Off-line Posts
THIS SECTION MAY INCLUDE EXCERPTS OF EMAILS, SUMMARIZED COMMENTS, OR OTHER NOTES FROM THE DESIGN TEAM. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND TO ONE OF THESE POSTS, PLEASE DO SO IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.
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A note from Public Works May 7, 2010:
One idea that I think should be included in the discussion for the Clear Creek Corridor Master Plan is using existing city land along 8th street and at the old shops location to build an new city hall Administrative center, Police, Public Works and eventually very long term Fire. We looked at something like this years ago when we were looking to build new city shops and again for Fire Station 1, but it was never moved forward, mostly because we needed some of the property on the North side of 8th, and the property owner was not interested in selling, but that has changed.
This site could be planed to minimize access and use of 10th Street, opting for access from 8th Street. It would consolidate city departments in to a single campus area, which will make operations more efficient. It would make the much higher value creek side property available that currently houses the PD and Admin functions available to better community uses. The Fire department should also move many years in the future when the useful life of the new building has been reached. This all works if the property across 8th Street is acquired, which may be very possible. Finally the area occupied by the community garden would need to be replaced. Potentially in multiple neighborhood locations.
Attached is a drawing from the first look at moving Administrative functions to the site, and a map that outlines the areas that would be used to creat the Municipal Campus.
Click here to see the AdminSite Concept 122204
Dan Hartman
Public Works Director
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A note from a citizen May 7, 2010:
Are there any plans to extend the clear creek trail west of 6th/58th/93 intersection? There is already a dirt trail and bridge but it seems to stop and go now where?
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A note from a citizen May 5, 2010:
It looks great so far- there should be more space for picnicking along the river and just sitting there and enjoying the river. The sound of water is very relaxing. Keep the pond at Lions park- it is beautiful to look at. It would be nice to have some fishing areas as well.
Golden also needs some open space for dogs. There are a lot of them and there are only 2 very small spots- slightly bigger than my yard for them to run and play. (By the batting cages and tony grampas)
The art work along the river is very nice and so many people appreciate it.
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A note from a citizen May 4, 2010:
As a resident of Golden with two young kids, I am a frequent user of the Clear Creek Corridor. Our visits primarily consist of walks along the creek, visits to the playground at Lions Park, and use of the Community Center. Here are my general thoughts and impressions, from east to west:
Vanover Park – Currently, this park is physically and visually disconnected from the rest of the corridor and downtown Golden. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been there. It would be nice to tie it in to the overall corridor. Acquisition and removal of the buildings on the east side of Parfet Park would help tie it in (but would likely be controversial).
Parfet Park – Works well for community events and as a “gateway” to the downtown business district. A few more amenities could make it more useful and attractive.
Library Area – The overflow parking lot to the west of the Library is not a good use of that space. While it is a good site for the farmers market in the summer, the vast majority of the time it sits as an empty, paved parking lot that really fragments the corridor. Similarly, the short spur of Illinois St. between the parking lot and the tennis courts add little value. Some sort of shared use area that accommodates the farmers’ market, but re-captures this area as park/community space would be a major improvement. If more parkland became available in this area, then a more functional trail connection from the bridge heading north (currently stairs) would be good. Also, since the library is a great destination for kids, it would be nice to “soften” the parking lot to improve the connection between the library and the creek for kids.
Tennis Courts – Probably not the best location, and seem to fragment the corridor. However, they seem to be popular.
Ball Fields – The ball fields have got to go. This is the only large area of open green space in the western half of the corridor, and it is a waste for it to be designated for an occasional use. (I’m sure the baseball leagues would disagree on this…). While I’m sure this is a great place to come for a kid’s ball game, the community would be much better served with open, green space that can be enjoyed by all. There are other parks in Golden that can and do accommodate ball fields. Also, the removal of the outfield fences would improve the experience along the trail, making it feel much less “penned in” by chain-link fences as you walk along the trail (or provide opportunities to meander the trail away from the creek).
Ball Field/Kayak Parking Lot – While parking is very necessary and somewhat inadequate in this area, this expanse of pavement seems like an unfortunate use of this prime space.
Lions Park – The playground is very popular for families with kids, but is sort of awkwardly located along the road with poor parking and access. Also, the restrooms available nearby in the Community Center and ballfields are ok, but not great proximity. I question whether the pond is a good and necessary use of that space. While it’s kinds of nice and “it’s always been there,” it’s really a dirty goose pond that takes up half of the park space. I have never seen anybody fishing or using the pond, it’s not a good place for dogs, and it’s not safe for kids. The creek should be the focal water feature in this area – we don’t need a pond.
City Buildings – Seems like the City/Public Works facilities should be re-located to the north to open up the corridor (when opportunities for new buildings/facilities arise). In general, the creek corridor/trail in this area takes on a more rigid and constrained feel, and is not very inviting. Moving the city facilities away from the creek would open up the corridor, while still maintaining the “civic campus” in the area (which I think is a good thing).
RV Park - …has got to go. While I understand that this is a good revenue generator for the city, it is not an appropriate use of the corridor. Seems like most of the RV users are very long-term, and it make the creek trail feel that much more constrained and uninviting like you’re walking through somebody’s backyard. Also, it creates a visual and perceptual barrier between Lions Park and the Clear Creek Canyon area, which is unfortunate. This space could open up the corridor and maintain the park-like setting, and could also allow for re-design/placement of city buildings.
CSM Connections – It would be nice to better integrate the corridor with the Colorado School of Mines facilities to the south. The CSM athletic campus is currently separated by chain-link fences, locked gates, etc. This does not promote integration with the Golden community.
“Natural Area” – The undeveloped natural area along the south bank of Clear Creek should be carefully considered. Areas that are disturbed by remediation activities could be re-used for park-like amenities. Areas that remain in a “natural” state should be protected from a proliferation of social trails and trampling by anticipating how people will move through the area, provide reasonable access to the creek, and potentially protect areas to remain undisturbed with attractive fencing.
Thank you for your efforts in taking a comprehensive, long-term look at this corridor. Please let me know if you have questions about my comments. I appreciate the opportunity to provide this input, and look forward to participating later in the process.
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A note from a citizen May 4, 2010:
1. I like the traffic calmed street in front of the city building etc. It would slow traffic but only delayed arrivals to the library by a minute at the most. It is safer, more beautiful and a walkable, complete street.
2. Expand the corridor to the water inlet on Clear Creek or even to the new open space bridge. That beautiful area should be leveraged as park space!
3. I enjoy softball and the garden but these are uses for a few versus the larger population – lets create uses for a larger population
4. There should be some commerce along the creek. It is a great place to eat, drink and people watch along with being beautiful.
5. the trails on both sides of the creek should be 10 ft wide plus have a softer running trail beside the concrete.
6. Make the culvert to Chimney Gulch as nice as the one under HWY 6 by Illinois street
7. Make nice plans for the space between the CSM ball fields and the creek – there is a nice space there for picnic areas and nature DISPLAYS, plant ID areas etc. also could have a plaque for the history of the CSM lab and mine that was nearby
8. Not only a mining related water display, but how about some old mining equipment or scenes that we be kid safe. the pocket park on Illinois is outstanding.
9. Buy the Bachman property along 93 near the Hogback and Across from North Table as I believe it is not Open Space but county property bought for a proposed “sex offender home”. I could be used for a relocated RV park, ball fields and we would also have the right of way for the 93 by pass.
10. Get an easement to continue the trail on the north side of the creek past Gold apartments and the Mill.
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A note from a citizen May 3, 2010:
Dear Clear Creek Plan coordinators,
I would like to express my views about plans for the Clear Creek corridor.
Golden offers many types of outdoor recreation options along the Clear Creek corridor. There are traditional parks (e.g., Lions and Parfett), paved trail, kayak course, fishing, play ground, etc. I think all of those options are valuable to the community.
I understand the desire to accommodate multiple uses and I think that Golden’s current options are more than adequate. And I see no reason for further development.
Humans have already greatly affected the nature of the corridor through landscape modifications (e.g., channelization, rip rap placement, dredging, introduction of non-native plant species, etc.) and social and cultural modifications (trails, parks, bridges, sculptures, kayak course, museums). I don’t see any reason for even more modifications.
It is unique for a community to have access to a riparian area. I believe that development of any type (trails, more building, more cement, more bridges, etc.) will negatively impact a visitor’s experience of the Clear Creek riparian environment. I do not favor further development along the Clear Creek corridor.
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A note to the Mayor May 3, 2010:
Mr. Smith-
It’s me, the goose lover.
I want to let you know that I do NOT think you should get rid of the pond in Lion’s Park by the creek. I would, however, like to see the kayakers kept off of it so that the birds have someplace to swim around – since it is their home. I don’t want the pond gone because I like the water fowl that hang out there.
I think Golden is becoming a big city and I don’t like the removal of the animals and wilderness-looking places that drew me here in the first place. The bike trails are nice, the bridges are nice, just makes everything like a walk in the park. I know this is called progress. Keep the pond.
Thanks.
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A note from a citizen April 19, 2010:
Greetings,
I would like to add a few comments regarding the Clear Creek Plan.
- I think the RV park land is too valuable to restrict public access. Maybe it’s possible to move the RV park to the north side of the pond, currently a city storage area. This would allow the city to maintain most of the concession revenues, but also returns this valuable piece of land to public use.
- Consider building a small band shell for music and plays – maybe on the east side of Lion’s Park. A band shell would serve as a public gathering place for music, art, etc., which further enhances our sense of community.
Thanks for your consideration
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A note from a citizen July 13, 2010:
All
I know that this information about the over 60 population may not be anything new to you but I do think that it is information that is not fully being considered by many citizens as we complete 2030, complete the Clear Creek Corridor Plan, and start on the Master Plan. When I urge folks to think about seniors as much as kids, I’m not trying to be anti kid (I love kids), I’m just reflecting on the changing demographics of Golden. I’m going to be 86 in 2030 so hope to contribute to plans that will be appropriate for both tomorrow as well as for 2030. I believe our 1 % growth limit will actually contribute to a population with proportionally more citizens of Golden over 60. Please reflect on this article and feature ones in this series as we review and approve plans for our city. Jim
Aging Well Project plans for growing number of seniors
by Sara Crocker
July 08,2010 10:28 AM
Editor’s Note: This is the first of a seven-part series on aging in Jefferson County and how the creators of the Aging Well in Jefferson County project hope to address the largest number of seniors in the state.
Part one looks at the recently completed study.
In 2000, there were about 77,000 Jefferson County residents over the age of 60. Now that number is closer to 100,000, or about 18 percent of the county population – the most settled in any county in the state. That number will likely grow to more than 150,000 by 2020. In anticipation of the aging of the county’s baby boomer population, Jeffco’s Human Services office embarked on a two-year project, Aging Well in Jefferson County, to find out what resources they have inplace and what planning needs to be done for the future to serve the increase in seniors. The project covers “all aspects of life,” said project consultant Sue Bozinovski. It was broken down to basic needs, housing, transportation, social and civic engagement, caregiving and health, mental health and wellness. Each group looked at communities across the country that provided a good model for that aspect of senior life and standouts emerged, from Boulder to the Beacon Hill neighborhood in Boston. While Bozinovski and project manager Susan Franklin said they were surprised at the number of organizations in the county that help seniors, they also found gaps, such as a lack of affordable housing in southern Jeffco. There’s also a need for Medicaid-certified assisted living, Franklin said.
Other issues they found a need to address were:
- larger street signs and longer pedestrian crossing time at intersections;
- ensuring there are enough health-care workers to meet the need;
- offering ways for seniors to stay involved with their community, such as volunteerism, a part-time job or
options for ongoing education;
- providing quality caregivers and offering support and education for those who are caregivers;
- providing assistance with food, finances, legal advice and public safety; and
- offering a variety of housing options, from living independently to preventing homelessness.
In early 2008, the county surpassed Denver as having more seniors than any other county. It was then that discussions began as to how to ensure Human Services would be able to serve a larger community that is living longer than previous generations. They completed the project and hosted a summit on it in June. In August they will begin to implement pieces of the plan. Aging Well Project plans for growing number of seniors. “It’s a good thing we are now better prepared,” Bozinovski said.
A report on the project is expected to be issued in the fall and outlines a short-term plan to address the next five years and a long-term, 20-year plan. “This is a living, breathing document,” Franklin said, adding that she anticipates it to change over time as goals are met or new issues arise. Also, it has linked groups that didn’t even know about each other before the study. “It started a real long-term dialogue that makes change,” Bozinovski said. As they move to begin implement these plans, Franklin said they will begin reaching out to the county and its cities. “We’re hoping all of our suggestions will be taken and implemented, but there’s no guarantee,” she said
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A note from a citizen July 17, 2010:
Howdy…I heard a rumor that the RV Park located on the creek was being considered for closure…I just wanted to say that as a downtown resident I really appreciate it being so close for family and friends to stay…I now live in the Milstone Cono Complex and I was at the RV Park in 2004 when I discovered the residences planned for Millstone…anyway I really like having the RV Park where it is…thank you…curt
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I strongly agree with the comments from “A note from a citizen May 4, 2010:” that starts with “As a resident of Golden with two young kids,…”
EXCEPT, I do think a “pond” should be part of the plan but not one that is a goose-poop collector. The ideas for a child-safe water diversion &/or a swimming area (in/near the creek) would address my desire for a large-surface-area, slow-moving water body. Additonally, I’m more willing to consider moving the tennis courts. They, like the ball fields can be accomodated else where in our parks and they are too intrusive for the unique feel this rare riparian space offers.
Finally, is there some posting here that I and many others have overlooked regardint Jefferson County Open Spaces master plan regarding the Clear Creek trail? People who are unaware of JCOS’ plan for the trail all the way up Clear Creek keep suggesting that as a new idea. The admins for this site should make a more conspicuous posting regarding JCOS’ existing plans and how the CoG CC master plan will HAVE to consider them one way or another.
Here is the link to JCOS’ Clear Creek plan: http://co.jefferson.co.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R33.htm
My wife and I travel extensively in our motor home throughout the US and Canada and Mexico – we fell upon Clear Creek RV Park several years ago while visiting friends in the Denver area. We have returned many years and are concerned that those who are NOT RV folks, do not understand the impact that we have on your community from a $$ standpoint – walk through the park – look at the RV’s with out of state plates that have “local” dealers tags on them. Purchased here folks – and we are not talking a low dollar item. We spend while we are here – plan to have work done here – for us in the last week, oil changes, alignment on RV and Jeep, new expensive parts for the motor home, food, restaurants – a year ago a new motor home in the same price range as your house, and a myrid of other expenditures. Further, I am concerned that you, if not an RV person, might not understand that the location of Golden RV Park, being able to watch and interact with folks in the water and on the wonderful trail is beyond many areas we visit. It brings us back and with friends and family as well. AND the attitude and exceptional park operation should be used as a model for many other facilities – it is extremely well run, using the facilities and land for a perfect use – it is run maximizing the facilities available and there is absolutely no logic in changing the location when this existing park brings many of us back, and the facilities are in and paid for. Get a grip and leave a well functioning, well used, and great park bringing folks and $$ into your community on a continuing basis THANKS!
What a delight to visit Clear Creek RV Park here in Golden!! Your staff runs an efficient park which is a rarity in RV parks and government organization. As FL residents who go out of our way to come to Golden based solely on this park, we have to hope you realize the impact $$ that the park brings to your community. Reap the benefit from the investment you have made!
We spent two weeks at the City Clear Creek R.V. Park. We enjoyed the creek, walkiing trails and the walks around the park and downtown areas. The restaurants and shops were very much enjoyed.
Although we are not residents of Golden, we plan to return there to visit in the near future. Your community has much to offer . . .from Coors Brewery to the historical villate and the Earthquake Center.
It is our hope that the R.V. Park will still be there when we return to visit the beautiful city of Golden.
Talley & Janice Graves
My wife and I spent 5 years RVing around the U.S. The RV park along Clear Creek in Golden is truely a diamond in Golden’s crown. The environment and location of this park exemplifies the “Howdy Folks” attitude for which Golden has become known. If you’re not an RVer, you may not appreciate it. But ask ANY RVer who has stayed (by the way, there are no long-term residences as rules allow a maximum of only 2 weeks) there and you’ll get two thumbs up ! Leave a money-making, good thing alone — or even invest some of it’s profits to make it even better.
Thank you for reviewing my comments. I live in Golden, and fly fish on Clear Creek often. I also belong to Trout Unlimited, the group that did the river restoration through Golden. Much of my perspective is based on access to Clear Creek. The river is the epicenter of Golden life.
1. My biggest concern with the existing land use in Golden is the RV park. While I appreciate the tax revenue to city coffers, I think this land is far too valuable to prohibit public access. This land has shade trees and is optimum for public recreation due to the proximity to the river. I favor converting this area to park area, and forgoing the RV park revenue. Maybe the city can find an alternative site for the RV park. Regardless, let’s use this space for public access. This land has the potential to be the single best public park in Golden. RV enthusiasts may object to this idea, but Golden residents should be given priority.
2. During high traffic periods, the sidewalks along Clear Creek become bottlenecked with people, inner tubes, bikes and dogs. To some extent, this is a safety issue, but it also negatively affects the quality of the river experience — too much traffic in a small space . This problem is especially acute on the stretch of sidewalk from the lower foot bridge up to the RV park. I suggest widening the sidewalks where feasible. This seems to be an inexpensive fix to improve the river experience.
3. One final idea – Golden needs a stage/band shell for drama, music and the arts. The east end of Lion’s Park would be a good location. Many cities have a band shell including Boulder and Denver. Currently, there is no single gathering place for entertainment in Golden, and such an amenity would bring great value to the community.
Thanks for considering my ideas, Rob Medina