From the Archives: Nameless Tributary Project Renovation
In early 2017, the Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA) and the Arapahoe Park and Recreation District (APRD) were able to collaborate on a major construction renovation of the Nameless Tributary, Mesa Open Space, Tract C. This is a trail section and drainage just north of the Cherry Creek School District Dakota Valley Elementary School.
Over the past several years the water channel of this section of the Nameless Tributary had become full of sediment and overgrown with biomass. This caused the trail in multiple areas to be covered by water creating a slick trail from ice in the winter and algae/moss build up during the summer. To address these issues the Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA) partnered with the Arapahoe Park and Recreation District (APRD) to design and construct improvements to the drainage and trail. The project included trail improvements which encompassed a revised trail alignment, a new low-water trail crossing, and widening the trail section from the Dakota Valley Elementary School north to East Lehigh Avenue. The project also improved the channel by installing that low water crossing, removing the sediment and biomass, and grading a wider channel section within the project reach.
The trail improvements were sponsored by APRD and served to replace the unusable section and widen the remainder of the trail within the construction area to provide a safer and more comfortable trail section. SEMSWA sponsored the channel improvements and managed the overall project. The channel improvements will serve to stabilize and to create a healthier riparian environment within this section of the Nameless Tributary.
This project is a major improvement to the area and is now a much safer and usable area for both residents and trail users. This project would not have been possible if not for the partnership between SEMSWA and APRD.
With the completion of Tract C, SEMSWA and APRD are once again collaborating on making similar improvements to Tract B of the Nameless Tributary Mesa Open Space. This is the section of trail extending north from East Lehigh Avenue to connect with South Himalaya Street. After crossing over South Himalaya Street, trail users are then on the Spring Creek Park Nature Trail that runs north and south along No Name Creek. The work to Tract B is slated to begin later in 2017.
About the "From the Archives" Series
From the Archives is a series of digitized blog posts highlighting projects and memorable moments throughout Trails Park and Recreation District’s history. These stories took place when the district was still called Arapahoe Parks and Recreation District.
As stewards of this legacy, we are committed to continuing our exploration of the past, cherishing the memories, and honoring the contributions of all those who have played a part in shaping our current parks and recreational spaces. Join us as we look forward to future installments, where we will continue to unearth treasures and tell the tales that make TPRD truly special.
