Agenda Date: 03/05/2019
Subject:
Title
Resolution 19-2019: authorizing an application to the Arapahoe County Open Spaces Grant Program for a planning grant for Reynolds Landing.
Body
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Presented By: |
Keith Reester, Public Works Director |
POLICY QUESTION:
Does city council support an application to the Arapahoe County Open Spaces Grant Program to further the Reynolds Landing master plan and conceptual design of Phase 2 of park improvements?
BACKGROUND:
In the 1970’s and 1980, South Platte Park was created as a natural floodplain park. In 1986, a master plan for river channel improvements in the South Platte River from Chatfield Dam to Baseline Road in Boulder County was prepared by the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD) and adjacent local governments. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) constructed the river channel north of South Platte Park in accordance with the master plan. At Reynolds Landing Park, the South Platte River transitions from the natural floodplain in South Platte Park, to an engineered channel downstream.
Starting in 2010, the UDFCD, South Suburban Parks and Recreation (SSPR) and the City of Littleton began to improve the river for recreation and wildlife habitat in South Platte Park. The project consisted of grading a stream section to be natural in appearance, which improved aquatic habitat, efficiently utilized low flow releases from Chatfield Reservoir, stabilized eroded banks, and created planting areas for riparian vegetation. River enhancement work created a natural low flow channel, gravel bars, riffles, pools, glides, bank stabilization, and planting areas. These improvements started at the existing boat chute in Reynolds Landing Park, and continued south through South Platte Park. The UDFCD, SSPR, the city, and Arapahoe County Open Spaces have reviewed the transition from floodplain to engineered channel at Reynolds Landing and propose a design of further improvements with the intent of benefiting recreation and wildlife habitat.
A master plan for Reynolds Landing Park was developed in 2015 in cooperation with UDFCD, SSPR, and the city. Phase 1 of the master planned improvements was constructed in 2017 including parking lot improvements, a gazebo, and restrooms. Phase 2 of the master plan includes in-river features, trail modifications, and possible other improvements in the park and Superchi property. The grant from Arapahoe County Open Spaces would fund the conceptual design of Phase 2.
UDFCD will continue to manage the project.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
At Reynolds Landing the South Platte River flows through a series of three grouted rock drop structures downstream of the natural floodplain. Training dikes transition flood flows from a wide natural floodplain, to more narrow stabilized channel. While the drop structures and channel function from a hydraulic standpoint, the ability for public recreational use may be limited with safety concerns. The proposed design effort will look at possible safety and recreational improvements.
The river channel was designed and constructed by the COE and is owned by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). UDFCD maintains the channel on behalf of CWCB. It is anticipated that review and approval of improvements by COE and CWCB will be a lengthy and time consuming process. Upon approval of design, the COE then must issue a permit for construction of any improvements in the river. Staff feels it would be beneficial to begin design as soon as practical to meet these anticipated agency review time constraints.
Proposed projects along the South Platte River generate much public interest. Staff will work with the public and all interested parties to solicit feedback as the design proceeds.
Estimated costs for engineering and construction services for this project necessitate the need to obtain grants whenever feasible to close the funding gap. UDFCD has committed to fund a portion of the design and construction. Future grants are anticipated.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The amount being requested for a planning grant is $100,000 (maximum allowed by ACOS), of which a 10% city cost share of $10,000 is required. This project was anticipated and was included in the 2019 Open Space Fund Budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that city council approve the application for a planning grant from the Arapahoe County Open Spaces Grant Program for further design of Reynolds Landing, Phase 2 improvements.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution authorizing an application for funds from the Arapahoe County Open Spaces Grant Program for a planning grant for Reynolds Landing.