Hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers rejoice! Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) just awarded a $2 million grant to Douglas County and the Town of Parker to construct a section of the East-West Regional Trail that will connect Parker to the City of Lone Tree. The project is currently in design, with construction slated for 2017 and 2018.
The new 8-mile segment marks the final phase in a 28-mile construction project that began in 2002, a collaboration that includes Parker, Douglas County and Lone Tree.
“This is yet another remarkable example of what can be achieved when common ground leads us to problem-solve and create solutions through community partnerships on behalf of those we serve,” said David Weaver, Chair, Board of Douglas County Commissioners.
The new trail segment will finish the connection between Redstone Community Park in Highlands Ranch and the Cherry Creek Regional Trail in Parker through an off-street trail system, serving as a commuter and recreational connection for the entire region.
Pedestrians, bikers and equestrian users will enjoy rural landscapes, wildlife and scenic views, as well as open space, parks and natural areas along the trail route, which includes natural and hard surfaces.
It will also be a major component in a multi-entity vision of completing a continuous loop trail around the outer edges of the Denver metro area and part of a much larger statewide system that, in the future, could create a connection from the Denver Metro area to Durango. The grant is part of GOCO’s first round of funding for its new Connect Initiative awarded to close critical gaps in trail networks across the state.
For more information on the East-West Regional Trail, visit www.ParkerRec.com/EastWestTrail.