Roaring Fork Conservancy chose Old Pond Park in Basalt for the River Center site because it is central location in the Roaring Fork Watershed. The site is 200 feet from the Roaring Fork River but not in the floodplain. It is within walking distance of the Roaring Fork River, Old Pond Park, the Basalt State Wildlife Area and Lake Christine, Basalt schools and downtown Basalt. The site is a reclaimed brownfield site that was home to an auto repair shop and gas station. The site has undergone some major changes since 2002.