Agenda Date: 11/18/2025
Subject:
Title
Resolution 116-2025: Approving the ninth amendment to an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Littleton and Mile High Flood District, regarding design and construction of drainage and flood control improvements for South Platte River at Reynolds Landing
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities |
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Brent Thompson, City Engineer |
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Sarah White, Water Resources Manager |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
Approval of a ninth amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Littleton and the Mile High Flood District regarding the design and construction of drainage and flood control improvements for South Platte River at Reynolds Landing.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Financial Sustainability; High-Quality Governance; Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty
DISCUSSION:
Reynolds Landing Park is a 14.3-acre parcel along the South Platte River that currently combines 9.9 acres of existing open space with 4.4 acres the city acquired property and a stretch of ecologically degraded river. The City of Littleton partnered with Mile High Flood District (MHFD), South Suburban Parks and Recreation (SSPRD) and Arapahoe County to begin transforming the space into a suburban nature park. The first phase of park improvements begun in 2016 to expand the Mary Carter Greenway Trail and parking lot, as well as add restroom facilities. In 2020, planning efforts began to restore the river. Through public engagement and expansion of partnerships, the project grew to incorporate the surrounding parkland and create a strong access to nature and serve as a gateway to the South Platte River. This park is highly valued along the river corridor and identified in South Platte Working Group master plans.
Phase 2 plans maintain the authorized purpose for flood protection while supporting the community’s desire for a park that engages the South Platte River. River improvements include reshaping the low flow channels to improve fish passages and habitat, providing a floodplain terrace, and improve river recreation and safety. Reynolds Landing Park will include opportunities for all ages and abilities to engage with the water and river through accessible trails and gathering areas. Phase 2 plans further include providing interactive art/sculptures, new trail connections, natural play elements, additional parking and landscaping. A land bridge will be constructed to allow cyclists to bypass the busy hub of the park, a soft surface trail is provided for walkers and runners near the river. Phase 3 improvements will include future park amenities.
Phase 2 construction begun January 2025, completion anticipated summer 2027.
Mile High Flood District has been a critical partner in administering the design and construction contracts for all drainageway projects and maintenance along the South Platte River corridor. Staff is working collaboratively MHFD and SPPRD to raise funds. In 2023, a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) awarded a community impact grant for Reynolds Landing Park construction. Additional grants were received from Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and Arapahoe County Open Spaces. Littleton has funding planned towards this project through 2028 in the Open Space fund.
BACKGROUND:
The city entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) 14-01.24 in May 2014 with MHFD to fund design and construction of improvements at Reynolds Landing on the South Platte River. This is the ninth amendment to the original IGA and would allow incorporation of 2025 Littleton Open Space funds, the 2025 MHFD capital improvement program allocation, and funding from SSPRD, into the overall project account. The design contract for Reynolds Landing Park is administered by MHFD through its South Platte River capital improvement program. This amendment encumbers additional funds into the project account for previously contracted services. MHFD will invoice the city for this amount upon IGA approval.
Prior Actions or Discussions
Littleton City Council has approved all eight previous amendments to this IGA, the most recent being with Resolution 78-2024.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The City of Littleton’s portion for this amendment is $200,000, funded from the 2025 Open Space Fund. The table below shows the contributions for agencies per the attached IGA.
|
|
Percentage Share |
Previously Contributed |
Additional Contribution |
Maximum Contribution |
|
DISTRICT |
35.75% |
$5,702,000 |
$3,100,000 |
$8,80,2000 |
|
CITY |
29.45% |
$7,052,500 |
$200,000 |
$7,252,500 |
|
COUNTY |
20.30% |
$5,001,000 |
$0 |
$5,001,000 |
|
SSPRD |
14.50% |
$2,024,367 |
$1,550,000 |
$3,574,367 |
|
TOTAL |
100.00% |
$19,779,867 |
$4,850,000 |
$24,629,867 |
The current total estimated project cost is approximately $24.6 million. The partners continue to confirm additional amounts available beyond those already committed and seek grants to meet the project needs.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends council approve this ninth amendment to the agreement regarding design and construction of drainage and flood control improvements for the South Platte River at Reynolds Landing, IGA 14-01.24I.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should council not approve this amendment, then funding would be delayed for construction of the project because the city’s annual contributions are critical to reach the anticipated final costs. Having the project funds managed by MHFD is a streamlined approach to facilitate eventual construction of this project.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 116-2025 approving the ninth amendment to an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Littleton and Mile High Flood District, regarding design and construction of drainage and flood control improvements for South Platte River at Reynolds Landing.