Chatfield State Park Reopens South Platte River Pedestrian Bridge

8/30/2011

LITTLETON, Colo. – Chatfield State Park is pleased to announce the completion of maintenance work on the South Platte River pedestrian bridge connecting the C470 trail, Chatfield’s Dog Off-Leash Area, and the Mary Carter Greenway trail. The bridge is once again open to pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian use. The $70,000 project included replacing the deteriorating wood decking and side rails, which had become a safety concern to park officials, and an uncomfortable, bumpy experience for trail users.

"Park staff worked diligently to obtain the funding and work with the structural engineers and contractor to ensure a safe, smooth, and long lasting deck that will serve trail users for many years to come” said Chatfield Assistant Park Manager Keith Kahler. “This year we have completed two major trail projects in this area with a third project planned this fall to reroute and improve the internal park trail leading from the bridge to the Off-Leash Dog Area.”

Earlier this spring, a cooperative project between Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, Centennial Water and Sanitation District, Douglas County, Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District, City of Littleton, South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, Chatfield State Park, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was initiated to replace the failing culvert at the C470 trail crossing of Marcy Gulch near the South Platte River bridge crossing. Completed in June at a cost of over $400,000, the new bridge and trail crossing of Marcy Gulch represents a significant improvement in visitor safety and experience, while controlling flooding and erosion at the drainage junction with the South Platte River.