AI Monitors Tubing on Clear Creek

The city of Golden is taking significant steps to better understand the volume of tubing activity on Clear Creek during the summer months. This initiative aims to implement new safety restrictions and is part of a broader analysis that may lead to the introduction of a reservation system for tubers. City officials are now incorporating artificial intelligence into their tracking efforts to gather more accurate data on the number of visitors. Community feedback has highlighted concerns about overcrowding, particularly on weekends. Local resident Abigail Roberts noted the challenges of navigating the creek due to the high number of tubers, prompting city officials to investigate the extent of the issue. The city is also utilizing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to track how many visitors bring their own tubes, although they faced technical difficulties in 2023 with system outages and tag attachment issues. City official Lorentz emphasized the importance of understanding the peak numbers and differences in weekend attendance. As they analyze the data collected, they are considering additional restrictions for 2025 to enhance safety. However, the feasibility of implementing a full reservation system remains uncertain due to the numerous access points along the creek. The city’s efforts reflect a commitment to balancing recreational enjoyment with safety, as officials continue to seek solutions that address community concerns while accommodating the growing popularity of tubing on Clear Creek.