Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Approximately 7.022 Acres Owned By Union Pacific Railroad for the Rock Island Trail Corridor
Body
From:
Karen Palus, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Chris Lieber, Park Development Manager/TOPS Program Manager
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, through the City's Trails, Open Space and Parks Program ("TOPS") is recommending the acquisition of approximately 7.022 acres of real property currently owned by the Union Pacific Railroad ("Seller") located between the Pikes Peak Greenway and Templeton Gap Road for a 1.25 mile extension of the Rock Island Trail and key connection for the Legacy Loop.
Previous Council Action:
City Council has appropriated the funds necessary to acquire the 7.022 acres of real property as part of the 2015 Budget process.
Background:
The Property (the "Property"), more specifically, portions of railroad right-of-way defined as Area 2 and Area 3, a corridor approximately 1.25 miles long, consisting of approximately 7.022 acres, is located along the Union Pacific Railroad (formerly Chicago Rock Island Railroad) north of the Old North End Neighborhood, between the Pikes Peak Greenway and Templeton Gap Road. The corridor is further defined by a 25' offset from the centerline of the existing railroad track.
The 1983 City of Colorado Springs Trails Master plan first identified the Rock Island corridor as an important east-west trail link. This segment of trail is part of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail corridor as well as the nationally recognized America the Beautiful Millennium Trail. The current 2015 Park System Master Plan identifies this section of missing trail as a top priority to advance the completion of the Rock Island Trail and the northern portion of the Legacy Loop Project. This corridor is also identified as a key missing link in the City's Bike Plan.
The TOPS Working Commit...
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