County backs Dove Valley/Broncos Parkway trail despite evaluator concerns about developer responsibility

Staff recommended a $300,000 grant to fund a 0.333-mile, 10-foot-wide multi-use trail along Broncos Parkway to connect neighborhoods and regional parks. Two of 11 evaluators did not recommend the project, expressing concern that installing a trail across currently vacant lots may be a developer responsibility and questioned whether the configuration meets minimum city standards. "Some conversation was about whether the project serves an open space purpose—is it a park or is it a trail or is it a sidewalk?" the presenter said, describing evaluator reservations.

Supporters, including municipal representatives and the mayor of Centennial, said the project is included in the Dove Valley Area Trails Plan and the county Bike-Pedestrian Plan, will connect to a future lighted intersection at Broncos and Watercock, and that easements would be recorded to protect the investment if parcels are developed later. Nine evaluators recommended funding and staff kept the project in the funding package presented to the board.