South Platte Working Group

Convened in 2006, the South Platte Working Group has secured more than $25 million in funding, including a $5 million Legacy grant from the Great Outdoors Colorado to complete more than 20 projects to expand the urban oasis of the South Platte River, improve wildlife habitat and enhance connectivity to recreation trails for people in Western Arapahoe County.

Over the past four years, the group acquired 40 acres of land for parks and open space buffers, connected trails, build five pedestrian/bike bridges, enhanced parks and other recreational amenities so people can experience natural wonders as they picnic, walk, fish, and bike along the river or boat on its waters.

Members include volunteer representatives from key municipalities, agencies and organizations including: Arapahoe County, the Cities of Littleton, Englewood, Cherry Hills Village, Sheridan, Columbine Valley, Bow Mar and Greenwood Village.  Other partners include South Metro Land Conservancy, South Suburban Park and Recreation District, South Suburban Park Foundation, the Arapahoe County Open Space Advisory Board, and the Trust for Public Land. 

The Group has received several awards for their work, including the Denver Regional Council of Government's highest honor, the Gold Award, in 2007 for their collaborative work to protect the South Platte Corridor and create a legacy that will benefit communities for years to come.

Funding is made possible by the generous citizens of Arapahoe County through the voter-approved Arapahoe County Open Space Sales and Use Tax. Additional funding is provided by Great Outdoors Colorado and various municipalities and districts.

South Platte Working Group Helpful Resources 

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