Jeffco Open Space updates trails plan with standards, interactive map and maintenance guidance

Jefferson County Open Space staff briefed the Board of County Commissioners on June 10 about updates to the Jeffco Trails Plan that include trail definitions and construction standards, recommended maintenance standards, and a new interactive online map and implementation resource to help partners plan and deliver trail projects countywide.

"The plan was developed by Jefferson County Open Space, but it was developed collaboratively with the Jeffco Trails Council, municipalities, park and recreation districts and our nonprofit partners," said Emily Guffin, Trails and Access Program Manager. The plan, adopted in 2020 and revised with this update, is intended to create an interconnected, durable and sustainable trail network across the county and partner jurisdictions.

Key changes presented were: (1) Appendix A additions with construction details, illustrations and categories for regional and local hard‑surface, soft‑surface and natural‑surface trails; (2) a maintenance standards table to guide routine upkeep and repair frequency; and (3) a living implementation resources map that lets users click projects to view status, notes and funding sources and overlay layers such as 10‑minute walk sheds, bike‑plan recommendations and pedestrian focus areas.

Staff said the construction standards include examples and cross‑section diagrams (for example, a regional hard‑surface trail with recommended tread and shoulder widths and outslope for drainage) and dual‑trail diagrams where a hard surface is paired with an adjacent soft surface for runners. The interactive map will allow Open Space and partners to keep project statuses current and to share technical notes with municipalities and park districts.

Commissioners praised the update as a tool to promote consistent, durable trail construction that improves access and minimizes environmental impacts. Open Space staff said the standards are recommended guidance and that the county will use the standards to guide funding decisions through its Open Space Trails Partnership Program.

Ending: Staff will publish the updated standards and interactive implementation map and use them in outreach and partnership funding decisions for trail projects across Jefferson County.