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LARIMER-WELD REGIONAL
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
AND
OUTDOOR RECREATION GUIDELINE
LARIMER-WELD REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
JUNE 1976
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LARIMER-WELD REGIONAL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
AND OUTDOOR RECREATION GUIDELINE
FUNCTION
The Larimer-Weld Regional Public Open Space and Outdoor Recre-
ation Guideline, an element of the Regional Comprehensive Plan, is a
map designed to encourage and coordinate local open space planning
efforts within the Region and to serve as a planning tool, if
necessary for certain state and federal funding programs.
This Guideline, developed in accordance with the Larimer-Weld
Physical Planning Goals and Objectives for Matters of Regional Con-
cern, presents, specifically, a step toward Goal 3:
3. OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
The intent is to provide guidelines for the development
of open space and recreational opportunities for all seg-
ments of society, with attention to the location of fa-
cilities that are accessible to elderly, handicapped, low-
income, and minority citizens.
Goal - Develop an integrated system of parks, recreational
facilities and open space areas that fulfills the recre-
ation, cultural and aesthetic needs of the region's citizens.
A. Recreation
Objectives:
1. Assure full range of recreational facilities and
programs which are accessible to all the people of the
region.
2. Achieve a balanced distribution of recreation
areas and facilities through the region which meets the
needs of the inhabitants, particularly utilizing
existing facilities such as schools to the maximum and
ensuring balanced program accessibility for both sexes.
B. Open Space
Objectives:
1. Preserve open space within urban areas.
2. Achieve a balanced distribution of open space
throughout the region which meets the aesthetic and
agricultural needs of the inhabitants.
3. Preserve an open space system which recognizes the
importance of the region' s natural resources, reflects
the natural physical characteristics of the region's
lands, and prevents the adverse effects of urban sprawl.
C. Preservation of Significant Historical and Natural
Wonders
Objectives:
1. Provide for the preservation of significant
historical and archaeological sites and structures.
2. Provide for the preservation of scenic areas,
natural wonders, and sufficient areas of natural
wilderness (prairies, mountains and waterways) .
3. Provide for the preservation of sufficient and
significant wildlife and waterfowl areas for the
preservation of native wildlife, fish and waterfowl
species.
COORDINATION
The Larimer-Weld Regional Public Open Space and Outdoor Recre-
ation Guideline Map shows areas that are recommended for public open
space, with an emphasis on trails and water-based recreation, due to
the need for regional cooperation inherent in developing a connecting
trail system. The Guideline includes trails designated in the
Colorado Recreational Trails System and other areas of regional im-
portance, and is consistent with existing local open space plans,
which are more detailed and site-specific. The Regional Guideline
indicates public open space areas of regional concern, without in-
cluding areas of local significance, such as neighborhood parks. It
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does not restrict local open space planning efforts or limit them to
the areas indicated. Changes in local plans will be incorporated as
necessary. It should be emphasized that the Guideline's greatest
asset is the integration of the open space elements to form an inter-
locking system of open spaces linking the various portions of the
region.
METHODOLOGY
The Larimer-Weld Regional Public Open Space and Outdoor Recre-
ation Guideline Map was developed by the Larimer-Weld Regional Open
Space Task Force and the Larimer and Weld County Planning Staffs, with
input from municipalities, the Larimer-Weld Regional Land Use &
Transportation Planning Advisory Committee, the Regional Committee of
the Whole, and the COG Governing Board. Background information for
the map was obtained from the Functional Open Space Plan prepared for
the Larimer-Weld COG in 1974, which was a continuation of the Larimer-
Weld Regional Open Space Study and Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the
Regional Planning Commission in 1973. The methodology of the 1974
plan followed Zisman, Ward, Delbert, and Powell' s Where Not to Build:
A Guide for Open Space Planning, issued by the Bureau of Land Manage-
ment (April, 1968) . This approach involved the following steps:
1. Determination of Study Area - Pressures on open space lands are
greatest and most immediate in the areas experiencing the
greatest pressures for urban development and expansion. There-
fore, the central area of the Region was the focus of the study.
2. Mapping and Delineation of Current Land Uses - Information for
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this portion of the study was obtained from the County Assessor' s
offices and Planning Commission files in the two counties.
3. Evaluation of Public Lands with Reference to Ownership and
Control - Information for this evaluation was obtained from the
1973 Larimer-Weld Regional Open Space Study, updated through
contacts with the agencies involved.
4. Classification of Open Space Lands - For this study, open spaces
were defined by four classifications: 1) Resource Production and
Extraction Areas (e.g. agriculture, mining) ; 2) Resource Con-
servation Areas (e.g. wildlife habitats, reservoirs) ; 3) Re-
strictive Areas (e.g. floodplains, geologic faults) ; and 4)
Resource Enhancement and Leisure Areas (e.g. scenic, recre-
ational) . Each classification was evaluated in reference to
individual functional uses.
5. Development of the Preliminary Open Space Plan - Maps of in-
dividual open space functions and uses were weighted according to
their relative significance as open space and combined by an
overlay technique. The result was a preliminary open space map,
which was used as the basis for further study.
6. Study of Classifications and Functional Uses with Reference
to Development Patterns - Urban development was mapped and
considered along with growth projections and the suitability of
certain physical characteristics for open space functions and
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uses. A general determination was then made of areas most
suitable for open space use.
Further determination of areas suitable for open space use
was based on 1) projected population needs as determined through
a supply-demand analysis using Colorado Division of Parks and
Outdoor Recreation data and standards and National Recreation and
Parks Association standards; 2) recognized recreational land
classification criteria for water, tree cover, and variable
topography; 3) the State Historical Inventory; and 4) the State
of Colorado Recreational Trails Plan. The principles and recom-
mendations for the study area were expanded to the entire region
for the purposes of this Guideline.
IMPLEMENTATION BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
The resulting Larimer-Weld Regional Open Space and Outdoor
Recreation Guideline Map, as stated above, provides a tool for local
jurisdictions to coordinate the location of their open space areas.
Implementation priorities, financial arrangements, and details of site
location are to be worked out by the counties and municipalities as
part of their own planning for public open space and outdoor recre-
ation. When a local government decides to move ahead on a segment of
a trail system or a recreation area, details, such as specific
location, right-of-way width, trail base materials, and types of
facilities and uses must be determined. Other important details
include fair compensation to and suitable agreements with landowners,
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supervision of users, and accessibility to elderly, handicapped, low-
income, and minority citizens. The role of the Council of Governments
will be to encourage and support the development of local open space
plans in coordination with regional goals and objectives.
UPDATING
The Larimer-Weld Regional Open Space and Outdoor Recreation
Guideline Map should be kept up-to-date with local open space plans.
At least every two years, the Regional Guideline should be reviewed
and updated as necessary to reflect changing population patterns and
other needs.
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AREAS RECOMMENDED FOR PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
AS ILLUSTRATED ON THE
LARIMER-WELD REGIONAL OPEN SPACE AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
GUIDELINE MAP
Foothills Trail
A study of the "1990 Estimated Requirements for Public Outdoor
Recreation Areas" (see 1974 Functional Open Space Plan, Appendix A)
indicates a large deficiency for trails within the Larimer County
jurisdiction of the study area. Although much of this deficiency can
be alleviated by developing trails in existing Larimer County recre-
ation areas, a recreational trails system which interconnects recre-
ational areas is also needed. The general location of the foothills
trail would interconnect Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake and the
Culver-Cole Ranch historical site. This trail is recommended because
of the scenic views and the diversified topography available along the
hogbacks of the front range.
Culver-Cole Ranch
The Culver-Cole Ranch was one of the first ranches in Colorado.
A number of its original buildings are still standing, and it is being
considered for the National Register of Historic Sites. Located along
the Little Thompson River, its 300 acres would make a high quality
recreation area.
Devil' s Backbone
The Devil' s Backbone is an uncommon geological formation. Its
scenic qualities can serve as an important attraction and rest area
for users of the proposed Foothills Trail.
Louden Ditch Trail
The Louden Ditch Trail, along the existing corridor, connects the
Boyd Lake State Recreation Areas with the Devil's Backbone and pro-
posed Foothills Trail. This trail would satisfy Loveland's estimated
need for seven miles of recreational trails by 1990.
Fort Collins Poudre Trail and Spring Creek Trail
These two recreational trails, along natural drainage corridors,
are also noted on the Fort Collins Trails System Plan, and are designed
for the needs of the Fort Collins area.
Poudre River Trail
This is an extension, both north and south, of Fort Collins'
Poudre River Trail. The north extension along the Poudre River
provides a northern non-motorized route to the Roosevelt and Arapahoe
National Forest and Poudre Canyon. The southern extension provides a
linkage to the Fossil Creek area and eventually to the Weld County
Trail and Greeley.
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Fossil Creek Trail and Greenbelt
A trail and greenbelt area along Fossil Creek provides a much
needed non-motorized east-west link south of Fort Collins and creates
a visual distinction and natural buffer area between the cities of
Fort Collins and Loveland.
Big Thompson Trail
This trail, south of Loveland, provides a non-motorized link
between several parks and natural areas along the river. Joining with
the Foothills Trail, it will be an important east-west link from the
urban area into the mountains.
Dry Creek Trail
This trail links Berthoud to the Carter Lake public recreation
area and provides a corridor for non-motorized travel and outdoor
recreation. It will be an important east-west link for Berthoud to
the mountains and to the Foothills Trail system.
Little Thompson River Trail
A trail along the Little Thompson River will enable non-motorized
travel southwest towards Boulder County, where a similar trail should
be developed. A non-motorized trail along this natural drainage would
be compatible with the many wildlife habitats along the river.
Seeley Lake
This lake could help satisfy Greeley's needs for water acreages.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has an agreement with the owners for
public access in return for stocking the lake with fish. A more
permanent contract and acquisition of adjacent lands are recommended.
Island Grove Park Expansion
Lands adjacent to Island Grove Park are currently being used for
the extraction of sand and gravel. Once these gravel pits are
abandoned they will make excellent areas for outdoor recreational
purposes. The addition of these areas will further alleviate water
acreage shortages and provide needed trail sites and land acreages.
Atlas Missile Site Expansion
Expanding this site to include the scenic bluffs area and
sections of the Poudre River would help solve Weld County' s acreage
deficiency for public outdoor recreation areas. The scenic qualities
of the site enhance its value for such use.
Milton Reservoir
Situated within easy driving distance of a substantial number of
communities and a majority of Weld County' s population, this site is
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excellent for many recreation activities. Its sandy beach and tree-
lined shore make it a more favorable site than Lower Latham Reservoir.
Milton Reservoir is also an excellent area for nature-oriented
activities.
Wildcat Mound - Fort St. Vrain - Dent
Much of this area is wasteland or pastureland. The scenic
qualities of this area, however, are among the best in Weld County.
The Dent archeological site, Fort St. Vrain historical site, and the
South Platte River add to the regional importance of this area for
public recreational purposes. The development of this area for such
uses would substantially alleviate the needs of Weld County for
recreational acreages.
Milliken Bluffs
Somewhat comparable to the Wildcat Mound area, this area has more
vegetative cover and is less disturbed by the actions of man. The
Milliken bluffs are an excellent area for scenic and recreational
opportunities, and would help provide needed park acreages close to
home for many residents of Weld County.
Trail Corridors Connecting Existing and Recommended Parks in Weld
County
The needs study indicates a definite deficiency in trails for
both Greeley and Weld County. A trail corridor between Island Grove
Park and Seeley Lake would provide safe access for school-age children
who currently ride their bicycles along county roads to reach the
fishing facilities at Seeley Lake.
A trail corridor along the Poudre River between Island Grove Park
and the Atlas Missile site would provide a high quality trail ex-
perience to the users, as well as give the residents of Windsor a
tie in with a major trail. This trail could then be extended to Boyd
Lake State Recreation Area and the Poudre Trail proposed in Larimer
County, providing a major Larimer-Weld regional trail system.
A multi-use trail between Island Grove Park and the proposed
Milliken Bluffs area, along the Grapevine drainage ditch and Greeley-
Loveland canal, would provide a connector between these two parks and
could be extended to the Wildcat Mound area to link this area to the
system.
A trail system along the entire lengths of the South Platte River
and St. Vrain River, and a trail connecting Black Hollow Reservoir and
Woods Lake to the Seeley Lake-Island Grove Complex are proposed for
the long-range outdoor recreational needs within Weld County. The
addition of these trails will provide a number of Weld communities
access to the regional and state outdoor recreational systems.
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