Lakewood Sentinel 1106

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November 6, 2014 VOLU M E 9 1 | I SS UE 1 2

LakewoodSentinel.com J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O

A publication of

District highlights inspiring stories By Crystal Anderson

canderson@colorado communitymedia.com

Flood waters gushed down the sides at North Table Mountain Park during the September floods last year. The Mesa Top loop at the park is one of three trails remaining that are in need of repairs and are closed off to the public. Courtesy photo

Jeffco open space talks trails, apps Workgroup assembling for single use trails By Amy Woodward

awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com Jeffco Park and Open Space trail specialists are busy constructing, maintaining and cleaning up trails around the county. On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the department held a trail talks forum to update the public on its updates at the American Mountaineering Center. Flood recovery efforts have been one of the primary focuses for Jeffco Open Space, and with the help of dedicated volunteers who have pitched in with trail repairs, majority of the work has been completed, reported David Davenport, outdoor recreation management coordinator for Jeffco Open Space. But it hasn’t been an easy year, and three trails remain closed off from the public after financial assistance from FEMA took longer than expected. “Anytime you take money from federal government, you are then subject to federal procedures and federal regulations,” Davenport said. “Anything that we were going to apply for FEMA funding with, we had to go through a fairly long and involved process that would result in what is called an environmental assessment.” Jeffco Open Space requested $375,000 from FEMA last year. In ear-

ly October of this year, the nearly 50 page environmental assessment was approved, and trail specialists can now move ahead on repair work for Mustang Trail, Mesa Top and Wranglers. The rest of Apex park is expected to open on Sunday, Nov. 26, pending weather conditions. The re-routing of Pick ‘n Sledge is being pushed until Spring 2015, but trail specialists said nothing is planned but getting trails open. The North Folk Trail opened on Oct. 11. The 9.3 mile trail connects to Reynolds Park, Pike National Forest and Pine Valley Ranch Park creating a 36.2 mile pathway of smooth cement. “There’s a number of ways you could use the trail,” said Tom Hoby, director at Jeffco Parks and Open Space. “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback.” Serious runners have taken to the trail and were able to complete it in under three hours, Davenport said. The department announced they are working on new interactive maps for the website that will also be mobile compatible. “You will be able to get a lot more information and be able to plan routes and trips much better,” Davenport said. “Instead of the world just ending at our park boundaries you’ll actually be able to see connecting properties with Denver mountain parks, with other conservation easements.” Open Space is starting discussions again on single use trails — i.e., only bicycles, or only hikers — and

WORKING GROUP To be considered for the Working Group for Single Use Trails interested citizens must submit a resume and letter of interest to Dave Davenport, Outdoor Recreation Management Coordinator, by end of business, Friday, November 14, 2014 to ddavenpo@jeffco.us or 700 Jeffco Parkway, Suite 100, Golden, CO 80401. Selection criteria of Working Group members will include but is not limited to: residency or business interest in Jefferson County; involvement with JCOS as a volunteer, advocate, or have conducted permitted activities in the Parks; and individuals who identify themselves with more than one user group. will be taking applications for those wanting to be part of a workgroup on the subject. Staff compared and contrasted the 2011 Citizen Survey with a live survey taken at the trail talks forum, which showed conflict in opinions between users of Jeffco’s parks and trails, primarily between mountain bikers and hikers. According to Hoby there was a time when multi-use trails was a solution but after speaking with several residents and users of the county’s trails it is clear that experiences on the trail have degraded. When the audience of different trail users began arguing for their side, Hoby replied, “If we start to fragment and say well this user group does more than this user group for economic development — that will erode very quickly,” he said. “I really caution the whole mentality of us against them, we’re all in this together.”

Modern-day heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and seven people from the Jeffco School District are using strength, creativity and intelligence to influence their community. The 11th annual Jeffco Heroes Awards honors individuals from across the district who put forth extra effort, inspiring others with stories of their own. “It’s important, we feel, to recognize the students and teachers who go above and beyond,” said Debbie Delgado, executive director of the Jeffco Schools Foundation. “We feel these are stories that go untold.” Honorees come from six Jeffco schools, with two from Wheat Ridge High School, and one each from Two Roads Charter, Jefferson High School, Wheat Ridge 5-8, Stein Elementary and Alameda International High School. Nominated by principals and school staff, this year’s heroes embody a perseverance for accomplishment that resonates within their communities. This year’s awards ceremony will be 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. “It’s about people, not just about good policy or good practices that get things done,” Delgado said, “and we want to showcase that.” Undeterred by cancer, homelessness, depression and loss, this year’s student honorees have shown resilience as they also worked diligently in school. During their high school careers, Carina Wilson, Eli Graham, Daniil Arushanov and Helen Castillo have strived academically, helped tutor others, participated in extracurricular clubs and sports, and worked to provide an income and necessities for themselves and their families — while remaining strong leaders in their schools. “It hit me I was doing something to help people out,” Wilson said of her tutoring and student leadership. Wilson grew up in several homes, including experiencing periods of homelessness, switching schools repeatedly prior to attending Jefferson High School. “I think with everything that I do now, I put my heart into everything I do and with people — and I feel like I am the hero.” Behind every student is a support system of teachers, staff and administrators. This year’s teacher heroes — Laurin Haber-Cruz, Scott Walker and Franky Scaglione — have dedicated their careers to helping students succeed. Whether it’s through eloquent communications, a complex equation or a painting on a colorful canvas, this year’s teacher heroes are committing time, expertise and talents to foster a fun and challenging environment for their students. “I know I work hard and am passionate about my work, but I never expected someone to recognize me,” said Walker, who moved into teaching math after owning his own business nine years ago. Aside from teaching, Walker coaches several sports, tutors at Wheat Ridge 5-8 District continues on Page 7

LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL ON THE RECORD During the Nov. 3 study session, Lakewood City Council received an 20th anniversary update on the Denver West project from real estate developer and project lead Greg Stevinson and project planner John Mullins. “Twenty years ago we completed the annexation process into Lakewood,” Stevinson told the council. “We loved being in the county and we were approached by Golden for annexation before deciding on Lakewood.” Part of what makes the project special is the dedication to reinvesting in the community, particularly the historic business corridors like West Colfax, Stevinson said. He added that he is very proud of the

fact that Denver West and Colorado Mills never poached a business from another retail center. Stevinson was able to share milestones about the project, including the fact that the United Artists Theater at Denver West was the first stadium seating theater in the state. “The Denver West Village is 20 percent the size of Colorado Mills but generates 30 to 40 percent of sales,” he said. Traffic was a major concern for neighbors and residents, and Mullins spoke about the care that went into collaborating with residents to create the best transportation plan. “A lot of people may not know there

were 18 traffic signals installed in the area,” he said. “We had to set up long term relationship with the city of Lakewood to make sure the roads are maintained.” Stevinson and Mullins shared some numbers about the 6.6 million squarefoot area — which includes the Denver West Office Park and National Renewable Energy Laboratories. They said the area brings in around $100 million a year in tax revenue and has created 9,189 jobs in the area, as well as 15,175 jobs in metro Denver. Work in the area is not done, and Stevinson spoke about future plans, including new apartments and the possibility of a new hotel. Shoppers will also see a

Red Robin and Starbucks opening soon. During council comment, both Ward 1 councilwoman Karen Kellen and Ward 5 councilwoman Karen Harrison discussed the need for senior specific living opportunities in the area, something that Stevinson said is also a priority for the developers. “You and your development is a huge asset for Lakewood,” said Ward 1 councilwoman Ramey Johnson. “I want to thank you for your philosophy and foresight in how you’ve conducted your business.” The next council meeting is a regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Civic Center South, 480 S. Allison Parkway. — Compiled by Clarke Reader


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