schools
Aspen School District sees ‘groundbreaking’ success with 1,000 foot geo bore
Summary by Aspen News Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com , Aspen Times
· July 19, 2026
· 4 min read
The Aspen School District has reported a successful test bore dug into the ground beneath the football field that reached 1,000 feet into the earth, nearly double what the industry norm is and one of the deepest ground source geothermal installations in Colorado history.
The geothermal test bo...
Key takeaway “Hitting that 1,000 foot test bore hole this week was monumental,” ASD Director of Operations Joe Waneka told The Aspen Times.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The Aspen School District's successful 1,000 foot geo bore is a significant development for the community, particularly in terms of reducing the project's footprint on campus. By potentially cutting the number of bores needed in half, the district can minimize disruptions to students and staff, as well as reduce the risk associated with drilling multiple holes. This is especially important in Aspen, where limited space and environmental concerns often come into play in construction projects. The reduced number of bores will also result in cost savings, which can be allocated to other important initiatives within the district. As the project moves forward with the conductivity test, the community will be watching to see how this innovative approach to thermal energy can benefit the district's facilities and the environment, while also serving as a model for sustainable practices in the Roaring Fork Valley.
About this story
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Category: schools ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Aspen School District has reported a successful test bore dug into the ground beneath the football field that reached 1,000 feet into the earth, nearly double what the industry norm is and one of the deepest ground source geothermal installations in Colorado history.
The geothermal test bo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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