Littleton council authorizes grant application for Jackass Hill Park after heated debate over concrete trail

The Littleton City Council voted 4–3 on April 15 to authorize a grant application to Arapahoe County Open Space seeking $600,000 for Jackass Hill Park improvements, a proposal that prompted extended public comment and debate over whether park trails should be paved in concrete or left as softer crusher‑fine surfaces.

Supporters of leaving trails unpaved said the city and South Suburban Parks and Recreation should revise the design to avoid a continuous 16‑foot concrete corridor across Jackass Gulch. “We need to look for roadways for examples,” warned Mark Flank during public comment, saying the plan would create a “16 foot wide concrete scar that will degrade the Jackass Gulch open space.” Several neighbors and trail users said they prefer crusher fines or a dual surface to preserve the park’s natural character.

South Suburban and city staff said the design balances accessibility, maintenance and safety. Melissa Reese Thacker of South Suburban told council that South Suburban has committed $650,000 toward the project and that the design includes an 8‑foot wide colored concrete loop trail around the park and an 8‑foot crusher‑fine trail through the center. Deputy City Manager Mike Gent and South Suburban staff stressed accessibility concerns, noting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and the district’s ability to patrol and maintain paved routes.

Council members were sharply divided. After discussion and public testimony from at least a dozen residents, Mayor Kyle Schlechter and three council members voted to approve the application; Councilmembers Pam Grove, Andrew Peters and (Councilmember) Driscoll voted no. The council’s vote authorized only the city’s support for the Arapahoe County Open Space grant application; award of the grant and final design approvals would be separate steps.

Why it matters: Jackass Hill is a neighborhood open space near the Mineral Spur Trail and High Line Canal. Neighbors say the park’s natural character and wildlife value would be harmed by extensive concrete surfaces; proponents and staff say paved loops improve ADA access and allow patrol vehicles to reach park features, and that a paved loop plus an inner crusher‑fine path responds to both concerns.

Council and staff said the project will be phased and contingent on outside funding. Melissa Reese Thacker said the grant window opens annually and the next opportunity would be April 2026 if the county does not award funds this round. Council members also said the county indicated it could consider a scope change (for example, trail surface) but might adjust grant amounts accordingly.

What remains unresolved: Neighbors asked the city to withdraw the application until further engagement with South Suburban and additional technical study of “stabilized crusher fines” for ADA access. Council members who supported the application said funding timelines and the need to secure partner contributions argue for moving the application forward now while additional conversations on surface materials continue.

Votes and next steps: The motion to authorize the county open‑space grant application passed 4–3. If Arapahoe County awards the grant, council and South Suburban will return with final design, funding allocation and construction schedules. Staff said the project as presented includes plantings, erosion mitigation, a nature playground and formalized access points in addition to the loop trail and center crusher‑fine route.

Community context: The item followed a sustained public comment period during which dozens of residents spoke about the Spur Trail and Jackass Hill Park. Many speakers asked for more engagement and for the city and South Suburban to consider dual‑surface designs that they said would be more appropriate for an open‑space park.