Client: City of Idaho Springs

In 2017, THK helped the City of Idaho Springs obtain $195,000 in grants from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to finish the design of the Clear Creek Greenway through Idaho Springs.

The goal of the trail through Idaho Springs was to help make the community more connected and walkable for residents, visitors and outdoor recreationalists.  Design of the trail was particularly challenging because of the Argo Mill superfund site on the north side of Clear Creek.  Not only did the Argo Mill site provide environmental hazards, but future development of site necessitated design features that could provide an interim solution for the trail while also planning for a future final trail alignment.  THK helped negotiate easement and right-of-way solutions between the Argo Mill and the City of Idaho Springs that allowed for successful completion of the design of the Greenway, including 2 pedestrian bridges that crossed Clear Creek.

The Greenway Trail also intersected Courtney-Ryley-Cooper Park.  THK completed a preliminary redesign concept for the Park that integrated the new Greenway Trail alignment, provided additional parking for visitors and commercial rafting companies, and provided increased access to Clear Creek.

In 2018, THK helped the City secure $2.4 million from GOCO and CPW to complete the construction of the Greenway Trail. By leveraging funds from the CDOT funded reconstruction of Colorado Boulevard through Idaho Springs, as well as previous design work, the City only spent $25,000 through its General Fund for construction.

Construction of the trail was completed in August 2019.