Tollgate Open Space: 2025 Xeriscape Project
Updated: October 13, 2025
Table of Contents
About the Location: Tollgate Open Space is a 75-acre open space that stretches from Riviera Way to East Chenango Avenue. It also includes the 2.36 mile West Tollgate Trail that intersects Toll Gate, Pioneer, and Saddle Rock Ridge Parks.
Spring 2024
One of TPRD’s goals is to create a sustainable park system – which includes turning some of our unused grass areas into drought-friendly xeriscape landscaping. We received a grant from Arapahoe County Open Space to help us remove some of the unused irrigated grass West of S. Picadilly Street and convert it to native drought-tolerant plants.
Fall 2024
Due to weather and difficulty finding a project contractor, this xeriscape project was put on pause to reevaluate the scope and proposed expense.
April 2025
A new contractor has been selected for the Tollgate Open Space Xeriscape Project. Construction should begin in Spring 2025 and should be complete by Fall 2025.
May 2025
In May, the Tollgate Xeriscape Project officially kicked off as crews mobilized on site to begin construction. The area was surveyed, erosion control installed, and old vegetation cleared before earthwork and grading were completed to prepare for planting. Additionally, crusher fine paths were paved, and the existing irrigation system was adjusted to support the upcoming native xeriscape installation.
June 2025
In June, the Tollgate Xeriscape Project made significant progress as crews installed the new irrigation system, boulders, benches, and landscape edging throughout the site. Native trees, shrubs, and grasses were planted, while topsoil and seeding helped prepare the area for healthy growth. With these key features in place, the xeriscape began taking on its natural form, showcasing the early stages of the new water-wise landscape.
October 2025 - Complete
The Tollgate Xeriscape Project is now complete, transforming the open space east of Toll Gate Park into a beautiful, sustainable native landscape. Final touches included installing educational signage, benches, and boulders, along with a diverse array of native plants, trees, and grasses. The finished space now showcases the district’s commitment to water conservation, habitat restoration, and creating inviting outdoor areas for the community to enjoy.
Updates and Information
Please note that the design concepts presented for the Tollgate Open Space: Xeriscape Project 2025 are subject to change based on construction costs and design needs.
Hello, I am wondering when the trail from S Malaya way to Piccadilly & pioneer park will be opened back up? Will that sidewalk be closed all summer?
There currently is a marked detour route set up for the Tollgate Trail, specifically where the construction is taking place. That portion of the trail will continue to be closed while our contractors are working on the Xeriscape project, but we do anticipate having everything finished up and reopened by mid-June (assuming the weather cooperates, of course). We will continue to update our website if any changes happen.