[bouldercouncilhotline] Hotline: OSMP response to KC Becker Hotline (dated 3.30.12)

[cmosupport at bouldercolorado.gov]

Sender: Mike Patton

In your Hotline regarding a "trail around Boulder" you were unsure of "practical, legal or environmental issues" associated with such completing such a trail.  While there are always issues related to buying land and building trails neither staff or I foresee any that are completely prohibitive. Having said that, there is at least one railroad crossing that could be difficult to negotiate.

As Council requested, OSMP is looking at regional connections.  While a trail around Boulder was not one specifically called out, "missing links" for trail connectivity are always something staff includes in acquisition planning.  It is fair to say that such a trail has always been a department interest and OSMP is currently working on a number of projects that bring such a concept closer to reality.  The City and County are working with CDOT and BNSF railroad to construct an underpass under the Diagonal Highway allowing a trail to connect Gunbarrel with the Boulder Reservoir area. OSMP is also working with the County and CDOT to connect OSMP trails on either side of Highway 93. Both of these projects are well into planning and design.

If you would like we would be happy to sit down and discuss your ideas.