Arapahoe County Open Spaces staff told the Board of County Commissioners they have negotiated two no-cost easements to allow a new public trail segment along Dove Creek in the Dove Valley/Death Valley area.

The request came during the board’s study session when Michelle Frishman, Open Spaces, described the proposals and asked the board to approve placing the easements on the consent agenda and to allow county staff to sign the documents. “What we are asking is for thumbs up to put this on the consent agenda,” Frishman said.

Nut graf: The easements would convert a maintenance path being installed for drainage and operations into a public trail, creating a short loop for users of Valley Regional Park and nearby schools and businesses, county staff said. The segment is under a half-mile and would connect park users, Cherry Creek Innovation Center neighbors and nearby commercial areas.

Open Spaces staff said the maintenance path was originally planned by the Dove Valley Metro District and neighboring agencies. Because the maintenance path aligns with an already-identified future trail location, the county, the City of Centennial and the Dove Valley Metro District requested permission to allow public access on that maintenance path. Frishman said the underlying landowners had been consulted and draft easements were negotiated and ready. She added that the easements will be granted at no cost and that the maintenance responsibility for drainage infrastructure remains with the underlying owner while the county would maintain the trail surface and any benches or signs.

Glenn Cole, Open Spaces, praised the presentation and said Frishman had “did a great job explaining the business and your benefits to both us, our partners and the local residents and businesses.” Roger Harmon, Open Spaces, said, “I think you got it all covered. I think it’s a great connection.”

Commissioners in the room signaled support by a thumbs-up vote; Frishman said the item will be placed on the consent agenda next week. She asked that Ginny (staff) be given authority to sign the easements if the board places the items on consent.

Ending: The board did not take a formal roll-call motion during the study session; staff will place both easements on next week’s consent agenda and return for formal ratification by the board at that public meeting.