City of Aurora and the Highline Canal Conservancy asked Arapahoe County commissioners to contribute $585,000 to fund phase-two construction at the Triple Creek Trailhead on Colfax Avenue. "It's a pretty key gateway location for regional trail access," Kurt Busch, principal planner in Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department, said during the presentation.

Why it matters: The trailhead sits at the junction of the High Line Canal Trail, Sand Creek Greenway Trail and Triple Creek Trail; staff and partners argued the improvements will increase safe access, provide recreation amenities and connect a recently completed Colfax-to-I-70 trail gap.

The request covers final trail, signage, a nature-play area, a beginner mountain-bike skills course and a picnic shelter; the parking lots, restroom and initial connections were built earlier. Tracy Young of the Highline Canal Conservancy described extensive outreach, including a Northeast committee of neighborhood representatives and multiple public meetings Aurora held during the master-plan process. The Conservancy and the city told commissioners they expect design to be finalized, plans turned over to the city for bidding, and construction to begin in spring with completion targeted by the end of the year.

Funding partners named in the presentation included the city of Aurora, the Highline Canal Conservancy and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO); staff said the request to Arapahoe County would be matched by private donations, grants and foundations. On maintenance, staff said Aurora (the property owner) will maintain the facilities and that the Conservancy would share upkeep of some wayfinding signage.

Commissioners indicated informal support during the meeting; staff recorded a thumbs-up consensus for the requested amount.