UPDATE: The comment period has closed as of March 25. Please see below for comment period results, as well as next steps.
Results of Apex management comment period PDF
Overall, 320 individuals commented on the proposed trail management plan, and we received eight alternate plans/solutions. Of the commenters, 41% self-identified as mountain bikers, 13% as hikers/trail runners, 3% as equestrians, and 43% identified themselves as part of more than one visitor group. The majority support JCOS taking action to change the way the trail system is managed at Apex Park.
Top Comment Themes
- Even/Odd (preference for designated use on even/odd calendar days, rather than day of week)
- Directional Use (prescribe a direction riders must use for given trail segment)
- Support COMBA Proposal (endorsement of COMBA’s proposed solution)
- Unfair (concern that three week days for bikers vs. four week days for all other uses is unfair to bikers)
- Build More Trails (comment that creating more trails would resolve conflict and safety concerns)
- Regional Connectivity (proposed management limits CHIMPEX and other regional connections for longer rides/runs some of the time)
- Neighborhood Access (proposed management limits west access to certain visitor groups some of the time)
Next steps:
1. Internal analysis of alternate proposals assessing similarities, differences, and feasibility. We will resolve this analysis into 2-3 preferred solutions.
2. Stakeholder review and analysis of 2-3 preferred solutions. This small group of stakeholders will include equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers, neighbors, trail runners, and JCOS staff.
3. Resolve stakeholder feedback into one preferred solution to be shared on April 30.
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UPDATE: Thank you to the over 300 people who attended the Community Meeting regarding managing trails for safety at Apex Park on Wednesday, February 26. The meeting was an opportunity to share details and answer questions regarding the draft plan for Apex Park, as well as a chance to collect feedback and alternative solutions from the community.
Information on draft plan for improving safety at Apex Park
Presentation from Community Meeting
A survey was given to collect feedback specifically from the meeting attendees. Results from this survey can be viewed here.
Comments on the draft plan are being collected through March 25. Email [email protected] to provide feedback or alternative solutions to improve safety at Apex Park.
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UPDATE: Recently we announced a community meeting to discuss a draft plan for Apex Park aimed at improving visitor safety. Please be assured it is a starting point for a community discussion on how to best improve safety at Apex Park. The good news is that our announcement has generated lively community discussion that has identified concerns, ideas and solutions. We are confident that by working together we can come up with a plan that significantly improves safety, and thereby the visitor experience at Apex Park. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow and/or hearing your comments and solutions over the next 30 days. Please see a letter from our Director in the link below.
Apex Park Community Meeting Letter from the Director
Managing Trails for Safety at Apex Park News Release PDF
Meeting:
February 26 from 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Origins Hotel Red Rocks
18485 W Colfax Ave, Golden, CO 80401
Comments:
[email protected]
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Following more than two years of public and visitor engagement, intense in-park education efforts, and field observations, Jeffco Open Space (JCOS) has developed a draft plan to improve trail safety and reduce visitor conflict at Apex Park. This plan calls for the portion of the trail system with the highest levels of safety and conflict concerns to operate under an alternating, designated use schedule:
- Apex, Enchanted Forest, Hardscrabble, Sluicebox, and lower Pick-n-Sledge Trails, a total of 3.8 miles, will alternate designated use by DAY OF THE WEEK:
- BIKE ONLY: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday (no hiker/equestrian)
- HIKER/RUNNER/EQUESTRIAN ONLY: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (no bikes)
- Argos, upper Pick-n-Sledge, Bonanza, and Grubstake Trails, a total of 5.3 miles, will remain multi-use, every day.
Trail conflict and safety concerns can be attributed to speed differentials, high visitation, and challenging technical terrain, including blind corners, tight corridors, and steep pitches. Visitor surveys indicate the current trail management strategy is confusing; stakeholder listening session indicated a desire to improve trail management. This solution is a compromise that combines popular trail management options that can be implemented on existing trails, provide designated use in the areas that are most impacted by safety and conflict concerns, and offer at least part of the trail system to any visitor group, any day of the week.
JCOS will hold an Apex Park public meeting to seek input on this draft plan on Wednesday, February 26, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., at the Origin Red Rocks Hotel, 18485 W. Colfax Ave, Golden CO 80401.
In addition to the public meeting, JCOS will be providing a month-long public comment period from Wednesday, February 26 through Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at [email protected].