Residents criticize South Suburban's management of crusher fine trails for accessibility

The Littleton City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding the maintenance and accessibility of crusher fine trails in the area, particularly in relation to South Suburban Parks and Recreation.

During the meeting, a resident expressed concerns about South Suburban's management of these trails, arguing that their current practices undermine the usability of crusher fine trails. The resident highlighted that South Suburban maintains ADA accessible crusher fine trails, such as those along the Mary Carter Greenway, and noted that gravel migration onto concrete surfaces is minimal. They criticized the requirement for a five-foot separation between concrete and crusher fine trails as excessive and counterproductive.

The discussion also touched on winter maintenance, with a council member questioning whether crusher fine trails could be plowed during snowstorms. The resident countered that these trails have been successfully plowed in the past, citing personal experience on the Lee Gulch Trail. They argued that South Suburban's reluctance to plow these trails is unfounded, suggesting that specialized plow blade accessories could be used to maintain them without causing damage.

The resident concluded by advocating for a shift in attitude towards crusher fine trails, emphasizing their importance for accessibility and usability for all trail users. The council then moved on to other reports, with no further public comments on the topic.

This discussion underscores ongoing concerns about trail maintenance and accessibility in Littleton, highlighting the need for effective management practices that accommodate all users.