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South Platte Working Group
Since 2006, the South Platte Working Group (SPWG) has secured more than $50 million to conserve and enhance property along the South Platte River corridor in Arapahoe County. The SPWG has completed, or is in the process of completing, more than 20 large-scale projects. Most notably, the SPWG received two significant grants from Great Outdoors Colorado: a 2007 Legacy Grant and a 2016 Connect Grant. The following is a more detailed list of accomplishments.
2006 - 2012 - Convened by Arapahoe County in 2006 with a $3 million pledge from the Open Space Sales and Use Tax, the SPWG secured more than $25 million in funding, including a $5.25 million Legacy Grant from Great Outdoors Colorado. The SPWG acquired 50 acres of open space, built six new bike/pedestrian bridges, added six trailheads and 3.2 miles of new trail during this time.
2013 - Present - In 2013, the working group completed the South Platte Vision Charette with Stream Design group to prioritize and program funding along the South Platte River. From the Vision Charette, the SPWG programmed a total of $25 million ($8 million came from Arapahoe County Open Spaces) to complete the following projects:
The group has received several awards since its inception, including:
2006 - 2012 - Convened by Arapahoe County in 2006 with a $3 million pledge from the Open Space Sales and Use Tax, the SPWG secured more than $25 million in funding, including a $5.25 million Legacy Grant from Great Outdoors Colorado. The SPWG acquired 50 acres of open space, built six new bike/pedestrian bridges, added six trailheads and 3.2 miles of new trail during this time.
2013 - Present - In 2013, the working group completed the South Platte Vision Charette with Stream Design group to prioritize and program funding along the South Platte River. From the Vision Charette, the SPWG programmed a total of $25 million ($8 million came from Arapahoe County Open Spaces) to complete the following projects:
- South Platte Park Enhancements in Littleton ($5 million)
- River Run Park & East Bank Trail in Sheridan and Englewood ($14.7 million)
- Constructed a new trailhead, two new in-river features, and a mile of new trail between Creekside Experience and River Run
- Reynolds Landing in Littleton ($3.5 million)
- Revitalized the trailhead and created new soft surface trails
- Riverside Downs in Littleton ($1.14 million)
- Reoriented the commercial area near Belleview and Santa Fe towards the river
South Platte Working Group Accolades
The group has received several awards since its inception, including:
- 2011 Stewardship Award from Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners
- 2010 Blue Grama Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Colorado Open Space Alliance
- 2008 Metro Vision Gold Award for Collaboration from the Denver Regional Council of Government
- 2008 Progress Takes Flight Award from the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners
South Platte Working Group Resources
- Statement of Purpose
- South Platte River Corridor Vision Report
- South Platte Connections Study: September 2019