Douglas County approves $450,000 for Origins Trailhead on High Line Canal
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Summary
The board authorized a $450,000 parks funding agreement with the High Line Canal Conservancy for the Origins Trailhead; the Conservancy committed $150,000 in matching funds toward a $600,000 project that will add parking improvements, a restroom and interpretive signage near Waterton Road.
Douglas County commissioners voted Jan. 13 to approve a $450,000 parks funding agreement with the High Line Canal Conservancy to construct the Origins Trailhead in the northwestern portion of the county near Waterton Road.
Luke Thornton, Parks Program Coordinator, said the Conservancy pledged $150,000 in matching funds for a total estimated project cost of $600,000. Project elements described to the board included resurfacing the trailhead parking lot, installing a portable restroom, improving the connection from the lot to the canal trail, adding two "pause places" with seating and shade, and erecting interpretive signage about the canal’s history.
Conservancy CEO Susanna Fry Jones and board representative Steve Coffin (identified in the record as incoming board chair) spoke in support and noted the Origins Trailhead was a priority in the Conservancy’s 2019 plan. Susanna discussed partnership work with county staff and other jurisdictions to study larger corridor connections, including the "Plum Creek Gap," a roughly one‑mile gap in the 71‑mile High Line Canal trail the groups hope to study and eventually connect.
Efrem Glass, representing Roxborough Village Metro District, offered in‑person public comment in favor of the project and commended the Conservancy’s community outreach.
Commissioner (speaker 7) moved to approve the funding agreement; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Staff recommended proceeding to construction following project finalization and the board included the item in its approved consent of project funding for Open Space resources.