District improves trails and storm water systems
Crosswalk by the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden
submitted by The Castle Pines North Metro District
Fourteen miles of trails traverse the Castle Pines North community, providing footpaths for recreational use and access to parks and schools. This network of paths is maintained by CPNMD, and staff of parks, open space and trails are always on the lookout for areas that need improvements to enhance use for residents.
Two new paths were added to the trail system this summer. The first path runs along the north side of Castle Pines Parkway from the CPNMD offices back to a point of connection near the Walgreens store.
The District installed a crosswalk by the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, running north and south along Monarch Boulevard, near the intersection of Monarch and Bristelwood, making access to the North Open Space more convenient.
In two existing areas, the decision was made to replace a fine gravel-like surface material with concrete to eliminate repetitive maintenance in areas prone to recurring erosion problems. These upgrades were implemented on the path to the west of Timber Trail Elementary School and a switchback section on the south side of the Winterberry Trail.
Storm water channel at Monarch and Castle Pines Parkway
“My goal at the beginning of each year is to make the landscaping look better than the year before. And this year is going to be hard to top,” said Charlie Fagan, District Parks and Open Space Manager. “The grasses and trees in the open space areas have never been more lush. With the inordinate amount of rain Colorado has enjoyed this year, the effects have been both good and not so good.”
Mother Nature flushed the storm water channels this summer, filling the seven detention ponds maintained by CPNMD with trash and silt. Debris was hauled away, often revealing structural weaknesses requiring repair.
Substantial damage was found in one area in particular, in the south open space on Monarch and Castle Pines Parkway. An old manhole collapsed and repairs entailed removing the old pipe and replacing it with new. The surrounding slope was impacted by the construction necessitating revegatation of plant material in that area to slow the flow of runoff water into the detention pond.
Storm water channels mitigate flood damage and serve as natural filters for pollutants that find their way into streams. The big clean up ensured the uninterrupted flow of water and strengthened the overall health of the system.
