Open space staff outline Markle construction timeline and early planning for Northwest Parkway underpass

Open Space & Trails Director Kristen Pritz told council 100% construction documents for the Markle project are complete, staff have completed an initial round of internal comments and the project will be bid with a construction contract expected to come to council in the November–December time frame.

“We have 100% construction documents completed. We've done the first round of staff comments on that. So our designer will need to make a few little updates. The project will be bid, and then we'll bring that to city council, the contract for construction, if all goes as planned,” Pritz said.

Pritz also updated the council on conceptual work for a Northwest Parkway trail underpass to connect Wildgrass neighborhood beneath the Parkway to the Rock Creek and Coal Creek trails. She said staff are conducting conceptual cost estimates and are coordinating with Boulder County and the town of Lafayette; more detailed community engagement will follow once alignments and budget commitments are agreed among jurisdictions.

On funding, Pritz confirmed open space acquisitions and most open space improvements are supported by the dedicated open space sales and use tax; parks maintenance continues to be funded primarily by the general fund. Council and staff discussed whether future ballot language for the sales tax requires clarification about using proceeds for maintenance and staffing as the city’s open‑space inventory grows.

Open Space said construction of Markle is expected to start in 2026 if the bidding and contract schedule proceed as planned.