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Residents press Westminster to warn park users about Rocky Flats contamination as council moves ahead with signage update
Summary
Speakers at Westminster’s Jan. 26 meeting urged stronger warning signage and public education about plutonium risks along the Rocky Flats Greenway Trail; city staff told council that a signage update is proceeding to design and installation and is consistent with Boulder County’s approach.
Multiple residents and representatives of the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center used public comment at the Jan. 26 Westminster City Council meeting to urge informative signage that explicitly references plutonium and displays the international radioactive symbol along the Rocky Flats Greenway Trail.
Giselle Herzfeld, speaking for the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center, told council she hoped the signage would “include warnings and information that sufficiently informs the public of the risks of recreating at Rocky Flats.” Chris Allred, also commenting for the organization, cited historical maps and litigation (a multi‑decade class action and a settlement referenced from 2016) to provide background on contamination concerns.
City Manager Andrews and staff confirmed in the evening report that the Woman Creek/Rocky Flats Greenway Trail signage project is proceeding into design and construction and that the city’s signage approach is consistent with signage installed in Boulder County. Councilors thanked speakers and said staff would follow up on requests for additional information; several councilors said they had personally visited or assisted unhoused residents during the recent cold event and expressed appreciation for shelter operations.
Context: The Rocky Flats site and surrounding lands were the subject of long litigation and remediation work; public anxiety about persistent contamination and the long half‑life of plutonium informs neighborhood scrutiny of new development and trail usage. Councilors and staff acknowledged the historic sensitivity and said that more outreach and clear information to the public are appropriate as signage is implemented.
Next steps: Staff said the signage design and installation are moving forward and that specifics will be handled in the design/construction phase; council indicated they expect staff to coordinate with public health and neighboring jurisdictions as needed.
