by Terri Wiebold

Residents wanting to explore the open spaces to the north of the Castle Pines North community will have better access in the near future. In accordance with a 1988 agreement between Douglas County, the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA),
and Mission Veijo (now Shea homes), Douglas County will begin
construction of an extension to the existing East-West Regional Trail later this month.

The new trail will extend north from Coyote Ridge Park, beyond the HRCA trailhead (see article on page 1) and extend up to Rocky Heights Middle School in Highlands Ranch. The trail is designed to be a six-foot wide, soft surface trail, extending approximately two-and-one-half miles upon completion.

“This will be a great amenity for the community,” said Ron Benson, Douglas County Parks and Trails Director. According to Benson, long-term plans include extending the trail up to The Bluffs Regional Park, and all the way down to Parker, connecting with the Cherry Creek Regional Trail.

Construction of the trail is scheduled to begin early to mid October, with completion expected by Thanksgiving. “Weather is always a factor in planning these things,” said Benson, “but things move pretty quickly once we get started.”

For questions regarding the trail extension, please contact Ron Benson at 303-660-7489 or Douglas County Parks and Trail Planner, Randy Burkhardt, at 303-663-6226.