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X-l SECTION X PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE INVENTORY The consultants encourage the reader to utilize the specific technical data for vegetation and wildlife contained in this report and take a field trip on the South Platte River to truly appreciate the diversity within the river valley. INTRODUCTION The South Platte River and its tributaries are very important natural resources in the Denver metropolitan area. Most of the region's population lives within walking distance of these waterways, making them key links from neighborhoods to a metro-wide recreation and transportation system. Increasing urban pressures require that we preserve and enhance the river corridor's recreational and aesthetic benefits, and that we no longer ignore the realization of their potential. GENERAL Denver's Greenway from Bates Avenue to Franklin Street features a ten-mile hikelbike/maintenance trail and over 400 acres of open space containing formal parks, picnic grounds, wildlife areas, boat chutes and concert sites. Confluence Park, at 15th Street and Cherry Creek, annually serves host to many exciting events, including the finish line and festivities for the Great Relay Race along the South Platte River and its tributaries. Nearby Gates-Crescent Park, formerly a city maintenance yard, is now the home of the new $3 million Children's Museum of Denver. During the past ten years, through the efforts of the Mayor and the Greenway Foundation, the river has been transformed from Denver's dumping ground into one of its most important and proud assets. Over the course of several months, the consultants conducted a comprehensive inventory of the river corridor by kayak, bike and foot. Extensive field notes were taken, and important characteristics of the corridor were recorded by members of the tpam. The on-site investigation combined with the consultants' past experience on the South Platte River, provide a sound basis for evaluating the river's recreation potential. The initial efforts of the Greenway are being enthusiastically continued by the local jurisdictions south and north of Denver. Englewood and Sheridan have tranformed what was once a dumping ground into a first-rate 'lS-hole golf course and riverfront park. The South Suburban Park Foundation is currently constructing a trail connection from Denver's south city limit to the Englewood Golf Course. The Foundation has alsa agreed to spearhead a public/private partnership development of the Platte River Greenway along the entire length of the river through Arapahoe County terminating at the Chatfield State Recreation Area. Other information for use in the planning process was obtained from numerous meetings with local sponsors, and from documents provided by the sponsors and other interested parties. The inventory document is the first comprehensive study of the 40-mile river corridor, from Chatfield Reservoir to the City of Brighton, that compiles the data into one report. The purpose of the inventory study is to provide a basis for evaluating existing recreation facilities, and also to analyze the impact of the flood control alternatives being studied. The master plan will provide a blueprint for the future development of parks, recreation and open space along the South Platte River. The inventory phase is the first step in producing the master plan. The Colorado Greenway is constructing a 17-mile loop trail up Bear Creek, across the Kipling bike trail and back down Sanderson Gulch to the river. The project is scheduled for dedication on August IS, 19S4. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Inventory Maps at the end of this section graphically outline the existing and planned recreation facilities along the river corridor. The inventory maps should be studied in conjunction with the recreation, vegetation, and wildlife sub-sections to comprehend fully the distinct river environments, The City of Littleton, working with the South Suburban Recreation and Park District, has been successful in acquiring 640 acres of river property that is known as South Platte Park. The park is one of the largest parcels of public land adjacent to the river in the metro area and is designed to become a major wildlife and natural area. Littleton has also created a special riverfront authority to aid in the development of quality commercial and business areas near Bowles Avenue.