessionaire agreements and partnerships. Orienting visitors and providing key amenities is through a centralized visitor complex at the park entry, offering a state visitor center and Chamber of Commerce, with room for a Discovery Center as a private partner. A comprehensive regional and park wayfinding system is planned to direct visitors to the park’s broad range of natural, cultural and historical resources. Bighorn River is envisioned as the new central spine of the park, revitalized with a naturalized shoreline, a broad natural park at the base of the Rainbow Terraces, and many opportunities for pedestrian access for shore fishing, rafting and kayaking, and river‐based uses. More than eight miles of additional natural trails offer improved access to the state park’s geology, bison pastures, and natural areas, with regional connections to Round Top and BLM land. The park core is rehabilitated as a green oasis with repair of historic elements, new walkways and gardens, and enhanced play and gathering areas for visitors and residents, walkable from Thermopolis’s downtown. These master plan recommendations are presented as two sections. The first section outlines the Park Program with a summary of the existing facilities in the state park, and a description of proposed modifications to facilities based on these master plan recommendations. The second section is a detailed description of the master plan recommendations organized as a series of topics to fully articulate the ideas and actions needed to fulfill the master plan vision and goals. Park Program The park program is a summary of the existing and proposed facilities in the state park organized in a table format (Table 1), noting proposed modifications to each park element or facility or new elements based on these master plan recommendations. Detailed information on the size / scale of each park facility or element is provided. The park program is organized in the same order as the detailed recommendations.

4‐1

Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 4‐1. Park Program Existing Quantity / Size

Proposed Quantity / Size

Notes Thermal Mineral Water Terraces 330,000 SF 330,000 SF Fountains 4 4 Buildings, Facilities and Grounds State Bath House Indoor pool 1 1 Outdoor pool 1 1 Natural Soaking Pool (s) 0 1 Aquatic Facilities / Health, Wellness and Therapeutic – Operated through one or more Concessionaire Agreements Outdoor pool Potential for different temperature 2 2 areas Indoor pool 2 2 Natural soaking pools 0 1 Indoor spa Thermal baths, steam rooms, mud 1 1 baths, spas, etc. Outdoor spa 2 2 Program will be developed by one or more concessionaires and may include water slides, spray parks, lazy river, etc. with state approval and in accordance with conservation / efficient use of the diminishing thermal waters. The program includes the State Bath House. Facilities will adhere to the Model Aquatic Health Code. Lodging Hotel rooms / cabins Additional rooms based on business 116 rooms 150 rooms needs Hotel or lodge 2 2 Improved, expanded and upgraded Improved, expanded and upgraded, and in conjunction with a hotel or lodge 1 1 conference and event center, meeting Conference / Event Center rooms Improved, expanded and upgraded 1 1 Full Service Restaurant / Bar restaurant and lounge Camping On‐street RV camping spots (dry); tent 0 2 acres camping area near Bighorn River Seasonal employee camping RV camping (dry) near Armory Building 7,500 SF 15,000 SF Seasonal employee restrooms / Added to Armory Building 0 1 showers

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Grounds Park Core Stage / Pavilion Big Horn Spring Shelter and Site Smoking Waters Group Area Smoking Waters Group Shelter Mondell Shelter (gazebo) Washakie (Kiwanis) Picnic Shelter Lower Terrace Shelter Superintendent's House and Yard White Sulphur Springs Stone entry walls Historic Gardens Botanic / Natural Garden Area Restrooms Visitor Orientation / Wayfinding Visitor Center Visitor Center Discovery Center Children's Nature Center Wayfinding and Signage Wayfinding signage Park gateways Park orientation kiosks / Trailheads Interpretive signs Natural area gateways

500,000 SF

13,000 SF

580 SF

1200 SF

570 SF

500 SF

650 SF

1200 SF

1100 SF

1600 SF

4000 SF

2500 SF

200,000 LF

TBD

15,000

640 SF

5000 SF 2500 SF

Up to 20,000 SF

Up to 50,000 SF

Rehabilitated with trees and sidewalks Shade structure, restroom added Rehabilitated shelter, pedestrian area and bridge Rehabilitated New shelter lodge New shelter with fireplace, wind screen / restrooms Converted to rental facility Rehabilitated stairs, walls, and paving Repaired Reestablished

State Park visitor center, meeting space / offices, public restrooms Chamber of Commerce Concessionaire/partner‐owned and operated Concessionaire/partner‐owned and operated

Orientation and directional signage replaced and expanded At Park Entry, Arapahoe, Buffalo, fairgrounds, railroad bridge, T Hill Visitor Center, State Bath House, Trailheads Coordinate with GLF to provide interpretive exhibits in shelters.

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Bighorn River Riverwalk trail Bridge overlooks Fishing piers River edge / natural landscaping Tepee Fountain outflow Aquatic facility outflow Recreational Opportunities Boat ramp Canoe/kayak put‐in and take‐out Pedestrian overlook / river access Playground

2200 LF

4500 LF

9 acres

County Recreation Archery

14 targets

Disc golf Circulation Park roads

9‐18 holes

2950 LF

3950 LF

6920 LF

719 spaces

813 spaces

112 spaces

329 spaces

72 spaces

104 spaces

5.4 miles

13.4 miles

Park roads in natural areas Parking in park core Parking west of park core (not including school or county parking) Parking in natural areas Trails – Natural Areas Trailheads Pedestrian bridge over railroad

Park Street and Broadway Street

Naturalized river edge / modified topography Stone channel edge with waterfalls and seating Stone channel edge trail, pedestrian overlook, seating

Relocated to west edge of Bighorn River at camping Informal overlooks for shore fishing / access to water; improve fish habitat Upgrade for play value and with natural character that complements the park West side of park with dog park; volleyball courts; horseshoe pits and skate park

Minor improvements for existing; new road at county recreation area Butch Cassidy Road paved Extensions to Round Top and BLM Improved parking and signage

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Land Use Hot Springs County School District (includes County Library) County Fairgrounds County Buildings County Recreation County Senior Citizens Center County Hospital (includes Gottsche Rehabilitation Center) Big Horn Children's Center Pioneer Home Maintenance and Operations Park Headquarters building Park Headquarters yard Armory Armory yard Greenhouse Bison corral Heat Exchange Building East Yard Service Shop

24 acres

9 acres

9.5 acres

4 acres

11.5 acres

12 acres

23,500 SF

6 acres

8.5 acres

3,500 SF

7,000 SF

200,000 SF

50,000 SF

6,900 SF

60,000 SF

450 SF

3,000 SF

115,000 SF

840 SF

3700 SF

Modified access to parking Portion of park headquarters yard converted to county use Potential expansion of active recreation Long‐term conversion if institution relocates

Expanded for maintenance and greenhouse Restroom / shower facility added Volunteer/seasonal employee camping Minor upgrades to buildings / utilities Improvements to systems Removed – new camping uses

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Recommendations by Topic The master plan recommendations are organized as a series of ten topics. These topics are detailed descriptions of the ideas and actions that will be undertaken to fulfill the master plan vision and goals. 1 ‐ Resource Protection ∙ 2 ‐ Thermal Mineral Water ∙ 3 ‐ Buildings, Facilities, and Grounds 4 ‐ Visitor Orientation / Park Entry / Wayfinding ∙ 5 ‐ Bighorn River ∙ 6 ‐ Recreational Opportunities 7 ‐ Circulation ∙ 8 ‐ Land Use ∙ 9 ‐ Maintenance and Operations ∙ 10 ‐ Partnerships 1 ‐ Resource Protection The natural, cultural and historical resources are the heart of Hot Springs State Park, and the reason for its original establishment as a reserve and cultural destination. The state park’s setting at 4331 feet above sea level, at the southern edge of Bighorn Basin, and ringed by the mountain ranges of Owl Creek, Big Horn, and Absaroka Ranges, creates its naturally unique landscape. The immediate surroundings of Monument Hill, Thermopolis Hill (T Hill) and Sneider’s Point, along with the park’s rolling hills and steep ravines create a dramatic backdrop for the hot spring terraces that drain into the Bighorn River. The best known natural resources are the hot mineral waters of Big Horn Spring that have drawn people to the area for centuries. Geological elements are prominent within the state park, and include red sandstone formations, and unique geological formations such as Devil’s Punch Bowl, Spirit Bowl, Unnamed Bowl, Black Sulphur Spring, and White Sulphur Spring. Bighorn River is a key natural resource along with the park’s native grasslands and numerous wildlife species.1 Cultural and historical resources are equally important to Hot Springs State Park. For centuries, the area and mineral waters of the state park has attracted people, first as a place of healing, and in historic times as a place of health and wellness with developed sanatoria and other park facilities. The state park itself is significant for its role in providing a public health and wellness retreat as part of a national movement in the early 20th century. Many historic elements remain today including the Plaza Hotel and Carnegie Library, structures at Big Horn Spring, the Swinging Bridge and the Mondell Shelter (gazebo). Vestiges of historic elements that no longer remain are prevalent throughout the state park, including Hospital Hill. The park’s natural, cultural and historical resources will be protected in perpetuity to ensure the continuation of the park’s legacy for future generations.  The diminishing thermal mineral waters of the Big Horn Spring, along with Rainbow Terraces, will be protected through management and conservation / efficient use.  The many unique geological elements of Hot Springs State Park will be protected. New development or visitor amenities will be located so as not to encroach upon these unique landforms, which provide the backdrop of the state park. Views and viewsheds towards important landforms and unique elements will be preserved.  Native grasslands, bison pastures and the bison herd will be protected through a balanced approach to ensure native vegetation and open spaces thrive, and the bison herds prosper. Opportunities for visitors to view the

Lageson, David R and Darwin R. Spearing. Roadside Geology of Wyoming. Missoula: Mountain Press Publishing Company, 1988.

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bison in select locations will be provided, including trails developed in a manner compatible with these protective measures to encourage broadened visitor experiences and resource protection. Historic buildings and structures within the state park – Big Horn Spring Shelter, Mondell Shelter (gazebo), Swinging Bridge, and the Plaza Hotel – will be rehabilitated. Accepted preservation and rehabilitation standards will be followed to protect historic fabric and to reveal the original character of historic elements. The character and legacy of the park’s historic buildings and structures will be preserved, and will serve as the standard in planning for new development and major additions or repairs. The Big Horn Spring site, White Sulphur Spring, fairgrounds walls, ‘World’s Largest Mineral Hot Spring’ signage, and the Smokey Row Cemetery will be preserved and rehabilitated. The park core will be rehabilitated by preserving its original arrangement, and by adding new compatible walkways and trees. Historic elements including the park’s stone will be repaired, and the loop drive in the natural areas will be rehabilitated. New trailheads and parking, trail extensions, and signage will be located to protect historic elements while interpreting these to tell the compelling history of the state park. Views within the state park and from the surrounding overlooks to natural resources that create the park setting – the Bighorn River, red sandstone landforms, and natural areas – will be preserved. The protection of views will be a primary consideration in all new development or rehabilitation projects within the state park. Views into and from the state park will be protected at key locations. Buffers and protection of key adjacent lands will be through conservation measures, e.g., easements or other methods to protect state park edges. Known archeological elements will be protected, and measures will be made to identify unknown archeological elements. Archeological investigations will be conducted prior to commencing any earthwork operations for new development.

2 ‐ Thermal Mineral Water The naturally occurring hot mineral water at the Big Horn Spring that attracted the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe tribes, and later European settlers, continues to provide healing and recreational experiences today. The state park land was set aside for the “treatment of diseases and for sanitary and charitable purposes,” and a portion of the thermal water was set aside for free public use by state statute.2 Studies show the flow of the Big Spring is declining; over the last 49 years it has reduced by two‐thirds. The rate of decline is unknown.3 These thermal mineral waters continue to be the primary resource of Hot Springs State Park. A balanced water management approach will prioritize use of these waters, ensuring the state’s commitment to safeguard the diminishing thermal mineral water for free public use, to protect the culturally significant Rainbow Terraces, and to ensure health, wellness, and therapeutic use. The Rainbow Terraces will be the highest priority. By statute, one‐ fourth of the flow is for free public use, making this the second priority to continue to be provided by the State Bath House. Private/concessionaire offerings are the third priority. In addition, more research will be done to understand why the flow is declining, and the potential rate of any future decline. This approach will provide efficient use of the diminishing thermal mineral water resources, and meet the goal of the use of “thermal mineral waters for public health and wellness.”4 In line with the flow‐diminished conditions, further research and policy modifications will be explored to ensure an adequate supply of thermal mineral water

Article 3 – Hot Springs State Park, 36‐8‐307 (“treatment and care of diseases and for sanitary and charitable purpose”). Article 3 – Hot Springs State Park, 36‐8‐304 (“retains one‐fourth ¼ of the water”) 3 Wyoming State Engineers Office, Hot Springs Measurements and Annual Report, 2016. 4

Article 3 – Hot Springs State Park, 36‐8‐304 (“retains one‐fourth ¼ of the water”)

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exists for future generations of park visitors. Measures to maximize efficient thermal water use in visitor facility development should also be explored. Allocation — Health and Wellness / Rainbow Terraces Thermal mineral water will be allocated to promote resource conservation / efficient use, and the fair and efficient management of a diminishing resource between all users including the Rainbow Terraces, and will be accomplished in accordance with the Concessionaire Agreements.  Thermal mineral water for scenic and cultural resources (terraces, fountains, etc.) will be the highest priority. o Initially, and in accordance with the highest priority for allocating thermal water, flows to the scenic and cultural resources will be increased. o A research study will be conducted to determine the appropriate allocation needed to maintain the terraces at their current size and optimal condition (chemistry, algae, etc.). This study shall include several alternatives: (a) increase flows; (b) recycle water; (c) decrease seepage losses; and (d) other alternatives. o Efforts to line the thermal ponds will continue, allowing thermal mineral water to disperse over the entire terrace system.5  Thermal mineral water for free public use, e.g., the State Bath House, and for health, wellness and therapeutic facilities, e.g., soaking, wading, zero entry, beach pools, or natural soaking pools, spas, will be the second highest priority. By statute, one‐fourth of the flow is for free public use. 6  Thermal mineral water for private / concessionaire health and wellness use, e.g., soaking, wading, zero entry, beach pools, terrace pools, or spas) will be the third priority. Concessionaires will be encouraged to develop measures for more efficient thermal water use and potential utilization of other water sources. 7 Other Considerations Policy modifications will be explored to conserve / make efficient use of the thermal mineral water.  An evaluation study of the mineral water aquifer will be conducted due to the continual drought conditions and diminishing flow of the Big Spring. The size and scope of the study shall be determined by the Board of Control. The study should consist of inspecting and monitoring all of the known mineral water wells for compliance of their permitted flow rates, and to assure the water is being put to beneficial use, and not wasted. Recommendations should follow as to the possibility of ways to control and acquire more water. A Big Spring protection plan should be put in place following this study. Recommendations from the Hot Springs State Park master plan steering committee noted the need for evaluation study of the mineral water aquifer.  If a groundwater interference study is to be considered for implementation, a formal request to the State Engineer’s Office (SEO), with the intent to sign a Request for Regulation will be completed. A formal request will

5 This allows the mineral water to cool below saturation index and ensure precipitation of minerals upon the terrace rather than dissolution of the terrace resource. 6 Wyoming Statue Article 3 – Hot Springs State Park, 36‐8‐307 (“treatment and care of diseases and for sanitary and charitable purpose”). Wyoming Statue Article 3 – Hot Springs State Park, 36‐8‐304 (“retains one‐fourth ¼ of the water”). 7 Should a concessionaire determine potable water is an additional viable water source, current research confirms The Town of Thermopolis has adequate water supply to convert active recreation (pools, slides, etc.) to potable water. Based on design data for the sewer lift station in the park, as well as the most recent flow data, the Town of Thermopolis has adequate sewer capacity to treat waste flows from chlorinated pools (research from Lidstone Associates, Conversations with Town, May 2015).

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be submitted to the SEO to inspect all wells within a 5‐mile radius of the Big Spring to ensure compliance with existing statutes, and SEO well completion standards for artesian wells.8 The concept of purchase, control, and placement to beneficial use of any area water rights that produce thermal mineral water will be investigated. This effort could include simply shutting the wells off (abandonment), control and use locally, and/or control and piping to the Park for beneficial use of the thermal waters within the state park. Before any reuse of concessionaire’s waste water is proposed, State Parks will thoroughly investigate the temperature at which wastewater precipitates minerals; algal or other microbiological communities that currently (or historically) exist on the terraces; the water quality and quantity characteristics that algal or microbiological communities require (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, mineral composition, etc.); sensitivities of algal and microbiological communities to contaminants from wastewater (urine, feces, mucus, blood, bodily fluids, skin, sun screen, lotion, cleaning agents, etc.); water quality and mineral composition (saturation) of the wastewater impacts on the rate of terrace degradation; and logistical issues related to repumping cooled and impacted mineral waste. Standards and guidelines will be prepared to guide the use of thermal waters. These will adopt the Model Aquatic Health Code for Flow through Pools and set a turnover rate of 12 hours or less.

3 – Buildings, Facilities, and Grounds Hot Springs State Park is characterized by a variety of buildings and facilities, located in many different settings. The park core, on the east side of Bighorn River, has a historic urban park‐like character with aquatics, shelters, and lodging. These include both State and concessionaire owned and operated facilities. On the south edge of the park core are institutional facilities, e.g., senior housing and hospital, owned and operated by the county or private foundations. Those few buildings within the natural areas provide park maintenance and operations. Across the Bighorn River, the land use changes to school, county and institutional campuses with facilities primarily owned / operated by public agencies, e.g., Hot Springs County. This broad range of uses, with varied characteristics in settings, and a complexity of ownership and operations within state park boundaries, requires a focused land use approach that organizes state park lands into logical land use zones to meet state park needs and benefit the community. These land use zones include the park core, natural areas, county recreation and uses, and institutional uses. This section presents recommendations for buildings, facilities and the grounds within the park core and natural areas. General recommendations on land use and the other zones are presented later in the document. Hot Springs State Park was originally developed for therapeutic and recreational uses of the thermal waters and for enjoyment of the natural setting. The park core with its grid of streets lined with stately shade trees, large open lawns, and dignified buildings and structures best exemplifies the park’s early development as a public health retreat. Although most of the bath houses, hotels and sanatoria from the early 1900s are now gone, the park core remains, expressing this vestige of early history. Other historic elements, the Plaza Hotel, Mondell Shelter, etc. allude to an earlier park setting where buildings and park were fully integrated. New uses and buildings have been added overtime through concessionaire agreements and by the State. Today, some concessionaire properties are

Wyoming Statute 41‐3‐912 allows the creation of control areas, or underground water districts, designated by the Board of Control. These may be established when ground water levels are declining or have declined excessively, or if conflicts between users are occurring or are foreseeable.

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in disrepair due to age and condition of the facilities; and there are redundancies in aquatic offerings. Other facilities such as the State Bath House and Plaza Hotel have kept pace with upgrades and improvements. 9 The historic park core will be enhanced through continued development and improvement of buildings, structures and facilities to meet health and wellness needs, and recreational demands. Building zones will organize future development into complementary areas within the park core by use for aquatics, lodging, and public institutions. These zones enhance the historic quality of the park core, while consolidating uses and allowing for expanded concessionaire opportunities. The zones maximize the potential for physical and visual connections to the Rainbow Terraces, Bighorn River, and the surrounding natural setting. Aquatics will encompass the north edge of Tepee Street, providing a connection to the State Bath House. Lodging will be oriented on the east side of the park core, creating the front entry into the park where hotels have historically been located. The southern edge of the park core will continue to be institutional. Buildings A variety of buildings and structures within the park core, and the natural areas will support recreation, offer a range of aquatics and lodging, and provide tourism benefits. As recreational uses grow and expand within the state park, existing facilities will be improved and new buildings and structures added to offer the highest quality visitor experience. This enhancement of the park core will generate opportunities for additional concessionaire agreements and partnerships. Aquatic facilities will be consolidated on the north edge of the park core with views from pools to the Rainbow Terraces and Bighorn River. The State Bath House is the central anchor of the aquatic zone, and will be enhanced with outdoor spas and a natural setting. The aquatic zone may be developed with multiple buildings and indoor/outdoor facilities, all connected by a broad tree‐lined pedestrian plaza, to provide a wide range of aquatic offerings. Hotels and accommodations will welcome visitors into the park core. Located within the lodging zone that flanks Park Street, these facilities will be oriented to both the park core and Bighorn River. The aquatics and lodging zones promote efficiencies; maximize opportunities by providing diverse product offerings; and streamline operations. If specific existing institutional facilities, such as the hospital, decide to relocate from Hot Springs State Park, new development for aquatics or lodging facilities will be encouraged in the southern part of the state park. Aquatics Zone The centralized aquatics zone in the north quadrant of the park core will offer a broad array of aquatic experiences. Visitors looking for quiet and relaxation, a health retreat, or a family‐oriented, fun‐filled outing will be accommodated in facilities operated by one or more concessionaires and the State Bath House. Consolidating aquatic facilities into this centralized zone will address thermal water availability, growing health, wellness and therapeutic needs, and recreational demands. The new aquatics zone will create a campus setting with a cohesive footprint for multiple concessionaires with opportunities for a diversity of offering, additional adjacent parking, expansion into areas less prone to flash flooding, and a more efficient thermal water delivery system. A broad tree‐lined pedestrian plaza will connect all buildings and facilities, providing a welcoming front door and creating connections between facilities. Overlooking the Bighorn River and Rainbow Terrace, aquatic offerings will

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be expansive ‐ from wading pools, to sophisticated spa‐oriented facilities, to play elements. They will attract a broad demographic, adults and families, and entice visitors to extend their stays. Thermal mineral waters will be prioritized for health, wellness, and therapeutic. This practice assists in conservation / efficient use of the diminishing resource of the Big Horn Spring. One or more concessionaires will work with the State to provide the best possible visitor experience by implementing new development and repairing existing facilities approved in accordance with their Master Plans and individual lease agreements, and in accordance with the statewide Concessions Master Plan, Facility Condition Assessment Inspections and Reports, current standards and guidelines, and the Model Aquatic Health Code. Measures for more efficient thermal water use and potential utilization of other water sources will be encouraged. Health, Wellness and Therapeutic Uses Thermal mineral water will be used for public health, wellness and therapeutic facilities as the first priority, ensuring the spirit of the establishment of the state park is upheld by providing free, universally accessible thermal mineral pools and spas.  At the State Bath House, a shallow, outdoor beach entry type pool using thermal mineral waters will be expanded with consideration for different temperature areas. This pool will be shared by all, and be universally accessible.  Indoor or outdoor facilities using thermal mineral water will be of varying temperatures, and may include spas, thermal baths, mud baths, private tubs or other similar uses. These offer opportunities for concessionaires or for State Park owned and operated facilities. Measures for more efficient thermal water use and potential utilization of other water sources for complementary facilities such as steam rooms will be encouraged.  Natural soaking pools may be integrated within the aquatic zone with views towards the Rainbow Terraces. All will be built of safe, durable materials with consideration for waterfalls that flow between pools. Decks and walkways would connect pools and utilize a geothermal snow melt system to enhance wintertime experiences. The natural soaking pools offer opportunities for concessionaires or may be State Park owned and operated.

Facilities New development and repair of existing facilities will be through one or more concessionaires with many opportunities for expansion and improvement. Through lease agreements, concessionaires will provide unique, complementary aquatic facilities within the aquatics zone, focusing on creating market‐tested recreational experiences that cater to a broad visitor demographic. Concessionaires will propose amenities appropriate for park visitors and will obtain approval from State Parks for new construction, rehabilitation, or repair of facilities.  A broad range of visitor experiences is envisioned, and may include the following. Measures for more efficient thermal water use and potential utilization of other water sources for some facilities will be encouraged. o An outdoor pool with different temperature areas may be considered, for year‐round or seasonal use as desired by the community and concessionaire. Pool may be utilized for recreational or competitive swimming, if desired. o Slides may be considered to engage a broader range of users, including children of varying ages. The slides should be sited to retain important views of the state park and Rainbow Terraces from Highway 20, and to not interrupt important views between the state park and the terraces or the natural surroundings. o A children’s wading pool may be considered.

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A lazy river for aerobic and therapeutic exercises, either indoor or outdoor, or a combination thereof, may be considered. Views to landforms, the Bighorn River, and the state park should be integrated with the location and siting of a lazy river. o A splash or spray park, either indoor or outdoor, may be considered. If located outdoors, the design theme shall reflect the character of the park, i.e. terraces, landforms, river, bison, native plants, etc., and be integrated in color and scale so as to blend with the park. o A climbing wall in conjunction with the deep outdoor pool may be considered. Standards and guidelines will be developed to guide the architectural character of new and repaired facilities. Concessionaires will develop and update facilities in accordance with individual lease agreements, and in compliance with all state requirements including the statewide Concessions Master Plan, Facilities Condition Assessment Inspections and Reports, current standards and guidelines, and the Model Aquatic Health Code. o

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Lodging Zone The lodging zone will reestablish the historic park entrance, where stately buildings will flank Park Street, and front facades will face Bighorn River, Park Street and the park core. The Plaza Hotel will continue as the historic anchor on the north side of Park Street. On its south side, the buildings and land will be repaired or developed to reestablish the historic presence and orientation. The camping lodging zone on the west side of Bighorn River, on the river’s edge, will provide sites for tent and car camping, and recreational vehicles. Lodging will be developed and operated through one or more concessionaires, who will offer a wide range of options for visitors, attracting a broader demographic and extending visitor stays. Visitors may choose one of the Plaza Hotel’s historic rooms, or accommodations in a full service hotel with conference / event center / full service restaurant. The more adventurous may choose camping, or a stay in a unique yurt or stylized platform tent. Located in the heart of the state park with a strong connection to the Bighorn River, these accommodations will offer a respite. They will be just a short walk to the park’s pools and spas, and near downtown, where visitors can walk to shop or dine.  Lodging facilities such as hotels and lodges, along with platform tents or yurts (known as glamping) will be located in the lodging zone, developed and operated by one or more concessionaires. o All facilities will have a strong orientation to the park core, Park Street, and Bighorn River, including strong visual and pedestrian connections such as lawns, porches, terraces, and balconies. o Setbacks and build to lines along Park Street will assist in reestablishing the historic and stately entrance into the park. o All facades will be treated as primary facades. New buildings will have an aesthetic consistent with the park’s architectural character. New buildings will be of a size and scale that is compatible to the park and existing buildings, generally two stories in height. o A broad open space will be on the west side of the buildings, offering outdoor park spaces that connect and link the park with the Bighorn River, and that encourage visitor interaction with the river. o Parking will be oriented north or south of the facilities, ensuring unobstructed open space between the lodging and river. o Facilities will be repaired or developed as recommended in the statewide Concessions Master Plan, and as identified in approved concessionaire master plans and lease agreements. o Standards and guidelines will be developed to guide the architectural character of new and repaired facilities. o All buildings are to be located outside the 100‐year floodplain. A FEMA Letter of Map Revision shall be pursued for existing buildings currently in the 100‐year floodplain.

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Accommodations and amenities in the lodging zone will offer the broadest range of experiences for visitors, including the following. o A conference / event center; a restaurant / bar or lounge open daily for all meals from breakfast, lunch, dinner, and through the evening; and a diverse offering of hotel rooms. o A lodge, not necessarily affiliated with a specific hotel chain, will be encouraged. This could be the Hot Springs Lodge with amenities that attract a broad visitor demographic. o Yurts, platform tents or other types of high end camping facilities may be built within the primary lodging zone. Camping facilities will be located in the camping lodging zone on the west side of Bighorn River. o A small RV and tent camping area will be west of the river and south of Park Street, in the old maintenance yard. On‐street parallel RV camping stalls will be dry. A restroom and shower building will be located between the RV and tent camping areas. An increased quantity of cabins, yurts, or platform tents off‐site in town, county, or other public or private lands will be encouraged as public or private ventures. Aquatic or lodging facility development in institutional areas will be encouraged if existing facilities are relocated in the future, i.e. hospital. Concessionaires will develop and update facilities in accordance with their approved master plans, and in compliance with all state requirements as identified in the lease agreements, including the statewide Concessions Master Plan, Facilities Condition Assessment Inspections and Reports, and current standards and guidelines.

Grounds At the center of Hot Springs Park is a historic grid of streets lined with stately shade trees, large expanses of open lawns, and dignified buildings and structures. This is the park core, located between the Bighorn River and the natural areas, and from the Rainbow Terraces to Buffalo Street. The park core has a traditional urban park setting with a lush respite of green space in contrast to the natural surroundings. Over time, paths disappeared, roads changed, and many 1900s bath houses, hotels and sanatoria are now gone. Other facilities have been built, some compatible with the park’s aesthetic, and others less so. Fortunately, the park’s arrangement of roads, paths and lawns of today are very similar to the historic park. Key buildings and structures—the State Bath House, Plaza Hotel and Mondell Shelter—continue to provide a strong architectural character. The historic park setting of the park core will be rehabilitated to reinstate this central green space as the heart of Hot Springs State Park. A few roads will be modified to reinstate the full grid and to provide more direct access to aquatic destinations, and the state park’s natural areas. Paths and shade trees will be added for more pedestrian continuity and to create an even greener oasis. New facilities including buildings, restrooms and shelters, will be sited as part of the historic grid, with aquatics and lodging facilities oriented to this central green. Historic elements will be rehabilitated, and new elements will be designed to be compatible with the park’s architectural character.  The park core will continue to be the central green around which the aquatics and lodging building zones are organized. o Building facades and pedestrian connections will be oriented towards the park core. Key relationships between these and the state park’s natural setting including the Rainbow Terraces and Bighorn River will be maintained.  The historic character of the park core will be maintained, repaired, and rehabilitated. o Shade trees will be added to the historic grid of trees as infill and where additional shade is desired. The tree species will be similar in form and character to original trees, and of hardy species and varieties.

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New paths will be added, aligned with the historic grid of streets and compatible with existing pedestrian routes, and where key connections are desired. o The historic gardens will be reestablished in the original location, near the State Bath House. o Historic elements will be repaired, including the Mondell Shelter (gazebo) and stone masonry walls. o New buildings and structures will be added to either replace existing or to support new facilities. They will be sited and oriented to be compatible with the historic grid of streets and open lawns, characteristic of the park core. New elements will be of an architectural character complementary to the state park’s aesthetic. o Standards and guidelines will be developed to guide the architectural character of new and repaired facilities. o Parking will generally be parallel spaces along park roads, and will not fill the state park’s open green spaces. Destination parking will serve the aquatics and lodging zones including modifications to Tepee Street for head‐in spaces, a small parking area north of the aquatic facilities, and parking associated with the lodging. Lawns within the park core will continue to be maintained as mown and irrigated grasses. Some annuals beds will become perennial beds, and some areas will be native landscaping to introduce more variety in plantings, and reduce long‐term maintenance. Annual plantings will be selectively located at state park entries and within new gardens. A few park structures and buildings, all of which are State owned, will be repurposed, modified, moved or repaired. o The Washakie (Kiwanis) Shelter will be redeveloped as a new lounge‐like picnic shelter with seating, WI‐ FI, and other amenities. The restrooms near the Tepee Fountain will be removed. o The Pavilion and its setting will be repaired and a shade structure over the seating area added for a more intimate and shaded experience. o The Superintendent’s House will be repurposed as a multiple use building, available for rental. The setting will be modified to become connected to the park’s open lawns, with the fence and yard removed, and with the possibility of a playground south of the building. Historic park elements, outside of the park core, will be maintained and rehabilitated. o Big Horn Spring Shelter, pedestrian area, and bridge will be repaired, with consideration given to removing the contemporary roof and overlook. o White Sulphur Springs will be rehabilitated, including repair of stone walls, stairs and pedestrian spaces. Areas outside the park core will be maintained as natural areas with minimal maintenance. o

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4 ‐ Visitor Orientation / Park Entry / Wayfinding A new, centralized visitor orientation facility will be located at the park entry crossroads – at Highway 20 and Park Street. The visitor orientation center will be a public‐private partnership with the state park’s visitor center, the chamber of commerce, and the long‐term development of a Discovery Center on one site. The complex will have meeting rooms, gift shops, art and educational exhibits, etc. to assist in orientation, interpretation, and education on the state park and its surrounding resources. Facilities will include a new parking area with clear pedestrian connections to the park core, natural areas, and the town of Thermopolis. Clear and comprehensive wayfinding will direct visitors to the state park, and assist in the interpretation and understanding of the park. Park Entry  Park Street will be reconfigured with one access point from Highway 20. The east west portion of Park Street from the school to Senior Avenue will be removed. Minor modifications will be needed for access to the existing

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school parking lots. The existing Chamber of Commerce building and associated parking area will be removed and relocated to the new visitor orientation complex. A signalized intersection at Highway 20 and Park Street with pedestrian crossings and gateway signage will be added, with coordination and approval from WYDOT. The railroad bridge roadway approaches will be modified and aesthetic bridge improvements will be added to improve the park entry experience.

Visitor Orientation  A new 7,500 sf visitor orientation complex will be added, consisting of a 5,000 sf state park visitor center and 2,500 sf Chamber of Commerce (with approved lease agreement). Together, they will provide orientation, interpretation, and education on local and regional attractions. A minimum of 38 parking spaces or (1) parking space for every 200 sf of building will be provided with pedestrian connections from the visitor orientation complex to the park core. Additional parking for park use will be included if needed.  Pedestrian connections and trails to the park, hospital hill, and T Hill (via a below‐ or above‐ grade pedestrian crossing) will be provided. Discovery Center  A new concessionaire‐owned and operated Discovery Center with up to 20,000 sf will be added onto the visitor orientation complex via lease agreement with the State of Wyoming. The facility may include an exhibit hall, gallery, staging area, artisan gallery shops, theater/stage, permanent studios, research library, coffee shop, etc. o (1) Parking space will be provided for every 200 sf of building. o Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation will provide a privately‐run destination playground / Children’s Nature Park. Up to 50,000 sf of outdoor education and interpretation space and 100 parking spaces will be allowed. Wayfinding and Signage  The character of the state park’s natural areas will be expanded along the Highway 20 corridor and the approach into Hot Springs State Park to create a cohesive park setting and ease in wayfinding.  A comprehensive regional wayfinding system, coordinated with WYDOT, will direct visitors to the state park.  Local signage within Thermopolis will direct visitors to the park. Orientation and directional signage will have a consistent logo, shape, and identity. Directional signs will be provided at Canyon Hill Road and other key routes to the park.  Five (5) gateways into the park – the primary park entry at Highway 20 and Park Street, the secondary entry at Arapahoe Street and Buffalo Street, Highway 20 near the county fairgrounds, at the Railroad Bridge, and T‐Hill will clearly identify the park entry experience.  Clear directional signage for oversized vehicles to use the south park entry will be added.  Park orientation kiosks will be added at the Visitor orientation complex, State Bath House, and all trailheads within the park. Information on trails, connections to Round Top and BLM, connections to downtown, and park amenities will be included.  Trail maps will be distributed at the Visitor orientation complex, State Bath House, and via the park website.  Interpretive signage throughout the park will be updated to include wayfinding information and be consistent with current park standards. o An interactive media based interpretation, i.e. cell phone tours, will be established for the park. o The interpretive audio / radio tour will be updated.  Wooden overhead gateways into natural areas will be maintained and restored.

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Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

5 ‐ Bighorn River Bighorn River flows from the Wedding of the Waters, on the north side of Wind River Canyon, north through the center of Hot Springs State Park and the Town of Thermopolis, towards Montana. The broad expanse of the river corridor as it flows through the state park is a dominant scenic element, and the waters are a draw for fisherman, boaters, and kayakers. Today, the configuration of the river edges and the orientation of park elements away from the river do not capitalize on its incredible natural, scenic, and recreational potential. Bighorn River will be re‐established as the central spine of the state park, and activated as a key recreational space. The river edges will be rehabilitated to provide a broad natural corridor, easily accessible for fishing, kayaking and boating, along with opportunities for many other recreational and scenic activities. Pedestrian access will be improved along the river edge with trails that connect lodging, aquatic and park facilities with the Bighorn River. A riverwalk between the Park Street and Broadway Street will connect downtown Thermopolis with the park and the river corridor. Overlooks at each bridge will offer spectacular views of the Bighorn River. The river edges will become natural areas with native landscaping interspersed with river access points, gathering spaces, and premier fishing locations.  Bighorn River will be revitalized as the central spine of the park by improving the river edges as more naturalistic areas. All new and rehabilitated buildings and structures will be located outside of the floodplain in accordance with FEMA and other regulations. o River edges will be naturalistic in character with rock outcroppings as edges, gravel trails to river access points, and spaces for put in / take out for non‐trailered boats, kayaks, and canoes. All improvements will encourage interaction with the river edge. o The historic stone wall along the Bighorn River near the Plaza Hotel will be preserved and repaired as a key element of the river’s edge.  The natural river edge will be improved to provide a network of trails, overlooks, and points of access to the Bighorn River. This will create a fully engaging experience with activities from fishing, rafting, canoeing, to sightseeing. o The area of the existing boat launch will be recreated as a natural park space with native landscaping, rock outcropping for seating, a naturalized shoreline, access to the river edge, and a new shelter with overlooks. o The boat launch will be relocated to the west edge of Bighorn River, at the state park’s south edge. This area will be converted from paving and utilities into a parking area with river access, adjacent to the camping lodging zone. o A new trail and improvements to the existing trail will create a new riverwalk, extending from the Rainbow Terraces to Broadway Street, connecting the river with downtown. o New overlooks, completed as part of future bridge widening, located at Park and Broadway streets will create accessible and safe pedestrian areas with spectacular views of the Bighorn River. o Pedestrian overlooks with rock outcropping for seating and points for river access will encourage interaction with the river’s edge for viewing, fishing, etc. o Flows into the Bighorn River from the Tepee Fountain, the aquatic facilities and key park elements will be formalized into elegant rock channels to celebrate and illustrate the on‐going natural processes of the thermal mineral water and its return to the Bighorn River. o A new pedestrian trail from the lower terrace along the overflow from the aquatic facilities will provide a route for pedestrians to connect to the upper terraces from the Bighorn River.

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

6 ‐ Recreational Opportunities Hot Springs State Park is a popular destination attracting visitors from throughout Wyoming and the region, those in route to the national parks, and international travelers. This state park has the highest visitation of all Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, with a diversity of the recreational offerings that provides a very significant economic benefit to the local community and the state. Recreational activities are varied, and as diverse as the different areas of the state park — the river, foothills, and park core. Walking, hiking and bicycling, viewing scenery, water play, and health‐related uses are all popular activities. Visitation is generally highest between May and October, with a fairly active shoulder season, and a decline in winter months. Some visitors are local and regional residents, while those traveling from afar are typically families interested in relaxation.10 Although visitation has grown somewhat, there remains a dramatic difference between summer and winter use and a reliance on a small demographic of potential visitors. This master plan identified the need to attract a broader spectrum of visitors, for more months of the year including shoulder seasons but primarily for winter months. Attracting a broader demographic is essential, particularly the active adult; as is extending the length of each visitor’s stay. Improving and enhancing recreational offerings, as well as expanding activities, will offer visitors a broader range of experiences in a high quality environment. Hot Springs State Park’s relatively mild climate, along with its core water resources, offers abundant opportunities to expand recreational amenities sensitive to the state park’s resources, and complementary to its historic character. The transformation of Bighorn River as the park’s central spine offers expanded opportunities for active river‐based recreation. Rehabilitation of the park core, along with improvements to aquatics and lodging, offers a more enriching and enjoyable experience. The expansion of trails and overlooks provides for miles of additional recreation for residents and visitors alike.  River‐based recreational opportunities will be expanded within the park. o The natural character of the Bighorn River will be re‐established with new opportunities for pedestrian overlooks with rock outcropping for seating to encourage interaction with the water’s edge for viewing, fishing, etc. o The boat launch will be relocated upstream to the west edge of Bighorn River near the new camping area.  Parking spaces for 30 vehicles  Boat ramp for trailered watercraft  River access for non‐trailered watercraft put‐in / take‐out  RV waste disposal  New shelter / restroom building  Concessionaire opportunities for water recreation equipment rentals, guided tours, shuttles, etc. will be expanded and encouraged. o River‐based recreation with river access for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, etc. will be expanded.

Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources, Cheyenne, WY, Wyoming Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), 2009‐2010.

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan





Pedestrian nodes for shore fishing with stone outcropping for sitting and engagement with the river will be located in areas with good fish habitat. Fish habitat improvements through natural measures, i.e. vegetated ledges to slow river velocity, will be considered.  Non‐trailered boat launches for canoes, kayaks, rafts, etc. will be added at the lower terrace, camping area, and near the south lodging facility. Passive park‐based recreation will be accommodated within the park core. Active recreation such as field sports and intensive uses will be moved outside of the park core.11 o An archery and / or disc golf course will be integrated in the park’s natural areas. o State Parks will partner with the town of Thermopolis to establish bike share locations within town and the park. o The community garden will remain and be improved. Outdoor play areas in the park core will be upgraded to increase play value and experiences, and to be of an aesthetic consistent with the park’s character, e.g. river, landform, native landscaping, terraces, bison, etc. Play areas will be located with shelters and other recreational uses. o New play areas will be designed to express the character of the state park, and of an aesthetic that builds upon the state park’s natural and historic resources. o The lower terrace play area will be consolidated and upgraded to provide a character fitting with its setting near the aquatic facilities, and the natural qualities of this area of the state park. The play area will be complementary to the Bighorn River corridor, with potential for themes related to river, cliffs, fishing, boating, etc. o The upper terrace play area will be consolidated and relocated adjacent to the Smoking Waters Group Area Shelter with the potential for themes related to the thermal waters or the Rainbow Terraces, and with views oriented towards the Swinging Bridge, and natural elements. o A play area may be developed in tandem with modifications to the Superintendent’s House as a public use facility. Hot Springs County will continue to provide active, regional recreational facilities on the west side of Hot Springs State Park within their lease area. Active recreation will generally be located within this area. o County Recreation expansion of active recreation will be encouraged, including but not limited to tennis, bocce, pickle ball, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball, lap swimming pool, a dog park, community gardens, playgrounds, bike park, and others as identified by the community. o The existing dog park adjacent to Bighorn River will be improved to continue to provide a pleasant experience for people and pets, and may include a shelter, or gathering area. The dog park will continue to be a partnership. State Parks will partner with Hot Springs County, Thermopolis, East Thermopolis, Wyoming Game and Fish, and the Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation to provide complementary regional amenities.

7 – Circulation Hot Springs State Park has an extensive vehicular and pedestrian circulation system, most of which adds to the park’s character. At the same time, numerous conflicts and issues need to be resolved. Highway 20, the primary access, divides the state park into two distinct parcels. Visitors from the south, travel through the Town of

Active recreation is outdoor recreational activities, such as organized sports, playground activities, and the use of motorized vehicles, that require extensive facilities or development or that have a considerable environmental impact on the recreational site (http://www.yourdictionary.com/active‐recreation#rdUfI6H64h3L8ZJJ.99).

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Thermopolis, with little to guide them to the entrance. From the north, the extent of the state park and the location of the entrance are unclear. Once at the state park, the choice of three roads – Highway 20 and two legs of Park Street – are confusing. The railroad underpass is unsightly and limits access for large vehicles. The historic grid of streets within the park core is a wonderful characteristic, but is interrupted in some areas by undefined parking. The scenic winding roads of the natural areas are somewhat hard to find, and there are many more opportunities for scenic overlooks. More pedestrian paths in the park core and trails in the natural areas are needed, as are better pedestrian connections to downtown. A comprehensive circulation system will provide improvements and enhancements to roads, parking, paths, and trails within the state park. New elements in the Town of Thermopolis and along Highway 20 for wayfinding will be added. This will make the state park easy to find, navigate, and enjoy. The park entrance will be reconstructed with a new intersection at Highway 20 and Park Street. Road improvements and a new streetscape will enhance the entrance road through the railroad underpass. Within the park core, parking will be increased by 94 spaces by the adding spaces at destinations, including additional parking near aquatics and lodging. New paths will be added in the park core. The intersections of Tepee and Buffalo streets will be modified, reducing circulation conflicts. Eight miles of new trails will be added to the natural areas, offering more hiking and biking experiences. Pedestrian connections between park uses and downtown will be increased. This comprehensive pedestrian trail and wayfinding system will encourage visitors to explore the natural and cultural resources within the park. Vehicular / Parking  Vehicular circulation will be easier to navigate, without pedestrian conflicts. o Buffalo Street and Buffalo Pasture Road intersection will be converted to a four‐way intersection with pedestrians crosswalks. The existing parking will be removed. o Highway 20 and Park Street will be converted to a signalized intersection with pedestrian crosswalks connecting the new visitor orientation complex with west side of the state park and the Hot Springs County Recreation area. o A road will be added at the Hot Springs County Recreation area to allow for recreation expansion and new parking. o The access road to the boat ramp from Tepee Street north will be removed. o A new boat ramp with parking for 30 vehicles will be added in the new camping area west of the Bighorn River.  Parking will be provided at destinations, primarily through on‐street parking and small parking areas. Large parking areas will be avoided. o Tepee Street will be reconfigured with head‐in parking on the north and south sides of the street. o A new parking area north of the aquatic area will be added. o A new parking area north of the lodging area will be added. The existing parking area west of the Plaza Hotel will be removed. o On‐street parallel parking will be retained on park roads. o Senior Avenue will be expanded to provide RV and car parking, new sidewalks, and street trees. o Overflow parking will be provided at the Hot Springs County Recreation area, fairgrounds, and Hot Springs School District. o Overflow parking for aquatics will be east of the Buffalo Street and Buffalo Pasture Road intersection.  Trailheads with parking areas and signage will be provided with pedestrian connections to the regional trail system. o Butch Cassidy Road will be paved and the overlooks improved.

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Trailheads at T Hill, Hospital Hill, County Recreation, Visitor Center, Children’s Center, Smokey Row Cemetery, Black Sulphur Springs, White Sulphur Springs, Sneider’s Overlook, Bison Overlook, etc. will be improved with parking and signage.

Pedestrian Circulation 



The riverwalk will be improved, widened as a concrete path through a naturalized river edge. o A riverwalk will be added on the west side of the Bighorn River within the new camping area, to create a looped path between Park Street and Broadway Street bridges and provide a connection to downtown Thermopolis. Pedestrian paths will be improved within the park by adding more accessible paths and providing clear, defined connections to Thermopolis. o Sidewalks will be added within the park core in a pattern that reflects their historic locations and is complementary to the park core’s grid of streets and park spaces. o Sidewalk connections will be improved within the park and connections will be added to access downtown Thermopolis. o Accessible sidewalks will be added within the state park between parking areas and destinations. o Pedestrian crosswalks will be added at Buffalo Street and Buffalo Pasture Road intersection, Highway 20 and Park Street intersection, and other intersections for pedestrian safety. o The terrace boardwalk will be maintained. State Parks will coordinate with local agencies to improve pedestrian connectivity. o State Parks will coordinate with the railroad to add a new pedestrian bridge over the railroad (in its original location) to connect the east and west sides of the park. o State Parks will coordinate with WYDOT to add an above‐, below‐, or at‐grade crossing at Highway 20 to provide a safe pedestrian connection from the park core to T Hill.

Trails An interconnected multi‐use trail system that accommodates a broad range of users, including hiker, mountain bicyclists, etc. will connect the park’s unique natural, cultural, and historical resources with greater Thermopolis and the county.  The pedestrian trail system within the park will be improved and expanded. o Eight miles of trails will be added in natural areas. o A bridge over the railroad (in its original location) will connect the east and west park trail systems at Hospital Hill. o An above‐, below‐, or at‐grade pedestrian connection at Highway 20 to connect the Visitor orientation complex to T Hill will be considered. o A loop trail from the Visitor center will be established. o The Riverwalk trail will connect the west and east sides of the river from Park Street to Broadway Street.  A system of connected trails within the natural areas and park will include: o A trail along Highway 20 to T Hill. o A trail across the swinging bridge to T Hill. o Trails in the natural areas and bison pasture. o Trails from county recreation to T Hill. o Trails in the natural area where the zoo was located. Interpret the historic zoo through interpretive signage, art or other creative media.

4‐20

Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan



Regional trail connections will be expanded with connections to: o Round Top with a new trailhead located near the cemetery. o BLM land, northeast of park property.

8 ‐ Land Use Land acquisitions, trades, or easement may be utilized to expand thermal mineral water resources, create buffers or conservation areas around park boundaries, protect viewsheds, provide additional recreational or park use benefit, and create a regionally interconnected trail system, integrating trails from Round Top to the park and adjacent BLM land. Any acquired land should be evaluated for other park uses, i.e. boat launch, cabins, yurts, platform tents, RV camping, tent camping, trails, etc.  State Parks will investigate the possibility of acquiring land with thermal mineral water resources as the first priority.  State Parks will investigate the possibility of acquiring land (through sale, trade, or easements) to create an interconnected regional trail system as the second priority. o A land trade agreement, permanent easement, or purchase of a portion of the Hot Springs County airport property and/or the development of an MOU with the Town of Thermopolis to establish a trail route from T Hill to Round Top will be considered.  State Parks will investigate the possibility of acquiring land to protect viewsheds and provide park buffers as the lowest priority. o Land acquisitions, land trades, or easements north of T Hill, southeast of park boundary to the top of the ridge, northeast of park boundary with a view of the horizon, etc. will be considered. 9 ‐ Maintenance and Operations Park maintenance and operations facilities will be streamlined and consolidated on the west side of Highway 20. The existing armory building will continue to be utilized for park maintenance and storage. Maintenance Facilities  Park headquarters and maintenance will be west of Highway 20. o The existing park headquarters / maintenance building will be retained. The maintenance facility expansion will include shop, storage, and greenhouse facilities. o The existing armory/park storage building will be used as ancillary maintenance / storage facility. The roof and walls will be repaired. New restroom / shower facilities for seasonal employees will be added. o Temporary camping for seasonal employees will be allowed in the parking area of the armory / park storage.  Park and maintenance buildings within the park will be upgraded as needed for park use. o The heat exchange building will be retained and infrastructure updated as needed. o The bison corral and associated buildings will be retained and updated, including electrical repairs.

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Staffing  Staff hours will be increased to provide longer evening and weekend hours to better accommodate visitors and local residents.12  Seasonal and / or volunteer staff will be increased. 10 – Partnerships and Concessionaire Agreements The wide array of experiences at Hot Springs State Park are currently made possible through a multitude of collaborations, partnerships, long term leases, and concessionaire agreements. From the institutions with long term leases, to concessionaires that provide critical aquatic and lodging facilities, to the small non‐profit partners, these entities fulfill important roles within the state park. Existing relationships and new partnerships are essential to the successful implementation of this master plan and to the successful management of Hot Springs State Park as a premiere recreational, health, and wellness destination. Existing relationships will be improved, and new partnerships developed to address the needs of the state park and to benefit the community. Management and oversight of leases and agreements at the state park level will continue to be improved. Collaborations with private, local, regional, and academic entities will be expanded. A friends group will be initiated to assist with fund‐raising, volunteer recruitment, and program development. An emphasis on having all leases within the park boundary be in compliance with all state rules, regulations, approved master plans, etc., will be made, with a requirement for approval by the division. New development, reconstruction, and repair of facilities with lease agreements will be approved by the division before work begins. Concessionaires and partners will be encouraged to provide new, unique opportunities within the state park, in addition to those explicitly stated within these recommendations. Concessionaire facilities sensitive to the state park’s character, and that adhere to state park standards and guidelines (as these will define the architectural character and minimal code requirements for park development), will be encouraged. Flexibility and creativity will be critical to providing unique, market‐driven elements that attract a broad visitor base.  Relationships will be expanded with existing and / or new concessionaires to improve visitor amenities within the state park. Concessionaires and the State will work collaboratively and cooperatively to provide new, unique amenities or to repair, upgrade, and retain existing amenities sensitive to the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the state park and surrounding area.  State Parks will continue to partner with Thermopolis Greater Learning Foundation (GLF) for development of the Discovery Center and Children’s Nature Park as privately solicited funds from either private or public entities become available. State Parks will coordinate with the GLF to provide interpretive exhibits in park shelters.  State Parks will coordinate with WYDOT to establish a comprehensive wayfinding system and provide trail connections to cross Highway 20.  State Parks will coordinate with the railroad to improve the park entry and provide a pedestrian crossing over the railroad from the swinging bridge to hospital hill.  State Parks will continue relationships with Wyoming academic institutions for research and understanding of the thermal mineral waters.  State Parks will explore partnerships within the community to provide seasonal, volunteer‐run tours of the park’s natural and cultural resources.

By Title 36, the State Bath House shall remain open each weekday for ten (10) hours and not less than (6) hours on Sundays and holidays.

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

  

State Parks will coordinate with Thermopolis to create a bike share program in downtown Thermopolis and within the park. State Parks will continue to explore opportunities for marketing and outreach with local, regional, and state tourism agencies. Standards and guidelines will continue to be developed for use by concessionaires, partners, and the state park to guide repair and development of concessionaire, partner, and state park facilities. These will guide the ongoing preservation, maintenance, and development of buildings and facilities, for both publicly and privately‐ owned facilities. The creation and adoption of standards and guidelines will define the architectural character for park buildings, structure, and grounds.

Implementation Priorities The implementation of this master plan and the successful management of Hot Springs State Park as a premiere recreational, health, and wellness destinations relies upon the many partnerships, concessionaire agreements, and leases within the state park. General costing for improvements identified by this master plan and associated with state park infrastructure including roads, trails, green space, and natural areas is estimated at approximately $26 million dollars to be completed over a 20‐year period. This number does not include costs that will be borne by concessionaires for improvements to concessionaire owned and operated facilities. Collaborative working relationships will need to be strengthened to implement the thoughtful recommendations. Options for funding will include state revenue sources such as legislative appropriation, state parks funds including special reserve account and major maintenance account; and state and federal grant funding such as the FHWA Recreation Trails Program. The local community will have a role as well with support through a Friends of Hot Springs Group, and funding through corporate sponsors and private donations. The following are potential funding sources.  Special Reserve Account ‐ this is funds generated by SPHST  Major Maintenance Account ‐ this is a funding source from the state for maintenance  Land and Water Conservation Fund ‐ this is an NPS program to provide grants for recreation facilities  Recreation Trails Program ‐ this is an FHWA program to provide grants for trails  Legislative Appropriation  Corporate Sponsors  Private Donations  Private Capital Investment Priorities for implementation should be re‐evaluated on a yearly basis to confirm priority level. Over time, unforeseen conditions or issues may result in priority changes. Elements currently in good condition may degrade at a higher rate, causing them to become higher priority. Additionally, modifications in federal, state, and local grant structures or budget allocations may require re‐prioritization. The following implementation priorities are organized as in‐progress, short‐term, medium‐term, and long‐term actions.

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Costing Description Thermal Water Allocation Other Considerations / Further Study Buildings, Facilities, and Grounds State Bath House Utilities Aquatics Not Included in Total Funds Above – Funded Through Concessionaire Agreements / Partnerships Lodging Not Included in Total Funds Above – Funded Through Concessionaire Agreements / Partnerships Grounds Maintain and restore the historic character of the park core Provide new and maintain existing park elements Utilities Visitor Orientation / Park Entry Park Entry Visitor Orientation Wayfinding and Signage GLF/Discovery Center Not Included in Total Funds Above‐Funded Through Public / Private Funding and Partnerships Bighorn River Recreational Opportunities Circulation Vehicular Pedestrian Trails Land Use Maintenance and Operations Maintenance Buildings Standards and Guidelines TOTAL STATE FUNDED COST OPINION (Includes Contingencies / General Conditions / Design Fees)

Total $ 1,330,000.00 $ 4,508,000.00 $ 3,097,850.00 $ 5,715,500.00 $ 2,590,000.00 $ 1,661,800.00 $ 5,706,400.00 $ 14,000.00 $ 1,275,400.00 $ 105,000.00 $ 26,003,950.00

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Priorities by Phase Phase 1: In‐progress  Rebuild Buffalo Street wall  Repair lower terrace shelter and armory roofs  Mill concrete and blacktop Park Street and BNRR underpass  Replace electrical systems at bison corral and armory  Improve park entry  Replace HVAC system at State Bath House  Add new shelter / restroom building at lower terrace Phase 2: Short‐term  Select concessionaire(s)  Establish park standards and guidelines  Explore policy modifications to conserve / make efficient use of thermal mineral water  Set thermal water allocation  Partner with WYDOT for wayfinding improvements  Explore potential land acquisitions, trades, or easements  Concessionaire development and upgrades in accordance with lease agreements and Rules and Regulations  Improve park entry  New visitor orientation (portions may follow, specifically the privately funded Discovery Center)  Repair historic elements and gardens  River enhancement  Add trails and improve trailheads and overlooks Phase 3: Medium‐term  Concessionaire development and upgrades in accordance with lease agreements and Rules and Regulations  Upgrade State Bath House (exterior, natural soaking pools, terrace pools)  Park core roadway, pedestrian, and utility improvements  RV and tent camping  River enhancement  Add bridge overlooks at Park Street and Broadway Street bridges  Add pedestrian crossing at Highway 20 Phase 4: Long‐term  Concessionaire development and upgrades in accordance with lease agreements and Rules and Regulations Park core roadway, pedestrian and utility improvements  Other redevelopment

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Recommendations

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

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Recommendations

Water Management Boundary Railroad Road Existing Trail Proposed Trail Unimproved Overlook Improved Overlook

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Management Boundary Railroad Accessible Trail Natural Trail Existing Natural Trail Proposed Existing Building Proposed Building

TRA

T-HILL

TH 35

RA TH

18 SR

RA SR AQ

Tepee Street 22

S 12

8 11

e ior A ven u

RA 15

Arapa

hoe Ro

South 2nd Street

S en

South 3rd Street

DISK GOLF / ARCHERY

South 4th Street

oe Roa

h Arapa

Quarry Trail

HOT SPRINGS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

12 14

Park Street

ffa

Big

COUNTY FAIRGROUND

tre

Riv er

lo S

Zoo Trail

PLAY

MASTER PL AN

COUNTY RECREATION

CO POOLING ND

Overlook Signage/Wayfinding Monument Proposed Bridge Natural Area Gateway Garden Embankment Pedestrian River Access Shelter / Restroom Aquatic Facility, Bathhouse and One or More Concessionaires Visitor Orientation Trailhead Boat Ramp Shelter

ACE S

DOG PARK

HOSPITAL HILL

TER R

BIKE PARK

SWINGING BRIDGE

Broadway Street

OP CT TE OM BB ER SE E R2 0 21 06 16

Legend

LOOP

I T-H

Springview Street

1 County Recreation - active recreation 2 Park Headquarters - maintenance area / yard, office, meeting areas, greenhouse 3 Park Maintenance – maintenance area / yard 4 Entry Road 5 Park Entry - signalized intersection, signage, pedestrian crossings 6 School parking 7 Visitor Orientation – State Park’s Visitor Center, Chamber of Commerce, future Discovery Center / Children’s Nature Park 8 Improved railroad bridge roadway approaches and aesthetic enhancements 9 RV / Overflow parking 10 RV / tent camping with restroom / shower 11 Overlooks at bridges 12 Lodging - expansion– river orientation 13 Rock channel at thermal mineral water overflow 14 Lodging - event / conference center, full service restaurant, expanded, updated, and / or replaced 15 Service drive 16 Pedestrian bridge over railroad to Hospital Hill 17 River Edge - remove boat ramp; add take-out / put-in (non-motorized watercraft, canoes, kayaks, rafts) 18 Shelter/Restroom /Play at river overlook 19 Aquatic facilities – expansion / improvement, operated by one or more concessionaires 20 Rehabilitated Park Core 21 Shelter 22 Head-in parking on both sides of Tepee Street 23 Connecting walks and space for aquatics 24 Shade structure at amphitheater / pavilion 25 Converted Superintendent’s Residence for park use with new playground 26 Walkway between river edge and terraces 27 State Bath House - expanded outdoor pool and natural soaking pools 28 Restored Mondell Shelter 29 Rainbow Terraces 30 4-way intersection with pedestrian crosswalks 31 Trailhead with parking and signage 32 Rehabilitated historic gardens 33 Playground at Rainbow Terraces 34 Relocate Aquatics 35 Black Sulphur Springs trailhead with parking and signage 36 Rehabilitated Big Horn Spring shelter, pedestrian area, and bridge 37 Big Horn Spring parking 38 Overflow parking 39 Boat Ramp / Parking

Figure 4-5.

200

400

800

4-35

HOT SP R INGS S TATE PA R K

T-HILL

Key:

Rehabilitate White Sulphur Springs

Rehabilitate Big Horn Spring

Restore historic garden

Rock Channels

Aquatics

Repair lawns, walks, plantings

Repair historic tree canopy

New Shelter / Restrooms

New Shelter

SE E R2 0 21 06 16 OP CT TE OM BB ER

Hospital Hill Trailhead

5 7

1 6

8 10

Figure 4-6.

4-37

PARK- CORE PERSPECTIVE

HOT SP R INGS S TATE PA R K

SE E R2 0 21 06 16 OP CTTEOM BB ER

Kayak / Canoe Take-Out and Put-In

RIVER EDGE Figure 4-7.

4-39

H OT SPRI NGS STATE PARK

MASTER PL AN - VIGNET TES

E N T R Y AT R A ILR OAD

SE OPCTTEOM BB EE R R2 2 00 11 66

River Edge

RIV ER ED GE

MASTER PL AN - VIGNET TES

Overlooks

Shore Fishing River Edge

RI V ER WA L K Views to Terraces

Natural Soaking Pools

Thermal Pool

NATURAL SOAKING POOLS Figure 4-8.

4-41

HOT SPR IN GS S TATE PA RK

Kayak / Canoe Take-Out and Put-In

Figure 4-9. 4-43

HOT SPR IN GS S TATE PA RK

MASTER PL AN - VIGNET TES

AQ UAT I C S COR E SE OPCTTEOM BB EE R R2 2 00 11 66

AQ UAT I C S PR OMENA DE

Figure 4-10. 4-45

H OT SP R INGS S TATE PA R K

MASTER PL AN - VIGNET TES SE E R2 0 21 06 16 OP CTTE OM BB ER

SE E R2 0 21 06 16 OP CT TE OM BB ER

Legend

Primary Park Entry Secondary Park Entry Existing Park Road to Remain (minor repairs only) Service Road to Remain Reconfigure / Improve Park Road Existing Public Road to Remain Remove Park Road

Parking Lot (# of spaces)

Head-in Parking (# of spaces)

Trailhead

Gateway Signage

Entry Signage/Wayfinding Natural Area Gateway

6 TH

20 TH 50

30 10

145

Park Street

60 60

100

145

ior A ven u Sen

VEHICUL AR CIRCUL ATION

20 24

12 TH

35 TH 76

Arapahoe Street

South 2nd Street

Broadway Street

Key 1 Entry Road to West 2

Park entry with signalized intersection, signage and pedestrian crossings Improved railroad bridge roadway

4 4-way intersection with pedestrian crosswalks and no parking

5 Head-in parking on Tepee Street, new parking behind aquatics

3 approaches and aesthetic enhancements 6 Pave gravel road and overlooks

N 0

Figure 4-11.

400

800

1200

4-47

HOT SP R INGS S TATE PA RK

SE E R2 0 21 06 16 OP CT TE OM BB ER

Legend Existing Paved Sidewalk/Trail to Remain (2 Miles)

To BLM

Proposed Paved or Improved Sidewalk/Trail (4 Miles) Proposed Bridge/Underpass Existing Unpaved Trail to Remain (5.4 Miles) Proposed Unpaved Trail (13.4 Miles) TH

Improve Trailhead Parking Lots Unimproved Overlook Improved Overlook

To Round Top TH

PEDESTRIAN CIRCUL ATION

TH TH

Continue sidewalk to downtown Thermopolis

Key Continue sidewalk to downtown Thermopolis

New pedestrian underpass to T Hill

New pedestrian bridge over railroad to Hospital Hill N 0

Figure 4-12.

400

800

1200

4-49

HOT SP R INGS S TATE PA R K

Summary of Existing Condition

Page Intentionally Left Blank

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

SUMMARY OF EXISTING CONDITION Introduction This section describes the current condition of Hot Springs State Park through a comprehensive overview of the park’s existing facilities, an assessment of their physical condition, and a summary of the park’s resources. It is presented by three categories: Facilities, Natural Resources, and Cultural Resources. The condition assessment documents the existing elements and characteristics of Hot Springs State Park. The assessment evaluates built facilities (i.e., the distribution of the thermal mineral water, and buildings and roads), natural and cultural resources, and social issues; and identifies opportunities and constraints. Facilities Summary and Condition Assessment Hot Springs State Park includes facilities that are State Park owned and operated, concessionaire owned and operated, or owned and operated by other public entities, e.g., Hot Springs County or private groups or foundations. Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails owns 1,041 acres and manages an additional 67 acres through grazing leases. Of Hot Springs State Park’s 1,108 acres, 180 acres is leased through long‐term concessionaire and public agreements. Facilities within Hot Springs State Park include the thermal mineral water delivery system, buildings and structures, roads and parking, small scale features, and utilities. A brief summary of facilities is presented by category in this section. The condition of these facilities was determined through the use of previous studies and facility condition reports. For site features and elements not previously evaluated, field reconnaissance investigations were conducted. The existing condition of each features is recorded as good, fair or poor, based on the following criteria. A series of tables document each feature in more detail (re: Table 4.1 to Table 4.12, pages 5‐10 to 5‐17). Good – Those features that do not require intervention. Only minor or routine maintenance is needed at this time. Fair – Some deterioration, decline, or damage is noticeable. The feature may require immediate intervention. If intervention is deferred, the feature will require extensive attention in a few years. Poor – Deterioration, decline, or damage is serious. The feature is seriously deteriorated or damaged or presents a hazardous condition. Due to the level of deterioration, damage or danger, the feature requires extensive and immediate attention. Thermal Mineral Water The naturally occurring hot mineral water at the Big Horn Spring that attracted American Indians and European settlers to the area has been manipulated to provide healing and recreational experiences for visitors. After the 1897 treaty was ratified, transferring ownership from the Eastern Shoshone Tribe to the United States, the property was ceded to the State of Wyoming. The State set aside the land for the “treatment of diseases and for sanitary and charitable purposes.” One quarter of the hot mineral water is set aside for public use. A portion is used for the indoor and outdoor pools at the State Bath House. The remainder flows over the Rainbow Terraces, where travertine deposits create unique multi‐colored terraces.

5‐1

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Hot mineral water rises from a deep artesian hydrothermal groundwater system and feeds the Big Horn Spring in Hot Springs State Park. This hot mineral water (approximately 128 degrees Fahrenheit) is gravity piped or delivered directly to the following facilities:  State Bath House  Star Plunge  Tepee Pool  Plaza Hotel  Days Inn  Pioneer Home  Tepee Fountain  Rainbow Terraces  Heat Exchange Building Within the Heat Exchange Building, water from the Bighorn River is used to cool the hot mineral water to 102‐106 degrees Fahrenheit. The river water and the hot mineral water do not mix. The cooled mineral water is then piped to the State Bath House, Star Plunge, and Tepee Pool. While water valves and meters exist throughout the system to control and monitor water use, most valves and meters are not functional at this time; the corrosive nature of the mineral water appears to limit the useful life of such infrastructure to a few years. Current major water users (Star Plunge and Tepee Pool) are each allocated 350 gallons per minute (gpm), combined hot and cooled mineral water. However due to the corrosion of the valves and meters, the flow of mineral water is not being controlled currently, and it is possible facilities are using more than their allocated amount. The State Bath House typically uses less than 100 gpm. Based on reliable historic and contemporary water flow data from the Big Horn Spring, flows have been decreasing since record keeping began. The Rainbow Terraces receive the hot mineral water from an open channel that originates at the Big Horn Spring. Buildings A variety of buildings, many for recreation, tourism, and management directly related to Hot Springs State Park, are within park boundaries. Others are on state‐leased land and serve community uses such as schools and county agencies. Brief descriptions of the buildings follow, organized by ownership and management, beginning with state park owned facilities, followed by those on state park leased lands. State Park Owned and Operated Buildings State park owned and operated facilities include administrative and maintenance buildings, housing, the State Bath House, restroom buildings, pump house, and a stage / pavilion. Some buildings are open to the public. 1. Bison Corral Complex – The complex includes a 300 SF open storage shed; 2,200 SF storage feed barn; 400 SF meat and chemical storage shed; 400 SF tool storage shed; and 800 SF storage shed. Wooden corral fencing is unused. The complex is in fair condition, as electrical systems were not operational. The buildings are not open to the public. 2. Heat Exchange Building – The 840 SF heat exchange building (including the restrooms) was completed in 2005 and is in good condition. Mineral water infrastructure requires maintenance more frequently than the manufacturers’ recommendations; however, because of ongoing maintenance activities, heat exchange infrastructure inside the building is in good working condition. Restrooms are located on the north side of the building.

5‐2

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9.

Master Plan

State Bath House – The 5,000 SF complex has changing rooms, restrooms, and indoor and outdoor hot mineral water soaking pools. The facility is in good condition, and is free and open to the public. Stage / Pavilion – The 1,880 SF covered stage is oriented north toward an open air pavilion for small concerts and events. The exterior of the building is in good condition. Tepee Restrooms – The 855 SF restroom facility is outdated and in poor condition. Superintendent’s Residence – The 2,800 SF one‐story residence has been recently repaired and is in good condition. Maintenance Yard Service Shop – The 3,700 SF building has a small greenhouse, employee break room, and storage areas. The building is in fair condition. The facilities are outdated and are no longer needed for park maintenance operations. Park Headquarters – The 4,339 SF building has park offices and maintenance shop. The building is in good condition. Armory – The 6,900 SF building is a storage and shop facility. The interior was recently repaired. The building is in fair condition, with roof and wall damage.

Concessionaire Owned and Operated Buildings Several park buildings, including hotels and pool facilities, are owned and operated by concessionaires through long‐term lease agreements with the State. Several facilities are in disrepair due to age and need for extensive improvements. Others require some improvement, and one—the Plaza Hotel—has undergone recent upgrades. 1. Star Plunge – Built between the 1880s and early 1900s, Star Plunge is one of the oldest buildings in the park. C&W Enterprises owns and operates the facility. Expanded over the years, the facility takes up most of its 2‐acre site. The building has “an indoor pool, two indoor water slides, steam room heated by the hot mineral water, locker rooms, retail store and spa, an outdoor pool, and a large outdoor water slide.” The facility is in disrepair due to “age and condition of the concession facilities.”1 This building has been highly modified and does not retain sufficient historic integrity to be considered eligible for the NRHP. 2. Tepee Pools ‐ The 1977 building is owned and managed by TePee Pools, Inc. The building was built in 1967, burned in 1975 and was rebuilt in 1977. It was repaired extensively in 1990, with ongoing repairs since that time. The facility, on 3‐acres, includes an indoor pool with a water slide, locker rooms, steam room, retail shop, an outdoor pool, two outdoor spas, and an outdoor water slide. The second story is not currently in use. The facility fell into disrepair, but is being upgraded based on the Tepee Pools Concessions Master Development Plan approved in 2014. The lobby, steam room, and changing rooms were remodeled in spring 2016 in cooperation with State Parks and in accordance with the Tepee Pools Concessions Master Development Plan.2 3. Best Western Plaza Hotel – The 1918 hotel is owned and managed by Wyoming Resorts, LLC. Listed in the NRHP, the hotel was rehabilitated in 1997. It has 36 guest rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, and an outdoor mineral hot tub. The hotel is “very well‐maintained in its historic structure.”3 4. Days Inn Hotel – The 1971 hotel was built as a Holiday Inn and was expanded or modified several times. It is currently owned and managed by Big Springs Spa, Inc. The hotel has 80 guest rooms, meeting and banquet facilities, restaurant and bar, fitness center, racquetball courts, seasonal outdoor pool, hot mineral water spa, and steam room. The hotel is approaching the “end of its facility life cycle (over 40 years old) and as such, most systems and infrastructure are near the end of their life cycle.”4

Lampert & Associates, An Independent Review of Selected Wyoming State Parks & Concessions, 2010, p. 82 Moriarity, D. Tepee Pools, Hot Springs State Park, Concession Master Development Plan, 2014, 45 pp. 3 CHM, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Concessions Master Plan, 2013, p. 15‐16 4 CHM, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Concessions Master Plan, 2013, p. 17‐18 2

5‐3

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Foundation Owned and Operated Building Other facilities on the south side of the park are owned and operated by either the county or private institutions. The condition of these facilities was not documented as part of this master plan. 1. Northwest Wyoming Boces Big Horn Basin Children’s Center –The Northwest Board of Cooperative Education Services has owned and operated the Children’s Center since 1970. “Services include educational, therapeutic, and residential programs to promote learning and growth to improve the quality of life for youth with disabilities.”5 2. Gottsche Rehabilitation Center – The Gottsche Foundation owns and operates the rehabilitation center (west addition of the Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital), which includes a health and wellness gym. Two smaller office buildings are used as a dental office. 3. Pioneer Home – The Wyoming State Pioneer Home owns and operates the assisted living home, which opened in 1950. The Montgomery wing was added in 1954, and the Kuiper wing was added in 1957. The facility includes private and shared rooms, library, computer room, chapel, and public living areas. Hot Springs County Owned and Operated Buildings Many buildings, including the hospital, high school and fairgrounds, are owned and operated by the county, and are on land leased from the State. Most of the west side of the park is leased to the county. Other facilities on the south side of the park are owned and operated by either the county or private institutions. The condition of these facilities was not documented as part of this master plan. 1. Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital – Hot Springs County owns and operates the one story brick and masonry hospital. It is a 25 bed critical access hospital. 2. Hot Springs County Sewage Disposal Plant – Hot Springs County owns and operates four buildings. 3. Hot Springs Senior Citizens Center – The Hot Springs Senior Citizens Center owns and operates the one story building. 4. Hot Springs County Library – Hot Springs County owns and operates the library. 5. Hot Springs County School District – Hot Springs County School District No. 1 owns and operates the seven buildings – the Hot Springs County Library, Ralph Witters Elementary School, GM Hayek Vocational Building, Auditorium Central Services, Hot Springs County High School, the Carnegie Library, and a maintenance building. Structures include two playgrounds and stands associated with track and field. 6. Thermopolis Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center – Hot Springs County owns and operates the chamber of commerce and visitor’s center. 7. Wyoming National Guard Armory – The Wyoming National Guard owns and operates the one and two story brick armory building. 8. Hot Springs County Fairgrounds – The County of Hot Springs owns and operates the county fairgrounds on the west side of the park. This site includes over 20 buildings, including barns, sheds, restrooms, covered stands, and ball park dug outs. Structures include a playground, skate park, corrals, stands, walls and fences. 9. Hot Springs County Road and Bridge Development – The County of Hot Springs owns and operates the one story metal building with garages and office space. 10. Hot Springs County Weed and Pest Control – The County of Hot Springs owns and operates the one story metal building with garages and office space. 5

http://www.nwboces.com/About_Us.html 5‐4

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Structures State owned and managed structures include shelters and bridges. Shelters are available for rental and have picnic tables, grills, trash receptacles, and lighting. A. Big Horn Spring Shelter – The 580 SF group shelter with second story overlook platform is in fair condition. B. Smoking Waters Group Area – The 1,200 SF group shelter available for rental is in good condition. C. Smoking Waters Group Shelter – The 570 SF group shelter is in good condition. D. Mondell Shelter (Gazebo) – The 500 SF historic structure is in fair condition. E. Washakie (Kiwanis) Picnic Shelter – The 660 SF shelter has permanent grills. The facility is available for rental and is in fair condition. F. Lower Terrace Shelter – The 1,100 SF open shelter is available for rental. It is in fair condition. G. Swinging Bridge ‐ The recently restored 1916 swinging bridge provides a pedestrian connection across the Bighorn River from the Rainbow Terraces and provides spectacular views of the river corridor. It is in good condition. Three state owned and maintained bridges are in the park core – one is a vehicular bridge and two are pedestrian bridges. The vehicular bridge is on Buffalo Street, north of the Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, over a natural drainage route and is in fair condition. One pedestrian bridge connects the hospital and assisted living home over a natural drainage corridor, and another crosses the same drainage corridor on the riverwalk. One bridge, owned and maintained by the Burlington Quincy Railroad, is deteriorated and limits the size of vehicles that can enter the park. Two bridges over the Bighorn River at Park Street and Broadway Street are owned and maintained by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Roads and Railroads U.S. Highway 20 is the primary vehicular access into Hot Springs State Park. The highway generally follows the alignment of Bighorn River, which is oriented north‐west south‐east. The highway separates the park into two parcels, with the primary park space occurring on the east, and park administrative / maintenance on the west where the majority of the county leased parcels are located. Two pull‐offs are on Highway 20, one at the Swinging Bridge and the other at Hospital Hill (Old Hospital site), both are maintained by state parks. The Burlington Quincy Railroad follows a similar alignment to Highway 20, located between Highway 20 and the Bighorn River for the entire length of the state park. The eastern, and urban, section of the park, the park core has five roads that together equal approximately ½ mile (2,590 linear). These asphalt paved roads create the park road system, and provide connections to park destinations and parking areas. These park roads are a gridded system of streets 40 feet wide, asphalt paved with on‐street parallel parking on both sides of the road. The park roads connect to the urban grid of East Thermopolis and Thermopolis, and are oriented according to cardinal directions. Park Street is the primary east‐west entrance into the state park. A low clearance underpass with a twelve foot height limitation, where Park Street crosses under the railroad, limits the size of vehicles. Arapahoe Street is a secondary entrance, oriented east‐west, and is used by oversized vehicles and RVs. Tepee Street, oriented east west, and the north south oriented Buffalo and Pioneer streets complete the park system of roads within the park core. Vehicular access to Bighorn River, and the boat launch, is from Pioneer Street. Parking facilities occur at the State Bath House, Pavilion, Star Plunge, Tepee Pools, Best Western Plaza Hotel, and Days Inn. A total of 719 parking spaces occur within the park core – 259 in parking areas associated with concessionaire facilities, and 460 spaces within the park. Three access / service drives occur in the park core – Pioneer Loop, Pioneer Home service drive, and Hoover Drive.

5‐5

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

In natural areas the park roads are winding, narrow, and asphalt or gravel paved, approximately 30 feet in width. These park roads extend into natural areas, following natural and topographic elements to scenic overlooks, and winding through the bison pasture to geological elements and vistas. This system comprises just over 1 ¼ miles (6,920 LF). Four roads are paved – Big Springs Drive, Buffalo Pasture Road, Arapahoe Drive, and Colter Drive (the only one‐way street in the park road system). Dirty Jack Road is a gravel paved drive, less than a ¼ mile in length (800 LF), and accesses scenic overlooks. Big Horn Spring has a paved parking facility for 28 vehicles. Smokey Row Cemetery, Sneider’s Point, White Sulphur Springs, and Black Sulphur Springs each have gravel parking facilities for 10 or fewer vehicles. Three service roads in the natural areas have controlled entries: one to the target range on Dirty Jack Road; one to the city and park water tanks; and the other to the bison corral complex. The western section of Hot Springs State Park includes the approximately ¾ mile (3,240 linear feet) unpaved service road at T Hill. The entry access is controlled, and not open to public vehicles. The fairgrounds land leased by Hot Springs County is accessed by vehicles along paved and unpaved roads. The Hot Springs County Weed and Pest Control District, Hot Springs County Road and Bridge Department, and the Wyoming National Guard Armory have parking facilities. Hot Springs State Park has a large unpaved parking / maintenance area at the Park Headquarters. A combination of paved access roads and parking lots are associated with the Hot Springs County Library, School District, and Senior Citizens Center. Trails and Pedestrian Walkways Two different systems of pedestrian movement occur within the state park. In the park core, concrete walkways are along roads and connect destinations and parking facilities. Within natural areas, the trails are narrow, unpaved and provide access to natural and cultural elements. Within the park core walkways follow park roads, connect park spaces, and link to parking – they are typically concrete paved and five feet in width. The riverwalk trail along Bighorn River is six feet in width and extends from the park’s southern boundary to the parking area at the boat launch. Five trails in the natural areas of the state park, the easternmost section, offer 3.5 miles of exploration into the park’s natural landscape. Each trail offers scenic overlooks with views towards the park core, Town of Thermopolis, and surrounding geologic formations. The trails are typically soft surfaced and three feet in width. The Spirit Loop is universally accessible, six feet in width with a crusher fines paved surface. Most trails are in good condition. A few routes are steep with some areas of erosion. The five trails are: Quarry Trail, beginning at the Smokey Row Cemetery trailhead on Buffalo Pasture Road; Spirit Trail extending to the top of Monument Hill from the trailhead at Black Sulphur Springs; Spirit Hole loop, the universally accessible route around Spirit Hole; Sneider’s Point Overlook trail, beginning at the trailhead off Buffalo Pasture Road; and the composite timber boardwalk on the Rainbow Terraces. Informal trails include routes to the top of Monument Hill, and a route from Sneider’s Point Overlook to Star Plunge. The six mile Volksmarch trail begins and ends at the State Bath House. Small Scale Features Small scale features include a range of objects that provide detail and diversity for both functional needs and aesthetic concerns in the park. These include water features, playgrounds, walls, fences, lighting, signage, and site furnishings. Some of the objects – water features and walls – are historic.

5‐6

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Three park owned and maintained water features contribute to the park’s identity. The highly photographed Tepee Fountain and Chamber of Commerce fountain are similar, with hot mineral water depositing travertine layers over a pyramid structure. A non‐functional water feature is centrally located in the Mondell Shelter (gazebo), two others flank the water chemistry sign at the Big Horn Spring. Two water features are owned and maintained by the Pioneer Home. The Feather Fountain commemorates the efforts of Chief Washakie, Chief Sharp Nose, and McLaughlin in establishing Hot Springs State Park and was recently repaired. A small stone water feature north of the Buffalo Street Bridge is operational. Three state owned and maintained playgrounds are in the park core and include a range of play equipment, including climbing structures, swings, traditional play equipment, and talk tubes. The recently installed bison and rock climbing structures are consistent with the park aesthetic. Some of the equipment is outdated and does not have a wide range of play value. Volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and two fishing piers provide additional recreational opportunities. Wall types include dry stacked stone walls, mortared stone walls, and concrete walls. Dry stacked stone walls are at the Plaza Hotel along the riverwalk, on Buffalo Street in the park core, and in the rose garden. Mortared stone walls are around the Hot Springs County fairgrounds, along Arapahoe Street east of the hospital, at the White Sulphur Springs terrace, along Big Springs Drive, and at the Big Horn Spring terrace. Short wall segments are located throughout the park to address erosion and drainage issues. A concrete wall is at the boat launch parking lot. The walls are generally in fair condition. Many walls have deteriorating mortar joints, show evidence of buckling and heaving, and vegetation is compromising their structural integrity. Three fence types are used in the natural areas: the buck and rail fence enclosing the bison pastures, split rail fencing at limits of natural areas, and low wood rail along the road. Within the park core, a range of fencing includes metal guardrails around water features and adjacent to steep slopes. Chain link fences surround maintenance facilities, yards, and the community garden. A portion of the Superintendent’s yard is enclosed with board‐on‐board cedar fencing. Fencing is generally in fair condition with wooden and metal components deteriorating. Within the state park are more than twenty park signs, kiosks, and interpretive signs that describe the natural and cultural resources of Hot Springs State Park. The “Worlds Largest Mineral Hot Springs Sign” on the west slope of Monument Hill is historic, although not entirely accurate. Signs range in condition from good to poor. Many of the signs have bubbling laminate, cracking and peeling paint, and graffiti damage. Interpretive signs, recently updated, are in good condition. A wide range of site furnishings occur within the park core, including lighting, benches, picnic tables, grills, and trash receptacles. Most of the site furnishing are outdated and are in fair condition.

5‐7

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Utilities Utilities in the park include irrigation water, potable water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, electrical, natural gas, and the hot mineral water that is fed by the Big Horn Spring. Ongoing easements with Wyoming Gas Company, Pacificorp, and RT Communications are in place for utility corridor maintenance. The park uses water from the Bighorn River for irrigation, watering stock, and fire protection. The water is pumped from the river to a large holding tank in the natural area east of Park Street. From the tank, it is gravity fed throughout the park. The irrigation system is updated except the main line below Park Street. A large holding tank for the town’s potable drinking water is in the natural area east of Park Street. Potable drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer are provided by the town of Thermopolis. A Hot Spring County Sewer District facility is on park property west of the Bighorn River and a sewage transfer facility is near the Days Inn. Park utility deficiencies include the outdated irrigation mainline and non‐operational electrical system at the bison corral complex. Deficiencies in public utilities serving concessionaires include water, sanitary and storm sewer, and electric. Table 5‐1. Buildings State Park Owned and Operated Type Bison Corral Complex

Heat Exchange Building

State Bath House

Location Number 2130; 2131; 2845; 2845; 3285

Date Built or Acquired 1981; 1953; 1981; 1981; 1953 2005

0310; 0315 2165

1966

Tepee Restrooms Superintendent's Residence Maintenance yard service shop

0311 0308

1981 1958

0093

1958

Park Headquarters Armory

HS1402

2013

2110

1973

Wyoming National Guard Armory

2011

Stage / Pavilion

1969

Description Complex includes a 300 SF open storage shed; 2,200 SF storage feed barn; 400 SF meat and chemical storage shed; 400SF tool storage shed; and 800 SF storage shed. Wooden corral fencing is unused. Electrical systems are not operational.

Condition Fair

The 840 SF heat exchange building (including the restrooms) was completed in 2005 and is in good condition. Mineral water infrastructure requires maintenance more frequent than the manufacturers’ recommendations; however, because of ongoing maintenance activities, heat exchange infrastructure inside the building is in good working condition. Restrooms are located on the north side of the building. Over 5,000 SF complex with changing rooms, restrooms, and indoor and outdoor hot mineral water soaking pools. Covered stage oriented north toward an open air pavilion for small concerts or events. The pavilion is built on the pool foundation of the removed Washakie Hotel. Building is composed of masonry and wood. Roof is metal. 855 SF restroom facility. 2,800 SF one‐story residence with a private driveway and enclosed yard. No longer utilized as the maintenance facility, this 3,700 SF building has a nursery, employee room, and storage areas. The building is outdated and current uses may be relocated. WYDOT building transferred to SPHST in 2013 and converted to park headquarters and shop. 6,900 SF storage / shop facility. Interior recently repaired. Roof failure evident. Brick failure on west façade. One and two story brick building. Owned by state parks and leased to Hot Springs Recreation District, Hot Springs Recreation District pays operational costs.

Good

Good Good

Poor Good Fair

Fair Not evaluated

5‐8

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 5‐2. Concessionaire Owned and Operated Type Star Plunge 6

Location Number Date #15 late 1880s extensively modified

Tepee Pools 7

#16

1967

Best Western Plaza Hotel* 8

1918

Days Inn 9

1971

Description The building has an asymmetrical floor plan with numerous level changes in the floor and roof. There is an indoor and outdoor mineral spring pool and two water slides. The northeast corner is excavated into the hillside, where vapor caves may have once taken advantage of an original mineral spring site. 35' height tall, octagonal dome structure with three mineral spring pools. A water slide is south of the building. The second floor is not in use. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as the Callaghan (Plaza) Apartments and Hotels, this historic hotel was rehabilitated and includes 36 rooms, outdoor hot mineral spa, and seasonal fresh water pool. 80‐room hotel with year round hot mineral water Jacuzzi, seasonal fresh water pool, athletic club, hot mineral water steam room, private Jacuzzi room, racquetball court, restaurant, and convention facilities for 250.

Condition Varies – Poor, Fair, some Good Varies – Poor, Fair, Good Good

Varies ‐ Poor, Fair, some Good

* Unevaluated for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)

Abel, Malone Belton, P.C., Simplicity, LLC, Councilman‐Hunsaker, Liberty Environmental, LLC. Facilities Condition Assessment Inspection & Report, Star Plunge, 2014. Counsilman, Hunsaker. Swimming Pool Assessment, Star Plunge Mineral Pools ‐ Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, WY, 2014. CHM, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Concessions Master Plan, 2013. Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources, Star Plunge, Concessionaire Inspection Report. Thermopolis, WY: 2013. Lampert & Associates, An Independent Review of Selected Wyoming State Parks & Concessions, 2010. 7

Abel, Malone Belton, P.C., Simplicity, LLC, Councilman‐Hunsaker, Liberty Environmental, LLC. Facilities Condition Assessment Inspection & Report, TePee Pools, 2014. Counsilman, Hunsaker. Swimming Pool Assessment, TePee Pools ‐ Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, WY, 2014. CHM, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Concessions Master Plan, 2013. Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources, TePee Pools, Concessionaire Inspection Report. Thermopolis, WY: 2013. Lampert & Associates, An Independent Review of Selected Wyoming State Parks & Concessions, 2010. 8

CHM, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Concessions Master Plan, 2013. Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources, Best Western, Concessionaire Inspection Report. Thermopolis, WY, 2013. Lampert & Associates, An Independent Review of Selected Wyoming State Parks & Concessions, 2010.

CHM, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Concessions Master Plan, 2013. Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources, Thermopolis, WY, Days Inn, Concessionaire Inspection Report, 2013.

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Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 5‐3. Foundation Owned and Operated Type Northwest Wyoming Boces ‐ Big Horn Basin Children's Center Gottsche Rehabilitation Center

Location Number

Date 1970

Description One story brick masonry structure.

Condition Not evaluated

1954

This is the west wing of the Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, and offers physical, occupational, psychological, and massage therapies. Includes two smaller buildings.

Not evaluated

1950; 1957

One and two story brick masonry structure. The Wyoming State Pioneer Home owns and operates the assisted living home, which opened in 1950. The Montgomery wing was added in 1954 and the Kuiper wing was added in 1957. The facility includes private and shared rooms, library, computer room, chapel, and public living areas.

Not evaluated

Wyoming Pioneer Home Assisted Living

Table 5‐4. Hot Springs County Owned and Operated Type Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital 10 Hot Springs County Sewage Disposal Plant Hot Springs County Senior Citizens Center Hot Springs County Library and Carnegie Library* Hot Springs County School District

Location Number

Date

Description Hot Springs County owns and operates the one story brick and masonry hospital. It is a 25 bed critical access hospital. Site includes four buildings. The field north of the buildings is no longer in use.

Condition Not evaluated Not evaluated

One story brick and wood building.

Not evaluated

Thermopolis Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center Hot Springs County Fairgrounds Hot Springs County Recreation District

Site includes the Ralph Witters Elementary School, GM Hayek Vocational Building, Auditorium Central Services, and Hot Springs County High School. There are two playgrounds and track and field. One story building located at the intersection of State Highway 20 and Park Street.

Hot Springs County Road and Bridge Department Hot Springs County Weed and Pest Control District

Site includes an arena, stock barns, multiple barns and sheds, restrooms, ball park facilities, playground, and skate park. Hot Springs County Recreation District jointly manages ballfields, playground, state park and restrooms. They lease the Wyoming National Guard Building from state parks and manage operations. An agreement is in progress for Hot Springs County Recreation District to have full management of these recreational amenities. One story metal siding building with garage and office space.

One story metal siding building with garage and office space.

* Unevaluated for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)

Not evaluated

Not evaluated Not evaluated

http://www.hscmh.org/getpage,ph?name=index 5‐10

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 5‐5. Structures – State Park Owned Location Number 0313

Date Built or Acquired 1981

Smoking Waters Group Area

5590

2013

Smoking Waters Group Shelter Mondell Shelter (gazebo)*

2161

1981

3013

Early 1900s

Washakie (Kiwanis) Picnic Shelter

2162

1981

Lower River Road Terrace Shelter

3427

1990

Swinging Bridge

3632

Type Big Horn Spring Shelter*

Description 580 SF group shelter with second story overlook platform.

1200 SF group shelter on a concrete pad with metal structure and roof and masonry column surrounds. It has lighting, picnic tables, and grills. Shelter is available for rental; maximum occupancy is 143 persons. 570 SF open shelter on a concrete pad with metal structure and roof. Shelter has picnic tables, trash receptacles, and grill. 500 SF structure with masonry columns and shingle shake roof with bird house topper. A non‐operational water feature located in the center of the concrete pad.

660 SF structure with 'A' frame roof and metal columns. Charcoal grills built into CMU walls below shelter. A large concrete pad has picnic tables and trash receptacles, contained by low seatwalls. 1,100 SF open shelter on a concrete pad with wood structure and shingle roof. Wooden wind break/privacy fence on north side of shelter.

Condition Fair ‐ some failing mortar joints, loose roofing Good

Good Fair ‐ deteriorated masonry, missing historic elements Fair ‐ outdated architectural character Fair ‐ outdated architectural character Good

1916; Suspension foot bridge crosses the Bighorn River from the rebuilt in mineral terraces. State assumed ownership in 1993. 1992 *Hot Springs State Park, 48HO80, has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as an historic district. The Mondell Shelter is a contributing component of the district. The Big Horn Spring shelter is non‐contributing.

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Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 5‐6. Roads and Railroad Type Railroad U.S. Highway 20

Park Street

Description The Burlington Northern Railroad extends through Thermopolis on the west side of the Bighorn River.

Ownership BNRR

asphalt with partial concrete curb asphalt with concrete curbs

Four lane, two way highway becomes three lanes with two northbound lanes and one southbound north of park headquarters. Park Street is the primary vehicular entry into the park. It is a two lane, two way asphalt street. The transition between Park Street and State Highway 20 creates two triangular parcels separated by turn lanes. Park Street has angled parking on both sides of the street at the school and Visitors Center. At Senior Avenue is narrows to a two lane, two way street. A 12' clearance underpass is at the railroad. The bridge over the Bighorn River is two lanes with divided sidewalks on both sides. Park Street terminates at Buffalo Street. The Park maintains the street east of the railroad bridge. Arapahoe Street via Broadway Street is the secondary vehicular entry and is the RV/oversized vehicular entry. It is a two lane, two way street with a combination of parallel parking and head‐in parking eastbound. The hospital and Children's Center have drop‐ offs with parking at their main entries. Arapahoe Street continues northeast beyond park boundaries to state highway 172.

WYDOT

Buffalo Street is a two lane, two way street that extends from Arapahoe Street to Buffalo Pasture Road with on‐street parking southbound. Tepee Street is a two lane, two way street with on‐street parking on both sides. The street extends from Pioneer Road to Big Spring Drive.

WY SPHST

Arapahoe Street

asphalt with partial concrete curb

Buffalo Street

asphalt with concrete curbs

Tepee Street

asphalt with concrete curbs

Pioneer Street

asphalt with concrete curbs

Pioneer Street is a two lane, two way street with on‐street parking on both sides. The street extends from Park Street to the boat ramp.

WY SPHST

Pioneer Loop

asphalt with concrete curbs asphalt with concrete curbs

One way loop road with angled parking.

WY SPHST

Service drive for authorized users for service/deliveries to the south side of the Pioneer Home.

WY SPHST

asphalt with concrete curbs

Gated service drive for the Tepee Pools for authorized users.

WY SPHST

Pioneer Home service drive Hoover Drive

Material

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WY SPHST

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 5‐6. Roads and Railroad, continued Type Arapahoe Road

Material asphalt

Big Horn Drive Butch Cassidy Road Dirty Jack service drive Colter Drive Buffalo Pasture Road

asphalt gravel gravel

Description Arapahoe Road is a two lane, two way asphalt looped park road. It begins east of the Big Horn Basin Children's Center and ends in the bison pasture at Buffalo Street. Two lane, two way park road through bison pasture. Gravel drive to scenic overlooks. Gated service drive to target range for authorized users.

asphalt asphalt

One way drive from Arapahoe Road to Buffalo Pasture Road. Two lane, two way park road through bison pasture.

WY SPHST WY SPHST

Buffalo Corral service drive Corral Overlook Road Water tank service drive White Sulfur Road T Hill Road Fairgrounds roads

asphalt

Gated service drive to bison corral complex.

WY SPHST

asphalt gravel

Looped pull‐off for scenic viewing. Service drive to access water tanks

WY SPHST WY SPHST

asphalt Access road to White Sulfur Springs. dirt Gated service drive for authorized users. asphalt or gravel Access and service roads for fairgrounds and county buildings.

Ownership WY SPHST

WY SPHST WY SPHST WY SPHST

5‐13

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 5‐7. Parking Facilities – Park Core Type Days Inn parking Best Western Plaza hotel parking

Material asphalt

Best Western Plaza hotel ‐ overflow parking Stage / Pavilion parking

gravel

Number of Parking Spaces

Description 2 accessible

117 asphalt

2 accessible 32 overflow 22

asphalt

partially striped 100

Tepee Pool parking Star Plunge parking Star Plunge overflow parking

asphalt

2 accessible 42

asphalt

1 accessible 31

gravel

overflow 15

Rainbow Terrace parking State Bath House parking Big Horn Spring parking

asphalt

On‐street parking on park roads

asphalt

angled on street 24

asphalt

parallel and pull in parking 15 angled on both sides 30 283

Boat Ramp Total parking – park core

asphalt

parallel on both sides of Pioneer and Tepee Loop turn around

719

Number of Parking Spaces

Description nonmarked

Table 5‐8. Parking Facilities – Natural Areas Type Black Sulfur Spring parking

Material gravel

White Sulfur Spring parking

asphalt

20 nonmarked 12 Bison Corral Complex overlook parking

gravel

Smokey Row Cemetery parking

gravel

Sneider’s overlook parking

asphalt

Spirit Loop parking Total parking – natural areas

gravel

nonmarked 10 nonmarked 10 nonmarked 12

marked 8

5‐14

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 5‐9. Parking Facilities – West Type Park Headquarters parking and yard

Material gravel

County Rec Center ‐ Armory (gym)

asphalt

Children's Center Hospital Pioneer Home Chamber School County Library Senior Center On‐street parking on Senior Avenue Total parking – west

asphalt

Number of Parking Spaces

Description Varies

10 Varies 24 Varies 36 asphalt

Varies 150

asphalt

Varies 40

asphalt

Varies 30

asphalt

11 oversized vehicle spots 350

asphalt

Varies 47

asphalt

Varies 20

asphalt

angled and off street lot 48

755

Table 5‐10. Trails and Pedestrian Walkways Type Riverwalk

Length (LF) 2600

Trail Difficulty Easy

Material Concrete

Description Extends from the boat launch to the Broadway Street bridge

Sidewalks

6000

Easy

Concrete

Located along roads and within park to various destinations.

Mineral Terrace Boardwalk

2850

Easy

Composite timber

Interpretive

Spirit Trail

9000

Challenging

Natural

Trail to top of Monument Hill

Spirit Hole loop

1600

Easy

Natural

Accessible looped trail

Quarry Trail

6300

Challenging

Natural

Loop trail starts at the Smokey Row Cemetery

Sneider's Point Overlook Trail

130

Easy

Natural

Overlook of park and Thermopolis.

T Hill

10,370

Challenging

Dirt

Walking allowed on service drive. Erosion and ruts occur on the route.

Total trails

38,850 LF

or 7.4 miles

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Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 5‐11. Small Scale Features Location Type Number Bison corral fencing World's Largest Mineral Hot Springs Sign* Smokey Row Cemetery* Tepee Fountain*

Date 1894 1909

Description Wooden fence system is deteriorating and no longer useable for park purposes. Built with stacked rocks on Monument Hill. Seven graves enclosed by fence. Hot mineral water flows through a vertical vent pipe over a pyramid of rocks and deposits a layer of travertine as the water cools. Similar in style to Tepee Fountain.

Condition Poor Good Good Good

Chamber of Commerce Fountain Feather Fountain

1984

Playground

800

1981

Rainbow Terraces

Fishing piers Boat Dock

Floating Dock

Wooden structures in place north of the Best Western Fair Plaza Hotel. Two sand courts with permanent wood supports. Fair

Horseshoe pit Volleyball courts Walls

Fences Gates Lighting Kiosks

5356

2010

Interpretive Signs

Benches Picnic Tables

Good

Fountain commemorating the efforts of Washakie, Good Sharp Nose and Indian agent McLaughlin in setting aside the park in the "Gift of the Waters." 1800 SF playground facility located in the center of the Fair green. Several other facilities within the park contain swings, climbing structures, and traditional play components. Accumulations of mineral deposits created the rainbow Fair; limited terraces, named for the over 15 algae types with water various colors. Two fishing piers are on the Bighorn River. Good Poor

Various masonry walls located throughout the park, including west of the Best Western Plaza hot and on both sides of Buffalo Street. Several different fence styles within park.

Varies

Several different gate styles within park.

Varies

Parking lot, pedestrian, and site lighting located throughout the park.

Varies

Several information kiosks located throughout the park, Varies including one at Spirit Trail and the Bison Corral Complex overlook. Consistent style of interpretive signs describes natural Varies and cultural resources. Various styles located throughout the park.

Varies

Various styles located throughout the park.

Varies

Grill Grills are located at shelters. Varies Trash Receptacles Various styles located throughout the park. Varies *Hot Springs State Park, 48HO80, has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as an historic district. The Tepee Fountain and World's Largest Mineral Hot Springs sign are contributing components of the district. The Smokey Row Cemetery is non‐contributing.

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Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 5‐12. Utilities Type City water tank

Element Location Date

Description Tank in natural area east of Park Street.

Condition unknown

Irrigation water tank

Tank in natural area east of Park Street.

unknown

Dump Irrigation pump

Old dump site along Arapahoe Road

unknown

1981

fair

Sewage transfer

1981

Buffalo pasture pump house Drainage structures

3492

1991

Fenced facility pumps river water for use in park irrigation system and groundwater pump for heat exchange gallery 120 SF enclosed sewage transfer facility located along Park Street near the Days Inn 50 SF water facility

Some masonry drainage structures are located throughout the park

good fair varies

5‐17

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Natural Resource Inventory Summary Hot Springs State Park is within the southern portion of the Big Horn Basin in Hot Springs County, surrounded by the mountain ranges of Owl Creek, Big Horn, and Absaroka Ranges. At the mouth of the Wind River canyon, the Wind River becomes the Bighorn River at the “Wedding of the Water.” The Bighorn River flows north towards Thermopolis and Hot Springs State Park. The dominant element of the park is the Big Horn Spring, and the terraces between the spring and the Bighorn River. This section presents the natural systems and resources that have influenced the development of the state park, including physiology, climate, geology, hydrology, wildlife, soils, vegetation, drainage, and bison herd. Physiography Hot Springs State Park is set at 4,331 feet above sea level, located near the northern end of the Wind River Canyon, where the Wind River becomes the Bighorn River and flows north towards Montana. The park is located on the northern edge of the town of Thermopolis, Wyoming, within the southern end of the Bighorn Basin, which is ringed by mountains. To the south of the state park are the Owl Creek Mountains, Big Horn Mountains is to the east, and the Absaroka Mountains are to the west. Bighorn River flows through Hot Springs State Park, dividing it into two portions. Boysen Reservoir and State Park is also located on the Bighorn River, approximately 17 miles to the south of Hot Springs State Park. The immediate surroundings of the park include Roundtop Mountain to the northwest, approximately 6,000 feet tall and the highest mountain in the vicinity. Monument Hill, T Hill, and Sneider’s Point are the other localized high points. Hot Springs State Park is characterized by rolling hills and steep ravines that create a dramatic background for the hot spring terraces, and drain into the Bighorn River. Portions of the park lie within in the 100‐year floodplain of the Bighorn River, including the Days Inn, Riverwalk, and boat launch. The Plaza Hotel, Pioneer Home, and Tepee Pool fall within the 500‐year floodplain.11 Climate Hot Springs State Park experiences a semi‐arid climate with cold, dry winters and hot, dry summers. The average high temperature in July is 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average January low temperature is 11 degrees Fahrenheit. An average of 40 inches of snow falls per year, and the area receives six to twelve inches of rain annually.12 Although the region is known for its cold winters, during the last 30 years, the average year‐round temperatures have been increasing. Projections for future precipitation patterns vary, but northern areas of Wyoming may become wetter while southern areas may become drier, especially during the summer.13 Geology During the Paleozoic Era (570 Ma to 245 Ma) much of present‐day Wyoming was intermittently covered by a shallow inland sea. In the subtropical environment dinosaurs flourished. The Laramide Revolution of Cretaceous times (around 65 million years ago) created the mountain ranges and basins that now characterize Wyoming. The Absaroka Mountains to the west are the remnants of a chain of extinct volcanoes. They were active in the Eocene, 11

FEMA, Flood Insurance Rate Map, Town of Thermopolis, 1999. Weldon, John P. The Big Horn Basin in Geologic Atlas of the Rocky Mountain Region. Denver: Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, 1972. 13 EPA. Climate Impacts and Adaptation. Accessed online: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts‐ adaptation/greatplains.html, November 2014. 12

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Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

or roughly 45 million years ago. In the last 2 million years, explosive eruptions in Yellowstone and the Teton Range, regional uplift, and major glaciations have characterized the geology.14 The regional uplift caused the rivers in the area to downcut, and created deep canyons, such as Wind River Canyon and Bighorn Canyon. The Bighorn Basin is composed of sedimentary rock from the Paleozoic Era and contains numerous oil fields— anticlines of rock form blisters of folded strata across the landscape, trapping oil within. Distinctive red shales of the Triassic Chugwater formation crop out across the landscape.15 Hot Springs State Park and the town of Thermopolis are on the flanks of the Thermopolis anticline, the largest of several folds of sedimentary rock on the southern shoulder of the Bighorn Basin. The Owl Creek Mountains, to the south of the park, are made of warped and uplifted sedimentary rocks of the Owl Creek Uplift. Outcrops near the Owl Creek Mountains from the Jurassic age, roughly 145 million years ago, bear fossils of dinosaurs, some of which are on display in the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis.16 Many unique geological elements within the state park attract visitors and allow for interpretation of the park’s natural landscape. Bighorn River flows from the Wind River Canyon north through the center of Hot Springs State Park, and is an important natural and recreational corridor. The Big Horn Spring is located east of the river and supplies hot mineral water to several park facilities. Devil’s Punch Bowl is an extinct mineral hot spring with exposed rock walls. Spirit Bowl is an extinct mineral hot spring with exposed rock walls. A universally accessible walking trail surrounds this geological element. Unnamed Bowl is an extinct mineral hot spring with exposed rock walls. A universally accessible walking trail surrounds this geological element. Black Sulphur Spring is upslope of the Big Spring. Flows declined following the 1959 earthquake in Yellowstone and no longer reach the Big Spring. White Sulphur Spring is a mineral hot spring that has reduced in output over the last 100 years. Monument Hill is the highest point in the park. T Hill is the highest point in the west side of the park. Sneider’s Point is a high point with an overlook of the park and town. Hydrology Natural thermal waters create geologic elements, and provide water for the recreational use of Hot Springs Park. Several natural thermal springs occur at the state park— Big Horn Spring, White Sulphur Spring, and Black Sulphur Spring. Devil’s Punch Bowl and Spirit Bowl are extinct mineral springs. Most of the water for Hot Springs State Park originates from an underground flow from the Owl Creek Mountains. The fractured rock of the mountains allows rainfall to easily move into the earth and become groundwater. The water then travels over one mile below the surface of the earth, becomes heated by the hotter rock deeper inside the earth, and then rises again to the surface as hot springs. While underground, the hot water dissolves calcium carbonate from the limestone formations and carries it to the surface through fractures.

Lageson, David R. and Darwin Spearing. Roadside Geology of Wyoming. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press, 1988. Lageson, Roadside Geology of Wyoming, 170. 16 Weldon, The Big Horn Basin in Geologic Atlas of the Rocky Mountain Region. 15

5‐19

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Travertine, sulphur, and gypsum deposits west of the river indicate hydrothermal activity has not always been confined to its present location. The geology indicates the thermal spring activity was once up to 600 feet higher than at present.17 Man‐made wells created from the hot springs have been developed for use as pools or artesian wells for private and commercial use in the surrounding area.18 These include, Van Norman Well; Quarry Well; Maytag Well, Sacajawea Well; McCarthy Well #1; and McCarthy Well #2. Once the mineral water is carried to the surface through fractures, it cools which precipitates the minerals, creating the distinctive terraces at Hot Springs State Park.19 These terraces (the Rainbow Terraces) were formed over thousands of years of water flowing and depositing a layer of minerals, made chiefly of lime and gypsum in composition known as travertine.20 Big Spring discharges approximately 1,500 gallons of water each minute. Of this, almost over 25% (or 400 gpm) used to flow over the Rainbow Terraces at a temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit.21 The five most abundant compounds dissolved in the hot water are bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, sodium and silica, all present in concentrations of parts per million. A study completed in 2003 indicated the flow of Big Horn Spring has declined over time, the visual observation of a decrease in flow over the terraces is actually explained by the changes in water quality.22 Decreased concentrations of elements has provided less material to be deposited on the terraces, which has decreased bacterial and algal growth on the terrace, which normally combine to create a relatively impermeable surface that water flows across. With the change in mineral composition, the terraces have become more permeable, resulting in increased seepage loss.23 Wildlife The wildlife of Wyoming is varied, depending on the elevation, micro‐climate, and vegetation. Wildlife in the Bighorn Basin includes many mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Predominant big game species are pronghorn (antelope), deer (mule deer and white‐tailed deer), and elk. Many of the smaller animals – like rabbits, skunks, coyotes, squirrels, rodents, beavers – occur in the area, along with numerous kinds of waterfowl, raptors, and migratory birds. Several species of reptiles and amphibians – snakes, frogs, and toads – are associated with riparian areas.24 Fishing is an important component of the Bighorn Basin culture. Wyoming Game and Fish manages the majority of cold‐water streams in the area for brook, brown, cutthroat (native) and rainbow trout. Approximately 40 fish species are prevalent in the Bighorn Basin waterways.25 Walleye, perch, ling, and northern pike among others—are known to inhabit nearby Boyson Reservoir, and are also likely present in the Bighorn River near Thermopolis. Twenty‐five species of algae live in the hot water at Hot Springs State Park, coloring the rock.26 Different algal/microbial communities grow in different temperature ranges. Blue/green colors are seen closest to the

Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan. Cheyenne: State of Wyoming, 1984, 14. Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan. Cheyenne: State of Wyoming, 1984, 12. 19 Lageson, Roadside Geology of Wyoming, 170. 20 Weldon, The Big Horn Basin in Geologic Atlas of the Rocky Mountain Region. 21 Kaszuba et al., Aqueous Geochemistry of the Thermopolis Hydothermal System, Souther Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA., 5‐10. 22 Wyoming Water Development Commission. Hot Springs State Park Master Plan Level I. Prepared by Lidstone and Assoc, 2003, 20. 23 Wyoming Water Development Commission. Hot Springs State Park Master Plan Level I, 20. 24 Bighorn Basin Proposed RMP and Final EIS, 3‐107 to 3‐117. 25 Bighorn Basin Proposed RMP and Final EIS, 3‐103 to 3‐105. 26 Hot Springs State Park, Quick Facts Pamphlet. 18

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Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

springs, purple and red in the intermediate temperatures, and darker colors in the cooler water.27 For example, Chloroflexi genera, which are an underlying orange‐colored layer, are one of the many microbial communities present. Studies are currently underway by the University of Wyoming to further determine the genetic diversity among the hot springs microbes and the precipitates with which they associate.28 Soils Published soil data for Hot Springs County is unavailable. In general, the Bighorn Basin forms a geologic basin filled with more than 20,000 feet of sedimentary rocks including sandstone, conglomerate, shale, siltstone, and limestone. This has resulted in fine‐textured soils in the basin. The regional soils are mesic and aridic, fine‐loamy soils over stabilized dunes or bedrock. The alluvial valley floors are composed of soils washed down by the surrounding mountains.29 Vegetation Hot Springs State Park is characterized by three distinct landscape types – the rolling grasslands of the foothills, the river corridor, and an urban park. The Bighorn Basin is part of the greater Wyoming Basin ecoregion. This ecoregion is a broad arid intermontane basin interrupted by hills and low mountains, dominated by grasslands and shrublands. Nearly surrounded by forest‐covered mountains, much of the region is used for livestock grazing, although many areas lack sufficient forage to support this activity.30 Five vegetation types occur at Hot Springs State Park – Juniper Woodland, Mixed Grass Prairie, Great Basin Foothills Grassland, Xeric Upland Shrub, Wyoming Big Sagebrush, and Riparian.31 Big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, prickly pear, bluebunch wheatgrass, and Idaho fescue dominate. Rocky Mountain juniper, Utah juniper, and mountain mahogany woodlands occur on rock outcrops.32 The best representation of the natural landscape is along the slopes of T Hill, where fencing restricts bison grazing. A portion of the adjacent Cal King site is a conservation area that has never been grazed. Most of the T Hill site, and all of the natural areas on the east side of the park, are grazed by the park’s bison herd. The herd size is limited by what the landscape can support. The vegetation along the Bighorn River varies from areas of natural vegetation, to spots with invasive species, to manicured river edges of irrigated turf. Potential natural vegetation along the riparian corridor of the Bighorn River includes mixed prairie grasses, Plains cottonwood, peachleaf willow, sandbar willow, several varieties of sedges, wild rose, western snowberry, wild plum, and silver buffaloberry.33 Invasive species such as Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) threaten riparian corridors and shrublands throughout the Bighorn Basin.34 27

Thermopolis Hot Springs Information.pdf Wilcox et al. Water Geochemistry and Mineralization within a Microbial Filamentous Community, Central Wyoming College, 2010. 29 Munn, Larry C. and Christopher S. Arneson. Soils of Wyoming. Laramie: University of Wyoming, 1998. Chapman, S.S., Bryce, S.A., Omernik, J.M., Despain, D.G., ZumBerge, J., and Conrad, M. Ecoregions of Wyoming, Reston, Virginia: U.S. Geological Survey, 2004. 30 Chapman, et al. Ecoregions of Wyoming. 31 Bighorn Basin Proposed RMP and Final EIS, 3‐89 to 3‐94. 32 Chapman, et al. Ecoregions of Wyoming. 33 Knight, Dennis H. Mountains and Plains: The Ecology of Wyoming Landscapes. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996, 52. 34 Knight, Mountains and Plains, 52. 28

5‐21

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The urban park is characterized by large expanses of mown lawn with large shade trees that line park roads. Cottonwood trees provide shade in lawn areas, with a large group west of Tepee Pools referred to as the “Cottonwood Grove.” Extensive annual flower beds are a long‐held park tradition, and occur along Buffalo Street, at the Tepee Fountain, and within the rose garden. A community garden is located east of the hospital. Drainage The natural drainage of the state park consists of series of ridges and high points, like Monument Hill, Sneider’s Point, and T Hill, that funnel water into natural drainage routes and carry water to the Bighorn River. The intermittent drainages drain a relatively large area, dominated by spring snowmelt runoff and thunderstorm events. The entire site is part of the Bighorn River watershed which flows north. Drainage on the east side of the park begins on high ridges which funnel water westward to the river. The land diverts most water into two natural drainage swales. One occurs at the southern boundary of the park, roughly following the park’s southern boundary, passing north of the hospital before discharging to the river. This unnamed drainage carries water from other, smaller tributaries. Two of which roughly follow the alignment of Arapahoe Road and Dirty Jack Road, and another that approximately follows Quarry Trail. The second natural drainage swale flows from the northeast corner of the park towards the southwest. It begins at the high point at Colter Drive, crosses Buffalo Pasture Drive south of Sneider’s Point and Star Plunge. Other small drainages descend from Monument Hill and the adjacent ridgeline, to the river. On the west side of the park, water flows south and east from the high point of T Hill. Bison Herd First established in 1916 and continuing through present‐day, the park maintains free‐roaming adult and yearling bison on a year‐round basis. The bison feed on native vegetation. Their diet is supplemented by park staff for animal health. Twelve bison are split into two herds based on genetics and temperament. The number increases by another 10 to 15 animals during April, May, and June when new calves are born. In 1973 Grace Werner donated a herd of bison to the State of Wyoming, of which a portion was placed in Hot Springs State Park.35 “To fulfill this commitment to Mrs. Werner, the state has entered into a series of leases with private ranches throughout Wyoming. These leases are drawn up with conditions which require the state to pay for cost of testing and delivery of the animals to the ranches, after which the ranchers are responsible for the maintenance, feed and care of the animals. It is further agreed that the proceeds from animals sold by the private ranchers shall be split on a 50‐50 basis with the state. The annual calf crop of the various ranches is also divided between the private ranchers and the state on a 50‐50 basis.”36 Approximately 640 acres of the state park is bison pasture, with park roads and trails interspersed through these lands. Offering viewing opportunities for visitors. T Hill, 80 acres of the state park west of Highway 20, is managed with non‐electric fencing. The park uses a trailer to transport bison to this location where three bison graze. The larger bison herd (nine) graze the land on the park’s east side, enclosed by fencing – some of which is electric. The Johnstone and Taylor properties are grazed by the Park’s bison through lease agreements. 35 36

Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan, 1984, 27. Wyoming Recreation Commission. Hot Springs Master Plan, 1984, 27. 5‐22

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Table 4‐13. Geological Elements Element (Type)

Date

Bighorn River Devil's Punch Bowl

pre‐historic

Spirit Bowl Unnamed Bowl Big Horn Spring White Sulphur Springs Black Sulphur Springs Monument Hill

pre‐historic

pre‐historic pre‐historic

Description The Bighorn River flows out of the mouth of the Wind River Canyon and directly though Hot Springs State Park. The river offers multiple recreation opportunities including, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and fishing. Depression with exposed rock walls is an extinct spring. Depression with exposed rock walls is an extinct spring. There is a looped walking trail around the bowl. Depression with exposed rock walls is an extinct spring. There is a looped walking trail around the bowl. 3.6 million gallons of water at 128 degrees support bath house, hot mineral water facilities, and rainbow terraces.

T Hill

pre‐historic

Stone landing and steps lead to a hot mineral spring that produces hot mineral water on the Bighorn River. Extinct hot mineral water spring. Black Sulfur Springs is the Spirit Trail trailhead. Highest point in the park is accessed by Spirit Trail. 'World's largest mineral springs' sign located on the west facing slope. High point west of the US Highway 20 with a flat top and dirt service trail. Excellent view sheds towards park and Thermopolis. A natural bowl depression is between T Hill and the airport on the west slope.

Sneider's Point

pre‐historic

High point near the Big Star Plunge, overlooks park and Thermopolis.

pre‐historic pre‐historic pre‐historic

Condition

Source

Good

HSSP brochure

Good

Good Good; diminishing park interpretive Good sign Good

Good

Table 4‐14. Vegetation

Element (Type)

Description

Condition

Source

natural

The foothill shrub land has big sagebrush, rabbit brush, prickly pear, bluebunch wheatgrass, and Idaho fescue that dominate the landscape with some rocky mountain juniper, Utah juniper, and mountain mahogany.

Good

Site visit

grazed

Bison graze the natural areas of the landscape. Herd sizes are limited by what the landscape can support.

Good / Fair

Site visit

riparian

The riparian zone is a combination of mixed grasslands and mown turf.

Fair

Site visit

maintained

The park core is composed of mown turf with large shade trees, predominantly cottonwoods. Annual flower beds are scattered throughout the park.

Good

Site visit

community gardens

Small fenced community garden is at the northeast corner of Arapahoe Road and Buffalo Street.

Fair

Site visit

5‐23

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Cultural Resources Summary For centuries Hot Springs State Park has been an important place for American Indians. By the late 1800s a treaty was negotiated which sold the site to the U.S Government. In the early 1900s the park became commercialized and at one time there were more than six facilities that provided access to the healing waters of the Big Horn Spring for the sick and ailing. Sanatoria were developed in the park‐line setting, where people would come for extended stays to bathe in the therapeutic waters. While many sanatoria were demolished in the 1960s, historic buildings and structures remain. These retain the character of the park’s development as a place of healthy well‐ being. This section is a summary description of extant cultural resources within the park. Where known, dates are provided for construction and modification. The inclusion of “natural” structures in this section indicates structures that are manipulated by humans, such as the Tepee Fountain, created by intentional manipulation of the spring water. This summary is followed by a description of cultural resources important to the park for their social value or function, mainly hospitals and other public services. Historic Resources The area known today as Hot Springs State Park has a long history of development and use that pre‐dates the 1897 treaty selling the land to the U.S. Government. Prior to the arrival of European Americans, native peoples used the springs, and their history is recorded in the extant archaeology. Most of the park’s constructed buildings and structures were built within the last 100 years. The built structures at Hot Springs State Park are unique in that simple man‐made structures support and are harmonious with the natural landscape. The creation of the Rainbow Terrace and Tepee Fountain, for example, utilize natural processes to create man‐made structures that are both natural and artificial. Hot Springs State Park (48HO80) has been designated an historic district eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Prior to this designation, the Plaza Hotel (48NO72) was formally listed in the NRHP. Historic rock structures associated with the Civilian Conservation Corps (48HO979, 48HO980 and 48HO981) were determined eligible for the NRHP. These four properties are within the boundary of Hot Springs State Park (48HO80). Numerous other buildings and structures within the eligible historic district have been evaluated for contributing and non‐contributing status. Carnegie Library (48HO406) has not been evaluated for the NRHP. This building is within the state park boundary, but is outside the boundary of the state park eligible historic district. Historic Buildings At the height of the development of Hot Springs State Park, seven hotels offered accommodations and access to the thermal mineral waters. Only one of these original hotels remains today. Of the 40 existing buildings on state park land, the Plaza Hotel (48NO72) is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and the Carnegie Library is unevaluated. A third building, the Star Plunge is the oldest standing building on the park. However, this building has been highly modified and does not retain sufficient historic integrity to be considered eligible for the NRHP. Best Western Plaza Hotel (Callaghan Apartments) – This 1918 hotel was listed in the NHRP in 1993. The hotel was extensively repaired in 1999. Carnegie Library ‐ Built in 1919, this building now houses government offices. It is maintained by Hot Springs County Library and has not been evaluated for listing in the NHRP.

5‐24

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Historic Structures and Objects Historic structures include shelters and bridges. Historic objects within Hot Springs State Park include walls, roads, water features, shelters and spaces associated with the mineral springs, and Smokey Row Cemetery. None of the historic structures or objects is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP). Historic Structures Mondell Shelter (Gazebo) – This shelter, constructed in the early 1900s, is an anchor of historic park core. The historic stone masonry and stucco gazebo has been modified. Historic light fixtures were removed; a bird house added to the top of the structure; wood shake roof and drop ceiling added; stone masonry surrounds added to the column bases; the original water feature was removed and replaced; and metal and wooden benches were added to the column bases. Big Horn Spring Shelter and Site – The stone shelter was built by the CCC between 1935 and 1937. A second floor overlook and stairs were added in 1981. The stone bridge was in place by 1920. Decorative stonework was added by the CCC between 1935 and 1937. Historic Objects White Sulphur Spring – In the early 1890s a bathhouse and dance pavilion was built near the spring. The buildings were destroyed by a fire in 1899 and not rebuilt. The stone masonry landing and steps to White Sulphur Spring were built by the WPA in the 1930s. The volume of water in the springs has decreased markedly since the 1900s. Fairground Wall – The decorative rock wall built by the CCC between 1935 and 1937. Riverwalk Wall – The loose laid travertine rock wall is south of the Plaza Hotel on the embankment of the Bighorn River. Park Roads and Park Composition – The 1916 drives, associated sidewalk, and arrangement of spaces create the park core. “World’s Largest Mineral Hot Springs” sign – While no longer true, the travertine rock sign on the south slope of Monument Hill remains as a tribute to Hot Springs State Park’s glorious past. Smokey Row Cemetery – Around 1894, 600 people lived near Big Horn Spring. Timber for houses was scarce, and dugouts (cave‐like living structures) were built. This was the first sign of permanent habitation in the area. Today there are seven grave sites at the cemetery. Manipulated Natural Objects The creation of the Rainbow Terraces and Tepee Fountain utilize natural elements to create a man‐made structure that is both natural and artificial. Rainbow Terraces – The terraces are ancient travertine terraces formed by mineral springs that once flowed into the Bighorn River. Extinct springs, such as the Spirit Hole and Devil’s Punch Bowl, provide a glimpse into what a once‐active spring looked like below the water surface. Mounds found along the river trail are travertine formations indicate where hot mineral water once bubbled out of the ground. Evidence of the travertine formations can be seen along the Bighorn River and on the hillside across the river. Some springs were still active

5‐25

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

during the early 1900s, forming the terraces you see today. Today, water flows from the Bighorn Spring to lined pools, then the water cascades over the terraces into the Bighorn River. Tepee Fountain – The fountain was built in 1909 to vent stream from the hot mineral water piped throughout the park. As water flows over the pyramidal rock structure, it cools and deposits layer upon layer of travertine. This process is similar to the formation of terraces seen throughout the park. Recreational Use and Potential Summary Introduction Hot Springs State Park is a popular year‐round destination attracting visitors from throughout Wyoming, and adjacent states, and those in route to Yellowstone National Park. The state park has the highest visitation of all Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, and is a destination packed with recreational experiences. The diversity of the recreational activities provides a very significant economic benefit to the local community and the state; however, they also create an inherent challenge in managing use and crafting long‐term viable partnerships. With a core base of local, statewide, and out‐of‐state visitors, the local economic impact of Hot Springs State Park is the greatest within the state park system. Hot Springs State Park accounts for almost half of all visits to Wyoming state parks and historic sites, and more than 50% of all visitor spending. More than 430 jobs are created by visitor spending and the state park’s operations. Visitor spending due to the state park is estimated to support 70% of local lodging jobs, and 44% of restaurant jobs in Hot Springs County.37 A key aspect of the master plan for Hot Springs State Park is the clear depiction of current visitors; existing recreational use; locations, viability and condition of facility for those uses; and visitor needs and desires. The first task in this recreational use analysis is evaluation of readily available user data, i.e., visitor surveys and public records, coupled with on‐site observations and input from visitors to identify the current recreational condition. The next task is the identification of the needs and desires of visitors through relevant existing data, input from the steering committee and community, and analysis of recent trends and uses. Current Visitor Summary Visitation at Hot Springs State Park has increased approximately 11% between 2006 and 2014. System wide visitation has increased approximately 22% during the same eight year period of time. Projecting visitation at Hot Springs State Park is a challenge, since there is no controlled access. In 1982, Wyoming State Parks worked with the University of Wyoming to develop a system to determine visitation at Wyoming’s state parks. Wyoming State Parks use Diamond traffic counters to collect visitation data. This is the same system used by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Each time a vehicle passes a counter it is counted. State Parks use an extensive survey of visitors to the park to develop a calculation for how many visitors are in each vehicle. Wyoming State Parks also conducts a survey to determine the number of vehicles that are not park visitors and how many administrative crossings to back out of the counter numbers. This system works very well to track visitation trends. In 2013 Wyoming State Parks started collecting visitation data year round. Prior to this time visitation data was collected from May 1 to October 31. To account for this, Wyoming State Parks reports visitation for the entire year and from May 1 to October 31, so we can compare data. Over 60% of visitors to Hot Springs State Park are from Wyoming. This park has the highest percentage of repeat visitors in the Wyoming State Park system. 63% of park visitors report traveling with their family. The average 37

2010 SPHS Economic Impact Brochure, p 6. 5‐26

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

length of stay for park visitors is about 7 hours. Soaking/swimming, wildlife viewing and hiking/walking trails were the top three reported activities. Maintaining wildlife habitat, restoring historic buildings/structures and grounds maintenance were reported as the three most important management activities. Current Recreational Use Summary, Needs Assessment and Demand Recreational activities within Hot Springs State Park are varied, and as diverse as the different areas of the park— river, foothills and rolling grasslands, and the park core. Activities range from outdoor adventure on the river and hiking on Monument and T Hill, to soaking in a mineral spa and playing on a water slide. Many recreational activities are explored on a daily basis, and others are more seasonal. The 2014 SCORP, prepared by WY SPHST, identified a number of issues related to facilities within the state park that provide recreational uses.  The recreation offered by Hot Springs State Park, according to the 2014 SCORP, are the most popular activities desired by state park visitors (driving sightseeing, viewing natural elements and wildlife, picnicking and family day gatherings, relaxing, escaping crowds and noise, and hiking or walking), and have been consistent since 2008.38  According the SPHST’s visitor surveys, the most important management activities are those that relate to basic physical and safety needs. These include basic services such as restroom maintenance (rated 4.6 of 5) and trash collection (4.4 of 5), and grounds maintenance (4.4 of 5) and road maintenance (4.2 of 5).39  Through recent visitor surveys, SPHST has promoted the Division’s goal of expanding beyond provision of just basic needs into providing opportunities for trail, interpretation and education and special events for richer visitor experiences. Responses to the 2014 summer survey rated maintenance of wildlife habitat (4.5 of 5) as important as basic needs, with historic restoration (4.2 of 5) next along with trail maintenance (4.1 of 5) and education/interpretation (3.9 of 5) as also important. 40  In the 2014 visitor survey, the higher ranked facilities and services needed at state parks ranged from parking (4.4 of 5) and flush toilets (4.3 of 5) to a Visitor / Welcome Center (4.2 of 5) and directional / information signs (4.2 of 5). Summer visitors ranked historic restoration (4.0 of 5) and showers (3.7 of 5) higher than winter visitors who ranked wildlife viewing and picnicking as higher needs. This supports diversifying park amenities to encourage year round use. The need for technology improvements ranked low. 41  “Wyoming’s state parks and historic sites are important to the state’s economy. We can have an even greater impact by extending visitor stays at these sites. Within the State Park and Historic Site system, Hot Springs State Park, with its developed and diversified infrastructure, provides the greatest economic benefit of any facility within the system. Visitors to our sites have an opportunity to recreate in the midst of spectacular natural beauty, share in our incredible western history and create a positive economic impact that strengthens the well‐ being of Wyoming’s communities.”42 State Park Owned and Managed Recreation Many recreational activities within the state park boundary are owned and managed by State Parks. These include active recreation, viewing natural and cultural resources, and health‐related recreation.

Wyoming SCORP 2014 – 2019: p 40. driving for pleasure/sightseeing by automobile (69.5%), viewing natural features, etc. (67.8%), picnicking and family day gatherings (63.6%), viewing wildlife, etc. (62.7%), relaxing, hanging out, escaping crowds and noise, etc. (62.7%), and hiking or walking (61.5%). 39 2014 Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, Five Year Visitor Survey, p 58 and 110. 40 2014 Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, Five Year Visitor Survey, p 58 and 110. 41 2014 Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, Five Year Visitor Survey, p 58 and 110. 42 2010 SPHS Economic Impact Brochure, p 7.

5‐27

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Pedestrians‐‐walkers and hikers‐‐are prevalent in the state park on a daily basis on the 7.4 miles of walkways within the park core and natural areas, with eight trails that extend into the foothills, and along Bighorn River. Bicycling is a common activity along the 1.8 miles of park roads and 7.4 miles of trails. Driving the park to appreciate its natural and cultural beauty is also a regular activity along the 1.8 miles of roads. Bison viewing is a unique recreational activity within the state park. Recreation along the Bighorn River varies from fishing to rafting, boating and kayaking, to enjoying the historic White Sulphur Springs. Facilities include a boat launch (put in / take out) near the Terraces, two accessible piers built by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the riverwalk along the river’s eastern edge. The State Bath House provides soaking tubs and pools at a 104‐degree temperature in accordance with the 1897 Treaty with the Shoshone and the Arapahoe that set aside the largest mineral hot springs for public use. Concessionaire Owned and Managed Recreation Several park buildings, including hotels and pool facilities, are owned and operated by concessionaires through long‐term lease agreements with the State. Several of these facilities are in disrepair due to age and need for extensive improvements. Others require some improvement and general upkeep.43

Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Concessions Master Plan, p. 17‐18. Abel, Malone Belton, P.C., Simplicity, LLC, Councilman‐Hunsaker, Liberty Environmental, LLC. Facilities Condition Assessment Inspection & Report, 2014. Counsilman, Hunsaker. Swimming Pool Assessment ‐ Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, WY, 2014. CHM, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Concessions Master Plan, 2013. Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources, Concessionaire Inspection Reports. Thermopolis, WY: 2013. Lampert & Associates, An Independent Review of Selected Wyoming State Parks & Concessions, 2010.

5‐28

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The bison corral complex consists of five buildings and fencing used to maintain Hot Springs State Park bison herd.

The Heat Exchange Building houses the infrastructure that supplies hot mineral water to state and concessionaire managed facilities. 5-29

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The State Bath Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indoor and outdoor hot mineral pools are open and free for public use.

The stage / pavilion, built on the historic pool of the Washakie Hotel, hosts small concerts and events. 5-30

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The Tepee restrooms in the park core are outdated.

The Superintendentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Residence is within the park core. 5-31

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Park Headquarters, located in the old WYDOT building, has park offices and a maintenance shop.

Star Plunge has an indoor pool, two indoor water slides, steam room heated by the hot mineral water, locker rooms, retail store and spa, an outdoor pool, and a large outdoor water slide. 5-32

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Tepee Pool has an indoor pool with a water slide, locker rooms, steam room, retail shop, outdoor pool, two outdoor spas, and outdoor water slide.

The historic Plaza Hotel has 36 guest rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, and an outdoor mineral hot tub. 5-33

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The Days Inn has 80 guest rooms, meeting and banquet facilities, full-service restaurant and bar, fitness center, racquetball courts, seasonal outdoor pool, hot mineral water spa, and steam room.

Hot Springs County owns and operates the chamber of commerce and visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s center. 5-34

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The fairgrounds site has more than 20 buildings, including barns, sheds, restrooms, covered stands, and ball park dug outs.

The Carnegie Library houses the County Extension Office. Maintenance is provided by Hot Springs County. 5-35

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Hot Springs County owns and operates the one story 25 bed critical access hospital.

The Big Spring Shelter is set on a stone terrace with a second floor platform that overlooks the Big Spring. 5-36

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The 2013 Smoking Waters Group Area has grills, picnic tables, trash receptacles and lighting.

The Smoking Waters Group Shelter is located between the State Bath House and playground. 5-37

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The historic Mondell Shelter has changed since originally built in the early 1900s.

The Washakie (Kiwanis) Picnic Shelter has built-in grills, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and lighting. 5-38

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The Lower Terrace Shelter has a wooden partition for privacy.

Three playgrounds in the park core offer a range of play equipment of various vintages. 5-39

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The Burlington Quincy Railroad follows the alignment of the Bighorn River and bisects the park.

Park roads are laid out as a grid, each is approximately 40 feet in width, asphalt paved, and have on-street parking. 5-40

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

In natural areas, the park roads are winding, narrow, and asphalt paved, approximately 30 feet in width.

The river walk trail along Bighorn River is 6 feet in width and extends from the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern boundary to parking area at the boat launch. 5-41

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The Spirit Loop is universally accessible, 6 feet in width that is a crusher fines paved surface.

Natural trails are typically soft surfaced and 3 feet in width. 5-42

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The Chamber of Commerce fountain is similar to the Tepee Fountain with hot mineral water depositing travertine layers over a pyramid structure.

The Feather Fountain commemorates Chief Washakie, Chief Sharp Nose, and McLaughlin efforts in establishing Hot Springs State Park. 5-43

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

A combination of a mortared stone wall and loose laid stone wall is on Buffalo Street.

Mortared stone wall is on Arapahoe Street, east of the hospital. 5-44

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Overhead wooden gateways are at the entrances into the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural areas.

The buck and rail fence encloses the bison pasture. 5-45

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Split rail fences are in the natural areas.

Low wood rail fencing is along the road in the natural areas. 5-46

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The kiosk in the bison pasture has interpretive panels on the bison herd and natural wildlife.

Standardized interpretive signs describe the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural and cultural resources. 5-47

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

A wide range of site furnishings occur within the park proper, including picnic areas.

Site furnishings include signs, lighting, benches, picnic tables, grills, and trash receptacles. Most of the site furnishing are outdated and are in fair condition. 5-48

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

A large holding tank for the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potable drinking water is in the natural area east of Park Street.

The diagram summarizes the existing hot mineral water system distribution. (Lidstone) 5-49

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The Bighorn River flows through Hot Springs State Park, dividing it into two portions. T Hill is in the background.

Hot Springs State Park is characterized by rolling hills and steep ravines. 5-50

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Distinctive red shales of the Triassic Chugwater formation crop out across the landscape.

Unique geological formations are along the Bighorn River near White Sulphur Springs. 5-51

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Spirit Hole is an extinct hot mineral spring with exposed rock walls.

Twenty-five species of algae live in the hot water at Hot Springs State Park, coloring the rock. 5-52

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The ecoregion is a broad arid intermontane basin interrupted by hills and low mountains, dominated by grasslands and shrublands.

The best representation of the natural landscape exists along the slopes of T Hill, where fencing restricts bison grazing. 5-53

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The vegetation along the Bighorn River varies from areas of natural vegetation to spots with invasive species to some river edges that are managed as manicured, irrigated turf.

The urban park is characterized by large expanses of mown lawn with large shade trees that line park roads. 5-54

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

A large portion of the east park drains to a natural swale between the hospital and the Pioneer Home.

The park maintains free-roaming adult and yearling bison on a year-round basis. 5-55

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

The Swinging Bridge and “World’s Largest Mineral Hot Springs” sign are important historical features.

The stone masonry landing walls and steps to White Sulphur Spring were built by the WPA in the 1930s. 5-56

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Decorative rock wall built by the CCC between 1935 and 1937.

The historic loose laid travertine rock wall is south of the Plaza Hotel along the Bighorn River. Trees are damaging the wall system. 5-57

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

In 1894, 600 people lived around the Big Horn Spring. Seven graves sites are at the Smokey Row Cemetery.

The fountain was built in 1909 to vent stream from the hot mineral water that was piped throughout the park. 5-58

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Travertine deposits create unique multi-colored terraces over a man-made wooden platform at the Rainbow Terraces.

Ponds within the Rainbow Terraces cool the hot mineral water before it cascades into the Bighorn River. 5-59

Existing Condition Summary

Hot Springs State Park

Master Plan

Page Intentionally Left Blank

5-60

Existing Condition Summary

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Water Natural Management Boundary Railroad Roads Service Roads Vehicular Bridge Trails Natural Trails Pedestrian Bridge Parking

White Sulphur Springs

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Volleyball

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5-61

HOT SP RINGS STATE PARK

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Spirit Hole

Ball Fields

Devil's Punch Bowl

Black Sulphur Spring

Aquatics

Information

SEPTEMBER 2016

Symbol Key

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Unevaluated Historic Structures Rd.

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Rainbow Terraces Tepee Fountain Chamber of Commerce Fountain

Arapahoe Rd.

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Broadway St. S. 2nd St.

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Best Western Plaza Hotel

Arapahoe St.

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E XI ST I N G NAT U RAL & C ULT U R AL R E SOU RCES

Geological Features

H OT S PR INGS STATE PAR K

SEPTEMBER 2016

Legend

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2 3

F G

Community Gardens

Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital Hot Springs County Sewage Disposal Plant Hot Springs County Senior Citizens Center Hot Springs County Library Hot Springs County School District Thermopolis Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center Wyoming National Guard Armory Hot Springs County Fairgrounds Hot Springs County Road and Bridge Department Hot Springs County Weed and Pest Control District

Foundation / State Owned and Operated Buildings Big Horn Basin Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center Gottshe Rehabilitation Center Pioneer Home Carnegie Library

State Park Owned and Operated Structures

t. 6

Pionee

Ave . ior 4

Big Horn Spring Shelter Smoking Waters Group Area Smoking Waters Group Shelter Mondell Shelter (Gazebo) Washakie(Kiwanis) Picnic Shelter Lower River Road Terrace Shelter Swinging Bridge

Arapahoe Rd.

Hot Springs Rd.

S D Ave.

Broadway St.

S C Ave.

Arapahoe St.

Warren St. Warren St.

N 0

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7 8

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Park St.

Big Horn St.

o ah

Ara

Mondell St.

Star Plunge Tepee Pools Best Western Plaza Hotel Days Inn

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Cooling Ponds

Tepee St.

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Park St.

d. Rd.

Pioneer Rd.

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Springview Street

Butch Cassidy Rd.

r Rd.

Rainbow Terraces

Hot Springs County Owned and Operated Buildings

Black Sulphur Spring

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Bison Corral Complex Heat Exchange Building State Bath House Stage / Pavilion Tepee Restrooms Superintendent's Residence Maintenance yard service shop Park Headquarters Armory

HOT SP RINGS STATE PARK

Spirit Hole

u Sulph White

Devil's Punch Bowl

Concessionaire Owned and Operated Buildings

White Sulphur Springs

Hospital Site

State Park Owned and Operated Buildings

SEPTEMBER 2016

ive

Water Mangement Boundary Railroad Roads Service Roads Vehicular Bridge Trails Natural Trails Pedestrian Bridge Parking Park Sign/Interpretive Sign

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White Sulphu

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Arapahoe Road

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Hot Springs Road Warren Street

Warren Street

S D Avenue

S. 2nd Street

S. 3rd Street

S. 4th Street

Broadway Street

S C Avenue

Arapahoe Street

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Madett Road

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Butch Cassidy Rd.

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Figure 5-4.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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