Reclaiming the South Platte

Downstream of Denver’s unchecked urbanization, Adams County citizens are exposed to the highest levels of particle pollution in Colorado. Here, 2,470 acres of the South Platte River floodplain has been mined, releasing hazardous dust into the air, and leaving behind a barren landscape now home to homelessness, vandalism and blight, invasive species, hazardous waste, and bank erosion.

Uniting 67 agencies across four jurisdictions, the landscape architect catalyzed a 20-year vision plan that prioritizes green solutions over gray. Through implementable strategies that harmonize people, land, and water, we reshaped perceptions of once-forsaken river channels into vibrant, healthy arteries that equitably enhance the quality of life for all.

A RIVER STEEPED IN HISTORY

Spanning from the peaks to the plains, the South Platte River has long been a place of meaning that has played a notable role in the history of Colorado. Indigenous tribes and fur trappers hunted the vast plains, relying on the river for sustenance. By the mid-19th century, prospectors and homesteaders flocked to the area and Denver City was founded along its banks. As populations boomed in the 20^th century, suburban development skyrocketed, and the sand and gravel deposits of the river’s floodplain quickly became the target of mining companies and developers.

A LANDSCAPE IN CRISIS

Since its inception, Colorado has lost 50% of its wetlands and the South Platte’s course has faced comparable declines along its riverbank ecosystems in Adams County. By protecting the encroachment of suburban development from flooding, drop structures and levees further confine the natural flow of the river. As the state grapples with severe drought, 48 mines have been reclaimed as water reservoirs, straining access to and from communities and limiting the river’s capacity to meander. Today, many perceive the river as unsafe or don’t know it exists.

ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE

Reclaiming the South Platte demonstrates the power of the Landscape Architect as an advocate. While gazing out of a plane window descending into Denver International Airport, the Landscape Architect pondered the future of this mining scarred river and conceived the idea of a major restoration effort. From that thought, a pitch book was presented to the Governor and the project was born.

Community consensus building events revealed three priorities; River Health, Connected Communities, Diverse Recreation. Use of interactive engagement materials, targeted events, and data-based decision-making established trust amongst diverse community voices. With this shared vision, a multi-disciplinary planning team under the leadership of the Landscape Architect deployed a research-based approach, and implementable actions that equitably address the communities’ priorities.

PARADIGM SHIFT

The South Platte River Greenway/Blueway trail through Adams County serves as a connective thread that ties together existing parks, open spaces, and tributary trail networks. A renewed commitment to harness the powers of nature through innovative water and land management strategies aimed at restoring the river’s ecological and hydrological function is being piloted at five demonstration sites. Three implementation toolkits allow flexibility within the overall program, and empower communities to take achievable steps towards progress. The Vision embraces Colorado’s identity, bringing water-based recreation and mountain-biking to 283,000 annual trail users and adding public access to an additional 514 acres within the river corridor.

BEARING FRUIT

This effort represents the possibilities when communities unite around shared values. Subsequent to project’s completion, $350 million in federal funding has been allocated to Adams County, Denver County, and federal and state agencies to restore 6.5 miles of the South Platte River’s aquatic, wetland, and riparian habitat, reestablish wildlife connectivity, and increase recreational opportunities to underserved populations. Through realistic and implementable strategies for climate resilience and environmental stewardship, the next chapter for the South Platte works towards restoration, reconnection, and reclamation of the cherished waterway for future generations.