Adams County staff seek contract approval for Riverdale Bluffs open‑space project with $15.6M budget

Parks staff presented the Riverdale Bluffs project, a plan to develop 225 acres of open space west of Riverdale for a regional trail, mountain‑bike singletrack, ADA‑accessible trails, an overlook and supporting amenities. The site contains a relatively pristine short‑grass prairie habitat and hosts species staff flagged for protection; staff said interpretive signage and conservation measures are part of the design.

Design is substantially complete and CEI is the selected contractor with a guaranteed maximum price of $14,800,000; with architect construction oversight and contingencies the total project budget is $15,600,000. Major funding sources include an E‑470 partner contribution of approximately $3,158,000, three open‑space grant awards and land‑dedication funds. Staff said about 89% of current funding is in place and identified a $1.7M gap currently projected for 2029; they plan to pursue additional grants, value engineering and phasing (for example, delaying an expensive 136th Avenue underpass) if necessary.

Commissioners asked about parking capacity, resident access, habitat protections (including the greater short‑horned lizard), and project timing; staff said the project is shovel‑ready, construction contracts can be executed if funded and the target completion is 2028 (with possible extension to 2029 if the funding gap is unresolved). Staff requested permission to bring the construction contract and construction‑management agreement to public hearing in March.