GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado – Garfield County commissioners on Monday unanimously approved a request by the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park to add new rides and other attractions without separate approvals for each one.

“It makes sense to allow them to go through the planning director for these things,” Commissioner Tom Jankovsky said. “To make them go through a major impact review every time is just a waste of time and money.”

The change to the park’s original land-use approvals will allow the park to make certain additions without having to obtain individual permits each time.

Instead, permits for each new addition would be handled administratively by the county’s director of building and planning. Appeals of those decisions could still be made to the county commissioners.

Several new features are planned at the park this coming year, including a Western-themed Ferris wheel that will top out at 30 feet, a carousel and a smaller roller coaster for younger children.

Construction is also to begin this summer on a new, larger roller coaster, called the “Cliffhanger,” which would rise to a height of about 50 feet above the park.

Additional cars are also to be added to the existing tramway running from Glenwood Springs. And more ground transportation is to be provided up Transfer Trail to help eliminate the sometimes long waits to get on the tram, park owner Steve Beckley said.

He said six cars are probably all that will be added to the existing 12-car tram system. However, the park is permitted to add up to 36 cars.

Glenwood Adventure Co. owner Ken Murphy supported the Caverns’ request, and said his and other tourist-related businesses have benefited from the park’s success.

“I am a huge supporter of letting the caverns grow and expand,” he said.

jstroud@postindependent.com