COMMUNITY GUIDE & REPORT

Transcription

1 Arapahoe County Open Spaces COMMUNITY GUIDE & REPORT

2 Dear Arapahoe County Citizens, Did you know that for every $100 you spend in Arapahoe County, 25 cents is reinvested into our beautiful parks, trails and open spaces? In 2003, and again in 2011, Arapahoe County voters generously supported the Open Space Sales and Use Tax a decision that continues to positively impact and enhance the landscape of Colorado s first county. Open Spaces Mission Protect Arapahoe County s treasured parks, trails and open space for residents to enjoy today and forever. Since then, we ve built or improved 214 miles of trail, participated in more than 150 park and trailhead projects, and conserved more than 33,000 acres of open space. These tax dollars also were used to protect water quality, wildlife corridors and preserve the County s rich agricultural heritage. The County s population is expected to exceed one million residents over the next two decades (we currently have 630,000 residents). The importance of conserving our parkland and open space intensifies, along with the need to link trails to communities and business centers and restore rivers and wildlife habitats. By partnering with our cities, towns and special districts, we are leveraging your tax dollars to prepare for this incredible growth. Some notable recent accomplishments which could only have been achieved through collaboration include the construction of three major trailheads along the South Platte River and another regional trailhead on Cherry Creek next to Arapahoe Road. Also new is the formation of the High Line Canal Conservancy which, with the support of Arapahoe County Open Spaces, led an unprecedented outreach and vision plan for the beloved High Line Canal Trail. So take a walk outside along your favorite trail or bring your children or grandchildren to play in a neighborhood park. Chances are you ll see examples of your open space tax dollars at work in Arapahoe County s great outdoors. Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners Nancy N. Sharpe, District 2; Jeff Baker, District 3; Kathleen Conti, District 1; Bill L. Holen, District 5 and Nancy Jackson, District 4 Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners Open Space and Trails Advisory Board: Sharon Powers, Harriet LaMair, Linda Strand, Bev Bradshaw and Ron Weidmann. Not pictured: Grider Lee HEALTHY lands communities people 25cents of every $100 spent goes toward the Open Space Sales and Use Tax

3 Funding Overview 50 percent Shared with cities and towns based on population percent Used to acquire open space and develop trails 4 percent Maximum amount used for administrative costs 3.24 percent Covers maintenance costs 4.1 percent Used to preserve heritage areas 12 percent Set aside for competitive grants available to special districts, cities and towns 2016 at-a-glance trail crossings 10 miles of trail 14 acquisitions 4 playgrounds 5 park improvements 10 open space acres 258 shared with cities and towns $12.5 M grants $3.5 M grant projects 19 Since 2003 the sales and use tax has resulted in: ,258 miles of new / improved trails parks and trailheads acres of open space

4 Investing in Community County Owned Properties Open Space Investments and Grants South Platte Trail/Mary Carter Greenway High Line Canal Trail Cherry Creek Trail S HAVANA ST COLORADO BLVD Long's Pine Grove Cheyenne/Arapaho Park E MISSISSIPPI AVE W EVANS AV E Quebec Way Trailhead Welch Park S ZUNI ST E YALE AV E E HAMPDEN AV E I-25 Wayside Park I-225 S CHAMBERS RD S BUCKLEY RD BELLEVIEW AVE S SHERIDAN BLVD S SANTA FE DR CLARKSON ST S UNIVERSITY BLVD E DRY CREEK RD S HAVANA ST S. PEORIA ST Dove Valley Regional Park PARKER RD E SMOK Arapahoe Road Trailhead Cherry Creek Valley Ecol E COUNTY LINE RD 17 Mile House F

5 KY 2016 Featured Accomplishments Map shown in detail Kiowa Creek North Richmil Ranch Bijou Basin Kiowa Creek South Arapahoe Road Trailhead E COLFAX AVE E 6TH AVE The Arapahoe Road Trailhead is the county s newest project. Completed in 2016 with a $1.3 million investment from Arapahoe County Open Spaces, the Arapahoe Road Trailhead has so many wonderful amenities including a natural play area for kids, two large covered picnic shelters, plenty of parking, restrooms, a bike repair station and more. The trailhead is located just south of Cherry Creek State Park on the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, one of the most popular trails in the metro area. The trailhead is a regional asset that serves Aurora, Centennial and Foxfield. South Quebec Way Trailhead S GUN CLUB RD E JEWELL AVE E QUINCY AVE Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Park HIL LR D logical Park Farm Park The South Quebec Way Trailhead is located in the Four Square Mile Area of Arapahoe County. The 1.3-acre trailhead provides public access to the High Line Canal Trail. The trailhead is handicap-accessible and offers user amenities such as parking, restrooms and a bike rack. Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Park The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Park and Event Center is home to the annual Arapahoe County Fair. It also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces for trade shows, receptions, sporting events, conferences, festivals, animal shows and more. We re excited to announce the completion of Phase I of the Fairgrounds Park. More than 2.5 miles of soft surface trails, a trailhead, natural play area including a meandering stream feature, picnic tables and great views of the Front Range are now open to the public for year-round enjoyment.

6 Celebrating our Heritage Fairgrounds and Park The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Park Event Center is not only the home of the County Fair, but also an expansive event venue for everything from trade shows and receptions to sporting events, conferences, festivals, animal shows and more. Over the past year, the Fairgrounds added a new 36,000 sq. ft. exhibition hall and a 110 acre park. The Fairgrounds is the perfect location for an unforgettable event for your family, your organization or your community. County Fair The 2016 Arapahoe County Fair was a success with more than 25,000 people in attendance. Fairgoers enjoyed unlimited carnival rides, rodeos, a petting farm, mud bog, concerts on the main stage, games, fireworks, food and craft beer. Mark you calendar for the Arapahoe County Fair, July 27-30, Mile House and Farm Park The 17 Mile House and Farm Park has a significant history. As the Gold Rush of the mid-1800 s lured prospectors west, a series of inns emerged along the Cherry Creek to accommodate weary travelers. Today, the property is restored to its known condition from the early 1900 s. Join us for a free tour one Saturday each month. School tours are also available by appointment. Last year, more than 30,000 people visited this historic site. From history to nature, fitness to exploration, make 17 Mile House your next weekend adventure. Fall Festival The Fall Festival is a chance to experience Colorado history and the old west. Hosted at the historic 17 Mile House and Farm Park, you and your family can pan for gold, learn the art of blacksmithing and see how bees work in their hives. Last year more than 5,500 attended the Fall Festival. Enjoy food truck fare, live bluegrass music, hayrides, tours of the farmhouse, a petting farm and a chance to pick out a prized pumpkin for Halloween.

7 Places to Visit River Fun River Run Trailhead, Sheridan/Englewood Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park, Centennial Walking/Jogging Cherry Creek Trail Mary Carter Greenway/South Platte Trail Cycling/Mountain Biking Tollgate Creek, Aurora Village Greens North, Greenwood Village River Run Trailhead Playgrounds Writer's Vista, Littleton Arapaho Park, Centennial Bird Watching Bennett Regional Park/Open Space, Bennett Cherry Creek State Park Hiking Fairgrounds Park High Line Canal Trail Fishing Aurora Reservoir, Aurora South Platte Park, Littleton Writer's Vista Sports Dove Valley Regional Park, Centennial Infinity Park, Glendale Horseback Riding Richmil Ranch, Deer Trail Three Pond Park, Cherry Hills Village Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Dove Valley Regional Park Richmil Ranch

8 Credits and Acknowledgments Communication Services Editors: Amanda Slates, Andrea Rasizer and Ginger Delgado Creative: Liz Ellis Photography Amanda Slates, Anthony Camera, Nikolai Puc, Tony Gallagher and Robert Bratsch Connect with Arapahoe County For more information about Arapahoe County s Open Spaces Program, visit or scan this QR code which will take you directly to our Open Spaces Program website. E COLFAX AV E E 6TH AV E W EVANS AV E S ZUNI ST E YALE AV E E HAMPDEN AV E COLORADO BLVD I-25 S HAVANA ST I-225 E MISSISSIPPI AVE S CHAMBERS RD S BUCKLEY RD S GUN CLUB RD E JEWELL AV E DISTRICT 3 CONTINUES TO THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF THE COUNTY E QUINCY AV E S SHERIDAN BLVD S SANTA FE DR CLARKSON ST S UNIVERSITY BLVD E BELLEVIEW AV E E DRY CREEK RD E COUNTY LINE RD S HAVANA ST S. PEORIA ST PARKER RD E SMOKY HILL RD N W E S Kathleen Conti Commissioner District 1 Nancy N. Sharpe Commissioner District 2 Jeff Baker Commissioner District 3 Nancy Jackson Commissioner District 4 Bill L. Holen Commissioner District 5 River Run Trailhead This scenic riverfront park has whitewater features in the South Platte River and a beautiful natural playground. It also connects to the beloved Mary Carter Greenway. Don t miss a visit to River Run this summer. Arapahoe Road Trailhead Providing a safe off-street route to Cherry Creek State Park was a major accomplishment for our Open Space program. We have just added to that success by building a beautiful place for families to picnic along the creek. Fairgrounds The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds is not just the home of the County Fair, but it s also a charming venue with both an urban and rural feel for your next meeting, wedding, family celebration or big event. Quebec Way Trailhead This new trailhead located in the Four Square Mile area connects to the High Line Canal Trail. There s plenty of parking and other amenities just one more way for people to enjoy Colorado s great outdoors. Aurora Sports Park The $11 million expansion of the Aurora Sports Park has been a huge asset to the community. A grant from Arapahoe County Open Spaces provided lighting for the new turf fields, which can now be used year round.