In a time when the country is so divided and many feel the democratic way of life is being threatened in one way or another, 37-year-old Teddy Bloom is going for a bike ride.

But not just any bike ride. He’s dubbed it the Ride4Rights, a California-to-Washington, D.C., expedition to raise awareness of and support for four issues he says are vital to the American way of life: freedom of speech, justice, education and unity.

The Santa Fe, New Mexico, native started at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on April 20 and arrived in Denver on June 7. He plans to reach his final destination, the Washington Monument, on Aug. 14.

He will have covered roughly 3,000 miles on his Kona Libre gravel bike and made 100 or so stops by the time it’s all said and done.

This isn’t a left or right issue, the New Mexico Department of Transportation employee said. It’s simply for “people who like living in America and being in a democracy.”

“I do have more left supporters because they’re more against what the current administration is doing, but I do have a fair number of conservative supporters who like the conservative ideas of small government and states’ rights and whatnot,” Bloom said.

On freedom of speech and justice, Bloom said, “You need free speech to really be able to assess the needs of the people in the country, to know the problems around the country, or what people need for their jobs and work. That’s how lawmakers can make good decisions. Justice, everybody should have due process. That way it’s as fair as possible.”

Bloom said he picked education as one of his riding themes because he believes it’s important for people to understand why certain federal agencies exist and what exactly those workers do.

Lastly, speaking about unity, he said, “It’s the idea that you shouldn’t be doing something just to screw over other people. When you’re trying to make a law or implement a process or something, it should be either because it’s to your benefit or the benefit of other people. In looking at the internet at least, people seem to have lost some interest in that.”

To amplify his work, Bloom created a website, posts regularly on several social media platforms and shares a daily vlog on YouTube. 

When he enters a city or town, he also encourages others to ride along with him, if only for a few miles.

And while he’s run into some obstacles along the way — a tweaked hamstring early on, sloppy dirt roads, a hailstorm in Limon — he doesn’t plan on stopping until he reaches the marble obelisk in the nation’s capital.

“I wanted to do something a lot of people could get behind,” Bloom said. “These are very basic things for a democracy to function.”

Follow Bloom’s journey at www.ride4rights.com.

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It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year, for kayakers.

Golden’s Clear Creek Whitewater Park is a popular destination year-round, but June typically kicks off the summer run-off season for Clear Creek and other waterways in Colorado.

As the water gets higher and faster, officials recommend those recreating in and on Clear Creek should check the warning flag status before doing so. If the creek is safe for their chosen activity, they should proceed with caution.

As of May 27, water levels were still low enough that no warning flag was posted. Historically, though, June often sees red- and/or yellow-flag conditions for much of the month.

For more information, visit visitgolden.com/plan-your-visit/creek-info.

The summer run-off season is “prime time” for kayakers, so to speak, as organizations like the Colorado Whitewater Association host many of their events. CWA typically hosts its annual Kayak Rodeo and other events in or near Golden throughout the summer.

As of May 27, CWA’s website lists two Golden-area events this summer, a pair of evening cruises down Clear Creek on July 1 and July 8. Both will be led by local kayaker Chris Zeller, and both will start near Clear Creek Canyon Park’s Tunnel 1 trailhead.

On May 20, Zeller and fellow kayaker Ben Bohren were enjoying a sunny evening at Clear Creek Whitewater Park. They and other, separate kayakers said they were gearing up for the summer.

Zeller recommended anyone interested in upcoming CWA events, whether in the Golden area or throughout Colorado, visit coloradowhitewater.org for more information.

Click through additional photos from Clear Creek Whitewater Park:

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Think you’ve got what it takes to climb 200 stairs — again and again?

On June 14, Castle Rock’s Philip S. Miller Park will host Climb4Change, an event that blends physical endurance with giving back. Participants will ascend the 200 steps of Challenge Hill — some once, others for an hour-long challenge — to benefit Castle Rock’s therapeutic recreation program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The event, which is the only race permitted at Challenge Hill each year, offers various challenges to suit all skill levels: a timed sprint to the top, a trail run with stairs and a family-friendly fun run. For many, Climb4Change is not just a race. It’s a space for community and connection.

Heather Tidwell, a volunteer at the event and Castle Rock resident, is the mother of a son with a disability and has long recognized the value of inclusive community programs. 

“People realize it’s not just another race. It’s not just another event to participate in. Many people truly have a great heart and are looking for a good cause on top of going to do something fun,” she said. 

Climb4Change doubles as an outreach opportunity, where attendees can connect with vendors and other families, share experiences and discover support they might not have known existed. 

“So often you feel like you’re on an island, and it’s important to have a community around you,” Tidwell added. “We’re all created for community … and being able to get off that island or bring people onto the island with you is important.”

Colorado is widely recognized as one of the most disability-friendly states in the U.S., thanks to its strong Medicaid waivers, home- and community-based services, and top-ranked outcomes in education and employment for individuals with disabilities. After years of military moves, this made the state an ideal place for Tidwell’s family to settle, she said.

Castle Rock has a strong community that offers a network of services to people with IDD, anchored by organizations like Wellspring, a local nonprofit that offers a broad range of programs.

One of its most visible efforts is the Castle Rock Collective, which is a café on Perry Street. Operated in partnership with World Orphans, the Collective offers adults with IDD meaningful employment and a chance to build valuable skills.

Wellspring also helps address a critical need — affordable housing for adults with IDD — through a partnership with the state, the Douglas County commissioners and the Castle Rock Town Council.

That kind of comprehensive support is what sets Castle Rock apart, said Rebecca Erickson, who has worked in the town’s therapeutic recreation program for the past seven years.

“It just highlights and shows you how unique our community is — how much love is in this community for people of all abilities,” Erickson said. “I’ve had families even share with me that they’ve moved here for the services.”

That sense of community comes to life at events like Climb4Change, where after chatting their way up and down Challenge Hill, participants can explore booths at the base offering hands-on experiences like meeting a therapy horse or trying out adaptive bikes — while connecting with local resources and one another.

“I love reflecting back years and years and years, and my kids now that are grown, wearing them on my back or on my hip and doing it together as a family,” Erickson said.

Last year’s event raised about $2,000, and this year’s organizers hope to double that impact. Sponsored by Developmental Pathways, Climb4Change kicks off at 7 a.m. on June 14, with registration open through June 9 and walk-ups welcome the morning of.

More information is available at CRgov.com/Climb4Change.

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Local river surfer Ocky Koa blows the pū, a conch shell steeped in Hawaiian tradition and culture, as surfers paddle through rolling waves with scented lei flowers around their necks. The air is both heavy and celebratory as a tight-knit community gathers to celebrate a fallen brother.

That was the scene at River Run Park the morning of May 3. This sort of “water skate park” is home to a string of river-surfing waves on the South Platte River near the Broken Tee Golf Course on the border of Englewood and Sheridan.

More than 100 surfers and supporters from Colorado and beyond descended to the pavilion to remember and celebrate Nathan Ginn, who passed away while powsurfing (snowboarding without bindings) in an avalanche in February.

Below is a video of Nathan on that day, recording successful powsurfing runs before the final run did him in.

He died doing what he loved.

“I am super grateful to the surf community for hosting the memorial at a beautiful park that was one of Nathan’s favorite places,” said Phillip Ginn, Nathan’s twin brother, who came up from Santa Fe for the ceremony. “I was blown away by the heartfelt speeches of friends and family who shared stories and praised Nathan for living an exceptional life.”

Nathan was “a force” who lived on the wild side, always skateboarding, river surfing, powsurfing and lifting the spirits of everyone around him, his friends said. Living life to the fullest was a non-negotiable.

He would show up for river cleanup days, teach beginners the ropes and offer a helping hand, even when he wasn’t asked.

“Nathan was the kind of man who always let drivers go ahead of him in traffic,” said Carrie Ginn, Nathan’s wife. “He was conscientious of other people‘s happiness, and he went out of his way to help others enjoy life by offering to get them on any number of board sports he adored. Nathan knew all the neighbors, and he would go out of his way to chainsaw other people’s downed branches or run a ‘secret mission’ to shovel other people’s snow without them knowing it was him.”

During a traditional Hawaiian send-off, surfers will paddle out past the breaking waves to a calmer part of the ocean and form a human circle “out the back” by holding hands in a symbol of unity for a fellow wave rider who’s passed on.

“This was the first time I had seen half of the circle on shore and half in the water, a nod to the relative uniqueness of river surfing,” said fellow river surfer Jimmy Switzer. “The most touching part for me was the board drumming that happened towards the end. If you were ever in the lineup with Nathan, you’ll remember he would bang on his board like a drum whenever he was stoked about a move that another rider had just made or attempted.”

River Run Park was built in 2016, and immediately, a community for the sport came together.

Many traditional “ocean surfers” now live landlocked in Colorado, but that doesn’t stop them from taking the boards out.

“Once you start moving on that wave — it’s not that big — but once you start making those turns, our brains click to this dopamine, ocean surfing thing, and so, we’ve got a real strong community,” said surfer David Riordon.

Many called Nathan the heart of the community.

“Nathan was ocean style, but he took it to another level,” Riordon said. “He said he wanted to skateboard on his surfboard. He wasn’t an ocean surfer. He was a skateboarder turned snowboarder, turned snow skater, turned powsurfer. And so he brought a different level, but he brought a stoke (excited energy) that the surfing community just didn’t have, you know, just his love and his smile.”

Below is a tribute video for the event, plus more testimonials from those close to Nathan. For more, read Riordon’s blog about Nathan at this link.

“Nathan has always been such a welcoming and incredibly loving person in the community. His generosity and level of stoke was infectious, and I am inspired by the way he lived his life.. through love, passion, and deep care for others. I always got so excited to surf with him, and I still think of him dearly when I surf now. The paddle out was a mix of pure joy and excitement along with a background of grief. He is so missed, and at the same time he felt so present in the paddle out. It was beautiful to see how connected we are as a community, and a large part of that was what Nathan emanated.”

– Kenny Baron, close friend and river surfer

“I never saw Nathan not smiling. He was always full of positive vibes.”

– Matt Quam, close friend and river surfer

“Nathan was a big part of our community and a big part of the broader river-surfing community. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met as he had the ability to make us all feel acknowledged, accepted and appreciated. We are all heartbroken as he was special to all of us. It was great to see so many people at the paddle out to honor Nathan, support his family, and take part in his celebration. ‘Ride Like Nathan.'”

– Lane Ruotsala, owner of local river-surfing business “SalaSurf”

“Rodney Mullen, the famous skateboarder, his quote does really sum up Nathan’s spirit of life: ‘Find joy in what you do for the sake of it and recognize you’re being shaped in the process. Hopefully, you become a better person through it.’ “

– Carrie Ginn, Nathan’s wife

“He had a special friendship with everybody. And, you know, he’s not a perfect guy. Nobody’s perfect, but he really connected with everybody, and he made people feel welcome to come river surf or try snow skating or powsurfing. He would always be inviting and try to get them to do it. … It was a relief of grief, but at the same time, it was cheer and joy, not only of his life and each other’s life, but what River Run Park, what our surfing, means to us as a community. And sure, Nathan’s dead, he’s still there. You know, he’s his legacy is there and lives on.”

– David Riordon, close friend and river surfer

“The paddle out was an essential moment for us as a river surfing community because Nathan was in many ways the heart of our community. So it wasn’t just a moment to honor and express our love for him, it was a time to connect and express our love for each other and the community that he helped build.”

– Mike Deeble, fellow river surfer/snowskater/powsurfer

“The incredible turnout for our dear friend Nathan was awe-inspiring. We’re so fortunate as a community to have River Run Park, a place that brought so many of us together with him and will carry his legacy for years to come.”

– Eric Francisco, River Run Park waveshaper volunteer and friend

“Nathan was one fine example of a dude. He had the beautiful ability to manage patience and expectation.”

– Adam Tymn, River Run Park waveshaper volunteer and friend

The post Local river surfers honor fallen brother with paddle-out ceremony appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

The Young family was just visiting the Golden Community Center for Saturday swim lessons, but they and many others found a “great surprise” waiting for them both inside and outside the building.

On April 26, the Golden Community Center celebrated its third annual Marv Kay Day as an open house/community showcase. Admission was free all day. Locals stopped in to take free classes, watch live demos, meet with personal trainers, tour the facilities and more.

Organizers said a new addition to this year’s event was the “touch a truck” opportunity in the front parking lot, where youngsters enjoyed climbing inside a Golden police car, fire truck, front-loader and more.

“We scaled it up this year,” said Jesse Badder, deputy director of recreation and golf.

The event was named for former Golden Mayor Marv Kay, who was instrumental in passing the city’s capital improvement sales tax that funded the Golden Community Center, among other projects. Kay, who was an icon in both the City of Golden and Colorado School of Mines communities.

Kay died in April 2023.

While other events throughout Golden are for locals and visitors alike, Badder said Marv Kay Day is an event specifically for locals.

The goal was to bring more people into the Golden Community Center to see everything it offers, from its preschool program to its indoor swimming pool, Badder continued. Groups like the aquatics program and the upcoming Amazing Athletes summer camp also had informational booths throughout the facility.

Overall, the event was well attended with hundreds of people stopping in throughout the day.

Badder said it wouldn’t have been possible without a grant from the Golden Civic Foundation that enabled free admission all day.

Robin Young brought her 3-year-old Hudson, who was enjoying touring the city vehicles in the parking lot. Young hoped the event would encourage more people to use the Golden Community Center, saying, “It’s a great resource for residents.”

Shirley Miller, who spent part of the morning putting together a puzzle in the Front Porch area, said she visits the Golden Community Center almost every day. She said she really appreciates the resources for seniors at the Front Porch and throughout the facility.

“There’s lots of stuff going on here,” she said.

Click through additional photos from Marv Kay Day:

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Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America, has seen remarkable popularity in Castle Rock. This paddle sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, has attracted players of all ages in the community.

The Town of Castle Rock has expanded its pickleball facilities over the last few years, and the numbers have swelled.

Butterfield Crossing Park now has six outdoor pickleball courts with permanent lines and nets, restrooms, water, and lighting. Courts are also available at Zach Parrish Park, Founders Park, Cobblestone Ranch Park and the new Emerald Park. All courts are available for public use.

“We have an amazing pickleball family here in Castle Rock,” said Anthony Rivera, athletics pickleball coordinator for the Town of Castle Rock. “The town continues to support this with staffing certified pickleball instructors and pickleball evaluators to provide a fun, professional environment for learning. I am excited to see what the future holds. There are so many ideas in the works to make this pickleball program one of the best in the state.”

The town also provides structured opportunities for players to engage in sport. Official pickleball leagues, recreation sessions and tournaments have been established, allowing for organized play.

For those looking to improve their skills, instructional clinics are offered to help participants “level up” their game.

The surge in pickleball’s popularity has not been without challenges. In response to community feedback, the town council adjusted the operating hours for the pickleball courts at Butterfield Crossing Park, setting them from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Looking ahead, Castle Rock is considering the development of a new sports facility to further support the community’s recreational interests.

Proposed amenities include a competition gymnasium with up to 12 pickleball courts and an 11-lane competition pool, indoor track, fitness room and workout facilities that aim to meet the town’s growing demand for sports and recreation spaces.

As pickleball continues to thrive in Castle Rock, residents and visitors alike are embracing the sport, fostering a vibrant and active community.

The post Pickleball’s popularity surges in Castle Rock as facilities expand appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Scrambling up a sheer climbing wall or tackling a grueling American Ninja Warrior obstacle course are all challenges 19-year-old Katie Bone has taken on and mastered.

It’s not a surprise then that her type 1 diabetes is just one more barrier Bone has battled and beaten.

Bone said when she was first diagnosed with the disease at age 11, she hardly blinked and decided the news was not going to slow her down.

“The first question I had for the doctor was can I climb again?” the Thornton woman said.  When the doctor said yes, Bone quickly turned to “I am going to figure out how I was going to manage this,” she said.

Bone went on to become a nationally-ranked speed climber, earning a spot on the prestigious Youth National Climbing Team – USA. She also made history as the youngest champion in American Ninja Warrior’s Women’s Championship.

The Ninja Warrior competition fed Bone’s need to compete in an environment that encourages both courage and athletic skill. The Ninja obstacle courses as also just plain fun to take on, Bone said.

“The movements are so cool, there you are flying through the air, it’s just super fun,” Bone said. “There are also different movements, and they are scary, but they push you hard. It pushed me as hard as I have ever been pushed.”

Bone has suffered plenty of physical setbacks including an injury to her ACL and MCL. That did not stop her from returning to American Ninja Warrior Season 17, which will be aired in June. She also barely missed qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics in speed climbing.

Bone said her accomplishments are important but so is getting the word out about type 1 diabetes and how it can be managed.

“Managing my diabetes properly has helped me live my daily life,” she said. “I just try and focus on eating food that makes me feel good.”

Insulin-dependent

According to Mayo Clinic, type 1 diabetes, which usually appears in childhood, is a chronic condition that can be caused by genetics or some viruses.

“In this condition, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy,” the Mayo Clinic explains.

WebMD says that people who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can live a long, healthy life.

“Keeping a close eye on your blood sugar levels will be key. Your doctor will give you a target range, and making healthy choices daily will help you stay within that range. It’s also important to know the symptoms of very high or low blood sugar, and how to treat them,” WebMD states.

Bone said her use of a Dexcom G7 CGM system, affixed to her arm, makes it easier to monitor her blood sugar levels and manage her diabetes. The small device provide continuous glucose readings every five minutes, allowing users to see their glucose levels in real-time on a compatible smartphone, smartwatch or Dexcom receiver, according to Dexcom.com.

Her device eliminates the need for constant finger pricks and gives her and her family instant information on her glucose levels. “It’s really about management and this system helps me do that.”

She said well-meaning people who know about her condition, will sometimes remind her that she shouldn’t eat a certain food.

“Actually, I can eat just about anything because Dexcom gives me good information about food,” she said.

 “I just want people to know that, if you have type 1 diabetes that doesn’t mean you can’t do the things you want to do,” she said. “It’s about good management and getting the right information.”

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José “Pepe” Garayoa has been driving his food truck around the Denver area for seven years. Given that it’s a larger truck and an older model, he said navigating traffic was challenging.

Now, though, he’s found the perfect permanent spot for the Ricas Tortas Calientes truck along South Golden Road.

“I’m very happy to be here in Golden,” he said. “What a great opportunity.”

The spot near Native Nursery, which is accessible via 17025 South Golden Road, may be familiar to locals as the former home of Bonfire Burritos and/or La Huacha.

Garayoa said his friend who runs La Huacha recently opened a brick-and-mortar location a few blocks away, leaving the food truck spot open. So, Garayoa moved Ricas Tortas Calientes there in December.

He said the spot is ideal, because “Golden knows someone is selling food here.”

Garayoa has been in the food industry for 30 years, working in both restaurants and his own food trucks.

He’s now bringing that experience and his own unique twist to the Ricas Tortas Calientes menu, which features tortas, burgers, tacos, quesadillas and specialty items.

While the winter has been slow, Garayoa expected things to pick up with the warmer weather. He’s preparing to expand his hours and start serving premade breakfast burritos in the summer.

Garayoa emphasized how Ricas Tortas Calientes is a family business. His wife and three daughters have helped him with various aspects of the business over the years.

Running his own business has always been his dream, Garayoa continued, saying, “You have to put yourself to work (to achieve your dream), and it’s easier when you have your family behind you.”

Ricas Tortas Calientes is currently open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information, call 303-881-8376 or visit pepestortasandburgers.org.

Click through additional photos of Ricas Tortas Calientes:

Mobile sauna brings warmth, relaxation to local businesses and events

When she lived in Chicago, Rachel Swanson used to swim in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, and the best way to warm up afterward was her friend’s mobile sauna.

While mobile saunas are more common in Nordic countries and the United States’ Upper Midwest, Swanson thought Colorado would benefit from the idea too. So, when she moved to the Denver area last year, she launched the Nomadic Fire Mobile Sauna.

What looks like a simple trailer on the outside is a warm, welcoming haven on the inside that can easily reach 190 degrees. Swanson and her family summarized the concept as: “Heat on wheels, relaxation that heals.”

Swanson has been taking the mobile sauna to community events and local businesses, including Golden’s Mountain Toad Brewing and Arvada’s Colorado Tap House.

People can book a 30-minute session in the sauna, which sits six people comfortably. Swanson also offers a cold plunge outside, so people can alternate.

Along with community events, Nomadic Fire is also available for private events, such as holiday parties or team-building events, or private rentals at people’s homes.

Swanson, who’s been a therapist for 15 years, emphasized the physical, mental and social benefits of saunas. She encouraged people to listen to their bodies and hydrate beforehand, saying, “It’s a place of gathering, not a competition.”

While saunas are great for athletic recovery, Swanson hoped everyone would try Nomadic Fire. People can bring their friends, play music and have fun while visiting a local brewery, she described.

A regular 30-minute session is $25 per person, but multi-packs and group rates are available.

Nomadic Fire is at Colorado Tap House every other Thursday evening, starting April 3, and at Mountain Toad every other Tuesday evening, starting April 8.

For more information, including pricing, schedule and private booking availability, visit nomadicfiremobilesauna.com.

Click through additional photos of Nomadic Fire Mobile Sauna:

Cheesecake Factory opening May 13 at Colorado Mills

Those who’ve walked around Colorado Mills lately may have seen the “Cheesecake Factory, coming soon” signs.

The restaurant recently announced a May 13 opening date for its new location at the Lakewood mall.

The new Cheesecake Factory will be at Entry No. 1, on the mall’s northwest corner. It will be accessible from both the mall’s exterior and interior.

The restaurant features more than 250 items on its menu, each freshly prepared from scratch at every location, including more than 30 “legendary cheesecakes,” the Cheesecake Factory described in a recent press release.

Additionally, the restaurant stated it will be hiring more than 300 employees for the Colorado Mills location. This includes bartenders, bussers, cashiers, baristas, line cooks, servers and more.

Anyone interested in applying should visit cakecareers.com/coloradomills.

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Following the resignation of its executive director, Rob Hanna, the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District Board of Directors unanimously voted during a special meeting on Feb. 21 to hire CPS Inc. to recruit candidates for his replacement.

The board said it will be recruiting for an interim executive director before selecting a permanent director. The CPS firm is tasked with identifying suitable candidates for the temporary role.

During the special meeting, Board Chair Pam Eller raised a question about the district’s immediate needs: “In the next three months, what are going to be the leadership issues that the district is facing?” The board agreed that input from staff management would be crucial in defining these priorities and identifying the ideal interim leader.

The board outlined key qualities for the interim director — a local who has experience serving on large city boards or committees. 

Eller elaborated on the importance of preparing candidates for challenges: “Do we have a crisis that needs to be handled? Do we have a big project that needs some specific type of oversight? What would we warn somebody about if they were coming on as an interim for three months?”

Board members shared expectations for both the interim and permanent executive directors, including being a liaison between board members and staff to encourage open communication, ensuring smooth daily operations, and attending stakeholder and subcommittee meetings.

The board said that the interim director cannot apply for the permanent position and Treasurer Keith Gardner emphasized that both directors will be hired to “not redirect the ship, but keep the ship on course.”

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Littleton resident Ned Sterne walks, runs or bikes on the Lee Gulch Trail almost every day. One of his favorite things about the path, he says, is the fact that it has a soft surface.

The trail is currently made out of a material called crusher fines, which is a “a finely-crushed stone mix that is often the byproduct of gravel operations,” according to American Trails, a national group dedicated to improving, protecting and raising awareness of trails.

“When I’ve talked to people about why I live in Littleton, one of the top reasons is the soft trail system,” Sterne said. “Granite fines are really an ideal surface to run and walk on.”

The soft-surface quality of a segment of the Lee Gulch Trail is up for question, however, as the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District considers a plan to put concrete over an approximately 2,200-foot section of the trail between Prince Street and the Mary Carter Greenway Trail.

Sterne says a soft surface makes the trail more comfortable to use, more natural and resistant to sheet ice. But in the district’s eyes, replacing this surface with concrete would reduce hazards, such as erosion and rutting, for trail users and would allow for better snow removal.

How we got here

South Suburban Director of Parks and Public Space Andy Jennings said the district launched a survey to gather community input after crews mistakenly started concreting a segment of the path in October without consulting the community.

“My biggest concern was the fact that we didn’t go out for public comment to begin with,” Jennings said. “The fact that we did pave a portion of that — changing the trail surface — without seeking input from the public.”

Maintenance crews from South Suburban started pouring concrete on a portion of the trail because the trail was becoming a maintenance issue, Jennings said. The crews saw adding concrete as a solution that they could conduct within their operational budget, Jennings said.

Sterne, who saw the crews pouring concrete, said he reached out to Jennings. Jennings said he then directed the crews to stop concreting the trail until the district could conduct community outreach to see what trail users wanted for the future of the path.

Jennings said that failing to ask for public input before beginning the project was a mistake, and the district will conduct public engagement in the future before making significant changes anywhere in its parks and open spaces.

The community survey, which closed on Dec. 20, will help the district determine what to do with the segment of the trail between Prince Street and the Mary Carter Greenway Trail, Jennings said.

“This is going to be up to the survey results,” Jennings said. “If residents would like to see it concreted, then we would move forward with the project. If they want to see it remain with the granite fines, then we would not do the project.”

Depending on the survey results, Jennings said the district may also discuss the possibility of removing the concrete that was poured in October.

To concrete or not to concrete?

Jennings said resurfacing the trail with concrete would help reduce erosion, washboarding, snow and ice on the trail, which he said are challenges for maintenance and safety — especially in snowy and rainy months.

The district generally does not plow soft-surface trails because bringing plows on potentially muddy trails can cause frozen ruts on the trail, which could cause safety issues, he said.

“You could twist an ankle on it,” he said. “You could catch a tire on it. It could just be very difficult to traverse.”

Since the district does not plow soft-surface trails, parts of the path can get icy as a result, Jennings said. He added that one of these sections is the part of the path near St. Mary’s Catholic School, which is located at 6833 S. Prince St.

“That section gets somewhat shaded and it just turns to ice, and then we don’t have any way to mitigate that ice,” he said. “On concrete trails, we have the ability to plow the snow back, and then the crews come back and we can utilize … a sand-salt mixture or whatever, to help mitigate ice.”

Sterne, however, said that in his experience, concrete parts of the path have been more dangerous than soft-surface parts, largely due to sheet ice. He said the only time he ever crashed while riding his bicycle on the Lee Gulch Trail was on concrete, and he believes he cracked his ribs from the fall.

“The irony of the whole thing is the most dangerous places along the trail are on the concrete,” he said. “(In) the Santa Fe underpass, water washes across the trail and then turns to sheet ice … Granite fines are actually a pretty good surface when there’s snow and ice on the ground, because it’s still a rough surface. It isn’t like concrete, which, once you get snow or ice or concrete, you’ve got sheet ice.”

Sterne said he remembers the district plowing parts of Lee Gulch Trail in the past without causing damage, and he would like to see that done again. Jennings said that if the soft-surface trail had been plowed before, it was not within the district’s policy to do so.

Jennings said erosion can be a safety issue because some crusher fines get washed out and the thin layer of gravel leftover makes the path more slippery. One section where this has happened is near the baseball fields just east of Santa Fe Drive, he said.

“If they’re coming around that on their bicycles, (they) hit that gravel and slow down or slide in it,” he said. “We’ve heard complaints about that.”

Sterne said this section of the trail has been a challenge for users, but he thinks it could be fixed by realigning the trail.

“That would be a permanent fix that wouldn’t involve concrete,” Sterne said. “It could be done with crusher fine, granite fines, and it would solve the problem. And, we could revegetate the existing part of the trail that does get scoured during these high water events.”

Jennings said shifting the trail would be challenging because there is no space to do it without impeding on the existing baseball fields.

Sterne said he has walked the trail and gathered more than 80 signatures from trail users who want the trail to stay crusher fine. He and others are concerned about losing an important portion of the trail that connects users to a larger network of soft-surface trails in the region.

Beyond the comfort and safety preferences for the soft-surface trail, Sterne said another benefit of keeping the path soft would be to help it fit in better with its natural environment.

“We don’t want everything to be hardened,” he said. “We just want a natural trail through a natural corridor … The trail has done quite well, but there are places where it shouldn’t have been put where it is now – and we might be able to handle some of those with realignments, and then acknowledge that it does require maintenance.”

Jennings said the current maintenance of the portion of the trail in question costs about $8,000 to $10,000 annually.

The concreting project, if it moves forward, would likely cost somewhere between $232,000 and $247,000, Jennings said. The segment from Prince Street to a small bridge just south of the baseball fields would be concreted first, and the segment from the small bridge to the Mary Carter Greenway would be concreted in 2026 or 2027, he said.

Jennings said the district plans to analyze the survey results early this year and will discuss the results with the board and the City of Littleton before creating a plan.

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