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Neighbors urge Littleton to block South Suburban’s plan to pave Lee Gulch Trail
Summary
Multiple residents asked the Littleton City Council to intervene after South Suburban Parks & Rec began pouring concrete on a segment of Lee Gulch Trail; speakers urged canceling a proposed $188,000 paving project, restoring crushed‑fines surfacing and involving neighbors in planning.
Several Littleton residents urged the city on Tuesday to help stop construction work by South Suburban Parks and Recreation District that would replace a soft, crusher‑fines section of the Lee Gulch Trail with concrete.
Residents from neighborhoods that border the corridor told the City Council they want the trail surface maintained as crusher fines rather than paved. They asked Littleton to press South Suburban to cancel a proposed $188,000 concreting project and to remove the roughly 190 feet of concrete that residents said was poured in October before work stopped.
"Cancel the proposed $188,000 concrete project and remove the 190 feet of concrete poured in October," said Ned Stern, who lives on West Briarwood Avenue and organized neighbors opposing the work. Stern told council that 76 neighbors had joined the effort in recent weeks and that he had polled trail users, reporting that "97% support keeping it a soft trail." His remarks focused on the trail’s role connecting Littleton’s soft‑surface trail network.
Other speakers raised safety and environmental concerns. Roseanne Stern, also a resident adjacent to the trail, said crusher fines are "easier on joints" and warned that a paved surface could increase speeds for bicyclists and e‑bikes on a steep downhill segment near Prince Street, posing hazards where children and students walk and play. "I feel it's irresponsible for South Suburban to allow this part to become cement," she told the council. Kenny Hosack highlighted erosion and drainage fixes that residents say would address South Suburban’s stated concerns without permanent paving.
City staff response: The city manager told council staff has been coordinating with South Suburban and will continue to do so. South Suburban’s public survey on the project was noted as open through Dec. 20; the city manager said the municipality expects further updates once South Suburban finishes its public comment period.
No formal council action was recorded on the trail at Tuesday’s meeting; speakers asked council to use its influence to persuade South Suburban to halt the paving and pursue alternatives such as spot restoration, realignment on city property in one area and organizing volunteer maintenance crews.
Why this matters: Lee Gulch Trail provides a soft‑surface connection within Littleton’s network of trails and is used by walkers, runners and children walking to school. Neighbors argue that paving would harm the trail’s character, increase speeds and reduce safety, and that the decision should involve affected residents.
Clarifying details raised by speakers: - Cost cited by residents: $188,000 proposed concrete project; roughly 190 feet of concrete reportedly poured before work stopped. - Suggested alternatives: realign 210 feet of trail onto city property at Ridgewood Park to avoid scour areas; restore and re‑crown crusher fines; form a volunteer trail crew for maintenance.
Speakers asked the city to press South Suburban for greater prior notice on trail projects and to consider neighborhood input before permanent surface changes.
Speakers quoted in this article are taken from the meeting transcript; quotes are attributed to the speakers who delivered them at the public comment period.
