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The recently completed first phase of Trinidad's Riverwalk could be a sign of things to come. The ribbon cutting dedication held last December offered a glimpse of an ambitious plan to reinvigorate downtown. The multi-phase project has several objectives by focusing on improving
Trinidad's downtown corridor. The first phase of the trail runs from the Animas Street Bridge to just east of Commercial Street. The second phase begins in Spring 2002. This section will unite the phase one trail with the existing Linden Avenue Trail, creating approximately two miles of continuous trail. The trail system is designed to be much more than a place to walk, ride your bike or rollerblade. The trail development will also create a front door to our downtown and visually connect the retail sector with Interstate 25. The trail is a ten-foot wide concrete pathway highlighted with laser engraved placards describing the
area's flora, fauna and local history. The placards are the result of a grant given to the local Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway Committee by the Federal Scenic and Historic Byways Commission. Landscaping along the trail serves an important role in helping to clean up the river corridor, restoring riparian habitats, and enticing both tourists and residents to utilize the trail. The trail design was created by DHM Landscape in Denver and constructed by KLI Landscaping, Solid Earth Construction, and Montano Concrete, all from Pueblo.
The project was funded with Colorado Department of Transportation Enhancement Funds, Great Outdoor Colorado Trail Funds and most importantly, the city of
Trinidad's one-cent sales tax for capital improvements.
Eventually, the trail system will connect several new parks in the downtown area such as the soccer park on Chestnut Street next to the
city's garage. The soccer park will have two fields, one full-sized and another smaller practice field, both surrounded by trees and a small spur trail. The development of the soccer fields is possible due to the generous donations of Great Outdoors Colorado, Gates Family Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, the City of Trinidad, Las Animas County, the American Youth Soccer Organization, and Trinidad School District RE-1, and many local sponsors and contributors. Park development should begin in the spring of 2002 and be completed by early summer. A second park will be located on the old concrete plant site, adjacent to the river, situated between the river and Trinidad Catholic football field. The design and fundraising are still in progress, but the intent is to provide an urban greenspace with a small playground for the children, small outdoor amphitheater, picnic areas, and extensive landscaping.
Karl Gabrielson, City Planner
In addition, the city's historic Water Works building will be renovated and restored, creating further greenspace among the large cottonwood trees to the rear. The new use for the building has yet to be determined, but it is to remain a public/community building. Two of the streets connecting the new park with Commercial Street are to be the site of a brick street pilot project with new utilities, sidewalks, trees, period-style lighting, benches, and brick surfacing. Funding for the brick street project has been provided by the State of Colorado Historical Funds and the Department of Local Affairs, Energy Impact Fund.
Overall, these ambitious first steps to revitalizing Trinidad's downtown core is an exciting time for Trinidad. For additional information or suggestions, please feel free to contact the City of Trinidad Planning Department at 846-9843.
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