Title
Ordinance No. 16-24 amending Ordinance No. 15-86 (2016 Appropriation Ordinance) for a Supplemental Appropriation to the Trails Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Fund in the Amount of $980,000 for the Acquisition of Approximately 200 Acres Owned by Joanne R. Watkins for the Purpose of Public Open Space and Trails
Presenter:
Chris Lieber, Park Development Manager/TOPS Program Manager
Body
Summary:
The attached supplemental appropriation ordinance from the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Fund is to increase the spending authority by $980,000 for the acquisition of approximately 200 acres owned by Joanne R. Watkins for the purpose of public open space and trails as an extension of Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
Previous Council Action:
On February 23, 2016, City Council approved a supplemental appropriation to the TOPS Fund in the amount of $980,000. Council did request additional information regarding the prioritization of land acquisition within the TOPS program.
Background:
The Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program has identified a 200-acre parcel of property (Watkins Property) located adjacent to Cheyenne Mountain State Park and along Rock Creek and immediately west of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, between the State Park and the Pike National Forest which is owned by Joanne R. Watkins (Seller) and more specifically known as Tax Schedule Numbers 7500000243 and 7500000061, as having open space values that merit preservation. Acquisition of the Watkins Property would serve as an extension of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, provide future trail access for the Cheyenne Mountain Heritage Trail, and connect the Cheyenne Mountain State Park to the Pike National Forest.
The 2014 Park System Master Plan identified this area as an open space candidate meriting conservation. The 1997 Open Space Master Plan identified this area as having some of the highest natural resource values in our community. The Watkins Property boas...
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