Open Spaces staff asked the Board to award $135,000 to the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club to construct a replacement pedestrian bridge over Cherry Creek, south of Arapahoe Road, where the prior bridge was destroyed by flooding in May 2023. Presenters said the location serves the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, the Fremont Avenue Trail extension and the Gates Soccer Complex and sees more than 20,000 users a year.

Why it matters: Since the 2023 storm the only informal crossing at the site is over boulders, which staff said raises safety, accessibility and emergency-access concerns. The replacement bridge is designed so sections can break away in a future flood and be reinstalled afterward.

Open Spaces staff described the funding package: the county request is $135,000 from the Dove Valley Working Group pledge, with a 54% cash match committed by the Parker Jordan Metro District and contributions from two soccer organizations. Staff noted in-kind support and application help from the Dove Valley Metro District and that letters of support exist from the City of Centennial and the Flood Control District. The Rapids will manage construction and maintain the bridge; if their arrangement with Aurora ends, the Dove Valley Metro District agreed to assume maintenance responsibility.

Commissioners indicated unanimous informal support by thumbs-up during the meeting and staff said award of $135,000 would proceed.