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<br />IV-l <br /> <br />SECTION IV <br />COMMENTARY, COST ESTIMATE AND PRELIMINARY DESIGN DRAWINGS <br /> <br />GENERAL <br />It is now understood that improvements for recreation and wildlife <br />enhancement should accompany any work accompl ished along the river for <br />flood control or other purposes. The South Platte is a valuable resource <br />for the metropolitan area, and its revitalization is important if we are to <br />continue and improve our quality of life. <br /> <br />On the following pages is a brief descriptive summary of the recommended <br />recreat i on and wil dl He improvements for each reach of the ri ver. The <br />accompanying preliminary design drawings and cost estimates provide a <br />detailed account of the consultant's recommendations. <br /> <br />The preliminary design drawings and cost estimates which follow offer <br />specific design recommendations for desired recreational improvements along <br />the river. In general, a continuous hike/bike/maintenance trail for non- <br />motorized transportation and wildl ife observation should be built <br />throughout the entire 40-mile corridor. For protection against flooding <br />and maintenance economy over time, it should be built of concrete. <br />Street/trail conflicts should be minimized to the full extent possible, and <br />convenient trail connections from tributary streams and local on-street <br />bike routes should be provided. <br /> <br /> <br />~~ <br /> <br />Parks and wildlife areas of varying types should be created adjacent to the <br />river wherever the opportunity exists or presents itself in the future. <br />Adequate auto parking areas should be incorporated at each park area and at <br />major street crossings. The existing riparian vegetation along the river <br />should be preserved and expanded for reasons of improved habitat for <br />wildlife and general aesthetics. Plantings of cottonwood, willow and other <br />indigenous riparian species should be systematically done in conjunction <br />with other improvements throughout the entire corridor. <br /> <br />Safe passage for boats us i ng the ri ver shoul d be provi ded through ri ver <br />obstructions wherever possible and economically feasible. Boat landings <br />both up and downstream of every obstruction, whether or not it contains a <br />boat chute, shoul d also be provi ded. Frequent use of 1 arge boul ders to <br />create plunge pools, riffles and eddies is encouraged both to improve the <br />acquatic environment in the channel for fishlife and to enhance the boating <br />experience. Efforts to improve water quality and minimum stream flows <br />should be vigorously pursued for both recreational and wildlife reasons. <br /> <br />JOGGING IS ONE OF THE MANY USES FOR THE HIKE, BIKE AND <br />MAINTENANCE TRAIL <br />