May 28, 2015 VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 19
LoneTreeVoice.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
SOARING INTO THE FUTURE
Rock Canyon High School graduates fling their caps into the air after receiving their diplomas on May 22 at Sports Authority Stadium in Parker. For additional graduation photos, see Pages 4, 5 and 7. Photo by Taryn Walker
Meeting shows support for pedestrian bridge
$6 million-plus project bolstered by partner funding support By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com A proposed Lincoln Avenue pedestrian bridge got support from most who attended the city’s first community meeting on the project. Most at the May 26 meeting at the Lone Tree Civic Center said they prefer a design that features a large, vertical metal leaf rising into the air from one side of the bridge. One man said he doesn’t support any aspect of the project, calling it a boondoggle. But his was a minority opinion among the small group. “From a safety and aesthetic standpoint,
I think it’s brilliant,” said Lone Tree resident Abe Laydon, speaking in support of the leaf design. “I love the idea of having something somewhat visionary and symbolic. Even from a property-value standpoint and having the walking ability … I think it’s just a great idea for this community.” The city proposes building the pedestrian bridge across Lincoln at its intersection with Heritage Hills Circle, just west of the Charles Schwab corporate complex. Architects created two designs — one that includes the leaf, and another, an arch. Estimated cost, including land acquisition, is $6.8 million for the leaf design and $6.3 million for the arch. Both feature glass panels and a low profile to maintain mountain views. The leaf is a symbolic tie to both the city’s name, and the Lone Tree Arts Center — the symbol of which is a leaf.
The leaf design shown in this artist’s rendering would cost about $6.8 million to construct. Courtesy images
“This is something that’s going to be here for 100 years, and it’s going to be pretty visible,” said John Cotten, public works director. “You want something you’re going to like. It’s going to be seen by a lot of people over time.” Lone Tree would not pay the entire cost. South Suburban Parks and Recreation, Douglas County Government and the Park Meadows Metro District each have offered to contribute $1 million, and Omni Park Metropolitan District $25,000, for a total of more than $3 million. RidgeGate is donating the land needed for the bridge on the south side. The city also is working with other groups who may contribute to the cost, and will pursue grant funds. If the bridge is approved, the estimated six months of construction would begin in early 2016.
The bridge would provide a connection for the Willow Creek trail, a safe north/ south crossing to the new Lone Tree library under construction in RidgeGate, and the Lone Tree Arts Center, as well as alleviate traffic delays caused by pedestrians using walk buttons at grade-level crossings. But it’s more than that, said Cotten. “One of the things we’re really concerned about is that Lincoln can become a separator in the city,” he said. “We’ve had people (on the north side) say to us, ‘We don’t feel like we’re part of the city.’ Cities are interesting because they have a soul, a heart, and they need to be one city. This is not only a physical connection across Lincoln. In the long term, we think this is going to be an emotional connection.” It likely is not the last pedestrian bridge in Lone Tree. When the city is built out, Bridge continues on Page 9
The pedestrian bridge arch design shown in this artist’s rendering would cost about $6.3 million.