A GUIDE TO
THE
COMMUNITY VISION PLAN FOR THE HIGH LINE CANAL
Charting Our Course for the Next Century April 2017
INTRODUCTION
A Shared for Our Canal
What is the Vision Plan?
The Vision Plan is a community-driven, forwardlooking story of what the Canal can be in the future.
Vision
The High Line Canal Conservancy and Denver Water, in close collaboration with a host of regional partners, facilitated unprecedented community engagement throughout the course of 2016 to develop this Vision Plan. Bringing together thousands of residents from all over the region, this initiative inspired participants to think big about their vision for the Canal’s future.
This Vision Plan will ensure the Canal reaches its greatest potential as an environmental, recreational, social, historic and economic asset along all of its 71 miles. 1
THE PROCESS
An Inclusive and Passionate Conversation More than 3,500 community members helped write the High Line Canal Vision Plan. They came to open houses, filled in online surveys, participated in community events, engaged along the Canal itself and welcomed focused discussions in their meeting rooms and neighborhoods. This open, broad and inclusive process is the foundation of the shared vision summarized in this document.
A Summer of Outreach Along the Entire Reach of the Canal 12 Community
500 online
3,500 people engaged
8 strategic
Open Houses
1,200 event attendees
70 community events in communities along the 71 miles 2
survey participants
input sessions reaching over 40 leaders
125 youth
engaged through events and activities
100 community
leaders engaged
60 engagements with community leaders and governmental sta
30 informational presentations
ADAMS CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
AURORA ENGLEWOOD
ARAPAHOE
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE GREENWOOD VILLAGE
LITTLETON
South Suburban Parks & Recreation District
CENTENNIAL
Highlands Ranch Metro District
Community Open Houses Other Events
DOUGLAS 3
PLANNING CONTEXT
Why Plan Now?
Dug by hand in the late 1800s, the Canal was originally constructed as an irrigation ditch to bring South Platte River water to surrounding farmlands. Today, the Canal serves as a water delivery method for a fraction of its original water users. However, since its adjacent maintenance road opened as a recreational trail for the region in the 1970s, recreational and municipal desires for use of the Canal have grown and adjacent residential developments began concentrating stormwater runoff. The historic Canal has always faced challenges as an irrigation delivery system due in part to its water right’s junior priority date and high rate of seepage and evaporation. Today, as the Denver region experiences unprecedented growth in numbers and in diversity, and as water is a limited precious resource, the High Line Canal is a prime example of how we, as responsible stewards, must look at the future differently than the past. The Vision Plan explores opportunities to preserve and enhance the Canal’s natural beauty, environmental benefits and recreational value that make it a treasured resource. 4
The Historic Canal
The Canal’s Evolving Role From irrigation water delivery infrastructure to regional greenway 1859: Gold rush and settling of the South Platte and Cherry Creek regions 1881: Canal construction starts 1883: Canal construction completed 1924: Canal acquired by Denver Water
The Canal Today
1970: Sections of the Canal service road opened to the public for recreational use 2002: Severe drought and Rocky Mountain Arsenal ponds no longer being served from the Canal resulted in a significant reduction in annual irrigation flows in the Canal 2010: High Line Canal Working Group formed 2012: Core Team formed 2014: High Line Canal Conservancy formed 2016: Regional planning for future of the Canal creates Vision Plan 2017: Today, the High Line Canal sees over 500,000 recreational users each year
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THE VISION
Our Canal
An Experi Like The High Line Canal extends from the foothills of the great Rocky Mountains to the expansive prairie stretching to the distant horizon. Along the way, this connective thread weaves through many dierent ecosystems and communities. Now, and in the future, the Canal oers residents and visitors the unique experience of exploring the incredible mosaic of people, places and wildlife of the region.
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ence No Other
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THE VISION
VISION STATEMENT
The High Line Canal’s 71 preserved and enhanced as connects people to nature communities together from
GUIDING PRINCIPLES The community’s priorities inspired the vision, distilled into these five guiding principles. By moving forward under the guidance of these principles, the Canal will be a natural, connected and continuous, varied, managed and enhanced resource for the region— now and for future generations.
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meandering miles will be a cherished greenway that and binds varied the foothills to the plains.
NATURAL To preserve the natural character of the Canal, ensuring it continues to be a natural refuge for the region’s population and wildlife. The Canal’s natural, scenic beauty is integral to its identity.
CONNECTED & CONTINUOUS To maintain and increase the connectivity of the Canal along all 71 miles, preserving and enhancing the Canal’s use as an important continuous resource and as part of the regional environmental and trail network.
VARIED To respect the variety of communities and experiences along the Canal and to preserve its various physical characteristics of the different character zones through the course of its 71 miles.
MANAGED To work together in order to preserve and support a long-term, sustainable future for generations to come. Our Canal is a critical, cherished asset for the region.
ENHANCED To enhance the enjoyment and use of the Canal in keeping with its natural and varied character.
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
A Natural Refuge the Region—From Foothills to the Pla With different ecosystems along its length, the Canal offers opportunities to experience many aspects of the region’s environments and wildlife. The Canal threads together creeks, greenways and protected open spaces, making it an important environmental corridor. The vision is for the Canal to remain a healthy environmental resource as well as a place to connect with nature.
Green Connections The Canal is adjacent to 72 different green spaces ranging from pocket parks to state parks. Together, the Canal system connects over 8,000 acres.
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A Home to the Region’s Wildlife The Canal is home to 199 species of birds, 28 species of mammals and 15 species of reptiles.
for the ins
NATURAL To preserve the natural character of the Canal, ensuring it continues to be a natural refuge for the region’s population and wildlife. The Canal’s natural, scenic beauty is integral to its identity.
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
An Impressive Re 71 Connected Mi The High Line Canal was designed to stretch all the way from Waterton Canyon to just shy of the Denver International Airport. Comprising nearly 860 acres of land area (larger than Central Park in New York City!), the Canal system connects neighborhoods, other trails, schools, parks and other open spaces. It serves as a recreational resource throughout the region. The vision is for the Canal to be a connected 71-mile ribbon from the foothills to the plains, with safe access for all neighborhoods and visitors.
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Connecting a Regional Network
Educational Connections
The Canal connects with 13 major trails and numerous other local and neighborhood trails. It includes 13 existing underpasses (with 4 more planned/under development) and 85 at-grade crossings.
The Canal is within a quarter-mile of 28 public and private schools.
ach— les! CONNECTED & CONTINUOUS To maintain and increase the connectivity of the Canal along all 71 miles, preserving and enhancing the Canal’s use as an important continuous resource and part of the regional environmental and trail network.
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Experiencing § ¦ ¨ the Canal: The Canal’s Five Character Zones 25
87
CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER 287 7 70 40 28
DENVER 83
The character zones recognize the five distinct sections along the Canal and celebrate its diversity, each offering a unique identity and enjoyable experience.
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88
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
GREENW VILLAG
LITTLETON 75
South Suburban Parks & Recreation District
Woode CENTENNIAL
121
Highlands Ranch Metro District
CHATFIELD STATE PARK
470
Rolling Foothills 85
Mile 0 Diversion Structure
Canal Trail starts here
Wild Canyon
HERE YOU’LL FIND...
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Wild Canyon
Rolling Foothills
The Canal’s beginning in the foothills of the Rockies is its most rugged, wild section—a place to explore and look for wildlife including bears and bighorn sheep.
In this section, you will pass through rural landscapes and established and growing neighborhoods. Spectacular views await around almost every corner!
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
ADAMS COUNTY
Green Valley Ranch
§ ¦ ¨ 70
Prairie Retreat
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AURORA § ¦ ¨ 225
30
Urban Refuge
CHERRY CREEK STATE PARK
ARAPAHOE COUNTY
WOOD GE
ed Village
§ ¦ ¨ 25
DOUGLAS COUNTY
Wooded Village
Urban Refuge
Prairie Retreat
This zone is a shady, peaceful retreat for neighborhoods with wellmaintained trees and other vegetation and proximity to preserved conservation land.
In this section, the Canal is a natural refuge—but never far away from urban amenities. Here you’ll pass schools, intersect with other trails and parks and see a variety of housing.
The northern stretch features prairie landscapes with spaces along the Canal to connect with others, play and learn.
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
A Connected Thr Weaving Together Varied Communi and Ecosystems The 71 miles of the Canal pass through many different communities and ecosystems. The Canal changes with the seasons and offers different uses throughout—for walkers, cyclists, runners, equestrians and more. The trail itself also changes in physical form from wide in places to narrower in others, and differs in trail surface, vegetation and views. In addition, demographics and surrounding neighborhoods vary dramatically along the Canal. The vision is for the Canal to celebrate these differences and offer a diversity of experiences along its length.
Regional Partnerships The Canal passes through 11 distinct jurisdictions, including Adams County, Arapahoe County, the City and County of Denver, Douglas County, Aurora, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Highlands Ranch Metro District and South Suburban Parks and Recreation District.
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ead, ties
VARIED To respect the variety of communities and experiences along the Canal and to preserve its various physical characteristics through the course of its 71 miles.
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
A Cherished and Cared-for Greenway The vision is for the Canal to be a focal point for the community, robustly supported by committed citizens and local partners, and elevated by a strategic management structure. Achieving this vision—and preserving the long-term health of the Canal— requires a managed effort with everyone working together. Careful adaptations like drip irrigation, new trees species and stormwater can nourish the Canal’s ecosystem, providing new models of responsible water management and stewardship.
Communities Working Together Tackling the challenges of a growing region requires different ways of thinking, increased collaboration and new kinds of partnerships. The High Line Canal Vision Plan represents a model of regional cooperation—led by an effective partnership between the High Line Canal Conservancy and Denver Water and supported with representatives from every jurisdiction actively and eagerly at the table.
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MANAGED To work together in order to preserve and support a long-term, sustainable future for generations to come. Our Canal is a critical, cherished asset for the region.
ADAMS COUNTY
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER Aurora Cherry Hills Village
ARAPAHOE COUNTY
Littleton South Suburban Parks & Recreation District
Greenwood Village Centennial
Highlands Ranch Metro District
DOUGLAS COUNTY
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Enhancing the Na Enjoyable Experie The Canal is a well-loved regional resource, but basic amenities, such as wayfinding signage and benches, could enhance the safety and comfort for users. The vision is for Canal experiences to be enjoyable, easy to navigate and natural. Enhancing means thoughtfully and sensitively improving the experience along the different sections of the Canal, always respecting the Canal’s natural character.
Stormwater Opportunity: A New Life for a Regional Legacy Denver Water is considering whether the Canal could embrace additional use for stormwater management based on the potential benefits it might provide to municipalities and users of the Canal. Previous studies show that, in addition to improving water quality, diverting stormwater into the Canal could result in 100 more wet days each year for the Canal.
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tural, nce ENHANCED To enhance the enjoyment and use of the Canal in keeping with its natural and varied character.
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MOVING FORWARD
The Way Forward To fulfill the Vision Plan, the High Line Canal Conservancy, Denver Water and the adjacent jurisdictions will move forward under the guidance of these five strategies to implement and sustain the vision in coordination with local entities.
STRATEGY 1
Create a Roadmap for the Canal’s Future Physical Form STRATEGY 2
Build Awareness & Understanding of the Canal STRATEGY 3
Align the Canal’s Management & Funding Structure with the Vision STRATEGY 4
Harness the Community’s Passion to Promote Stewardship of the Canal STRATEGY 5
Capitalize on Existing Momentum to Take Action Now
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Focus on the next phase of planning and implementation—including Canal-wide planning with character zone plans, as well as considering stormwater opportunities and wayfinding signage.
Create a coordinated communications strategy, expand educational programs and develop materials like maps and signage to help users explore the Canal.
Focus on planning for the long-term future of the Canal’s management and identify funding sources. Key to this future will be continuing the successful collaboration among the Canal’s many jurisdictions, districts and agencies.
Expand opportunities for the community to support the Canal through volunteer programs, strategic partnerships, on-the-Canal activities and community involvement.
Initiate quick-win projects to bring near-term improvements to the Canal. Crossing improvements, stormwater demonstration projects, pedestrian bridge upgrades and additional tours and programming are all opportunities to make visiting the Canal safer, more accessible and enjoyable for residents along its full length. 23
MOVING FORWARD
What to Expect Next The community’s vision for the Canal is now written along with a comprehensive collection of recommended strategic actions designed to secure an exciting new future. Recommended steps include additional planning efforts for the Canal and its character zones, processes related to clarifying future funding and management, coordination of funding opportunities and a series of programs focusing on stewardship, activation and education.
Looking Ahead ■■
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Canal programs focusing on stewardship, activation and education, led by the Conservancy in partnership with other local organizations
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Wayfinding signage design
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Stormwater demonstration project implementation and Stormwater Program Study
Central to all of these initiatives moving forward is the sense that the community and its voice will continue to be welcomed and heard. To achieve the vision established by the community will take many years of hard work, cooperation and creativity. It is a journey that will shape and protect an incredible legacy for the region—one that will inspire, connect and nurture generations to come.
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Phase 2 Planning including the Framework Plan with Character Zone Plans, Landscape Design Guidelines, and Trail & Maintenance Standards
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Continued coordination with local jurisdictions, districts and other governing entities; cultural and community organizations, developers near the Canal and other stakeholders; and the broader public 25
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Canal touches multiple diverse communities and it is their common passion and commitment that built this powerful Vision Plan. It is only through these varied voices, along with the great efforts of our partners, that we have been able to produce this transformational regional vision for the future of our historic and beloved High Line Canal.
High Line Canal Conservancy Board of Directors Nina Beardsley Itin Chair Dirk McDermott Vice Chair
Paula Herzmark David Lorenz
Marty Zeller Vice Chair
Tony Pickett
Karl Friedman Treasurer
Tracy Young
Mike Rosser Secretary Jock Bickert James Bolt Daniel Brogan
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Anthony Graves
Tom Waymire Nancy Sharpe Ex OďŹƒcio Harriet Crittenden LaMair Ex OďŹƒcio
Council of Advisors Mayor Michael B. Hancock Honorary Chair Mayor Steve Hogan Honorary Chair
Happy Haynes Judith Judd Kate Kramer Bob LeGare*
Elaine Asarch
Jim Lochhead
Pam Beardsley
Bill Mosher
Bruce Beckman*
Andy Nielson
Susan Beckman
Betsy Oudenhoven
Kendra Black*
Jim Petterson
Laura Christman*
Doug Robotham
Deedee Decker
Sarah Rockwell
Peter Decker
Trey Rogers
Nancy Doty*
Tom Roode
John Fielder
Je Shoemaker
Stacie Gilmore*
Harold Smethills
Tom Gougeon
Linda Strand
Judy Grant
Kathy Turley*
Newell Grant
Dean Winstanley
Kathy Green
*elected official
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HOW TO GET INVOLVED Become a member Donate Volunteer Stay engaged and involved in future planning Join activities and bring friends to the Canal Participate in stewardship events
For more information about the Canal and the Vision Plan process, visit the High Line Canal Conservancy’s website
highlinecanal.org 28
Photo Credits All images credited to Sasaki unless noted below. front & back cover High Line Canal Conservancy page 1 High Line Canal Conservancy page 2 PlaceMatters page 3, top High Line Canal Conservancy page 4, top Denver Water (album 28_Page 80_#1109) page 6-7 High Line Canal Conservancy page 10 High Line Canal Conservancy page 11, bottom High Line Canal Conservancy page 13, bottom High Line Canal Conservancy page 16, top John Fielder page 17, bottom High Line Canal Conservancy page 18 http://www.eenorth carolina.org/ educators-literacy-plan.html page 20 http://www.freepik.com/ free-photo/rest-trail-walknature-bench_667497.htm page 27 High Line Canal Conservancy page 28-29 High Line Canal Conservancy
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highlinecanal.org