SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Boulder County for Trail Construction and Ongoing Management of the Prairie Run Connector Trails
Body
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
Department
PRESENTER(S): Luke Bolinger, Director of Parks & Recreation
First Name Last Name, Title
POLICY ISSUES:
This IGA will establish the roles and responsibilities between the Town of Erie and Boulder County Open Space (BCOS) as BCOS begins to implement the Prairie Run Management Plan
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve the resolution to approve the IGA with Boulder County Open Space
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
On March 28, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners voted 2-0 to approve the East Boulder Creek Site Management Plan for Prairie Run Open Space. The plan will guide the management of the section of the Boulder Creek Valley at the confluence of Coal Creek. It was developed after gathering extensive public feedback during the early phases of the planning process. Erie residents and staff played an active role in shaping the plan.
The intent of this IGA is to define the responsibilities of the County and Town regarding the construction and management of the Prairie Run connector trails that pass through property owned by the Town. The connections outlined in Exhibit A of the IGA link the newly constructed trail along Coal Creek on King Open Space and across Kenosha Road and from the Kenosha Farms neighborhood through Allan Farms Open Space across N. 119th Street:
These connections align with the Parks & Recreation Department's future trails map and have received support for their development from staff, the current agricultural lessee of Allan Farms, and the Open Space and Trails Advisory Board. Once completed, the trail connections will provide vital links between Erie’s trail system and Boulder County Open Space land, as well as connect Prairie Run Open Space to the Coal Creek Regional Trail. The design and construction of these trail connections will be funded by Boulder County Open Space.
This IGA represents a critical step toward enhancing connectivity between Erie residents and BCOS lands.
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Attractive Community Amenities
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Well-Maintained Transportation Infrastructure
ü Small Town Feel
ü Safe and Healthy Community
ü Effective Governance
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution
2. Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)