Apex Park Update – Work Progresses on the New Trailhead

by Tim Sandsmark, Lookout Region Supervisor, Jeffco Open Space

You may have noticed the flurry of activity happening at Apex Park. The large dirt mound from excavation and grading is now gone as work progresses on the new trailhead area. In addition, much work has occurred on the closed portion of the lower Apex Trail.

Trailhead Project

Jeffco Open Space and County Road and Bridge crews have been working steadily on completing the new restroom, walkways, grading of slopes for erosion control and construction of the new concrete trail extension. The current pace of activity is dependent on weather and barring other unforeseen circumstances.

Apex Park Trail Network

Most of Apex Park’s trails have been open since last winter, but a severely damaged section of the lower Apex Trail remains closed. State and local permits were obtained and final approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) occurred in October to make significant repairs. Efforts are progressing rapidly and require the installation of 3 bridges and a large culvert in the most heavily washed out areas. The bridges are being constructed off site and will be lifted into place by helicopter. Work is also taking place on trail erosion and maintenance efforts on the west section of Apex Trail.

Thanks to the efforts by our Open Space trails staff and many dedicated volunteers, we are still on track for the Apex Trail restoration efforts to be completed by November 26. Once the lower Apex Trail is reopened, the odd-day directional travel by mountain bike will be reinstated on Apex, Argos and Enchanted Forest Trails, as had been in effect prior to the flooding events.

Remaining activity will include repairs to the upper Apex Trail and the realignment of the damaged Pick N’ Sledge Trail which will continue into the Spring of 2015. Some limited trail detours or closures will occur for this remaining construction activity.

Volunteers & Trails staff working on bridge abutments and trail repair on the lower Apex Trail on October 29th at Apex Park (Jefferson County Open Space).

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Apex Park