Presentation, open house scheduled Tuesday on road-to-trail conversion proposal in Security-Widefield
Scott Harrison
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — It’s fairly common to see areas along abandoned railroad tracks converted to recreational trails, but changing an existing road to a trail seems a bit more unusual.
But that’s a proposal by the Fountain Mutual Metro District, an entity that oversees stormwater management and parks/recreation in the area north of Fountain proper, including the community of Security-Widefield.
The road involved is a three-mile stretch of Goldfield Drive, west of Powers Boulevard, between Bradley Road and Fontaine Boulevard.
That segment passes the southwest side of Johnson Reservoir.
According to a web page detailing this proposal, the metro district recently sponsored a study to address safety concerns along Goldfield — regarding dumping, vandalism, and other illegal activity.
The study included exploring opportunities for expanding trail connections to open space and existing trails around the reservoir.
A possible benefit of turning Goldfield into a trail is the study’s finding that it might be a better investment than the high cost of repairing a bridge on the road — and widening the road, as well.
Neighbors are split over the proposal; some agree with it, while others say that Goldfield provides a shortcut for drivers to avoid heavier traffic on Fontaine.
The metro district will hold a 90-minute open house on Tuesday evening, starting at 5 p.m., to provide information and answer questions about the road-to-trail idea.
Jerry Masarik voiced his disapproval of the plan during KRDO 13’s Good Morning Colorado coverage.
“I agree with the reservoir being maintained, improving that area,” he said. “But keep this road open. It’s a nice, quiet drive, and you get to see the reservoir, the mountains, and a lot of wildlife. If they want to watch for illegal activity, install some surveillance cameras. The same people who brought in big trucks to dredge the reservoir should also pay for the damage they did to the bridge.”
Security-Widefield native Charlie Ford said that he remembers hunting, hiking, and riding bikes in the area as a child.
“I understand why drivers would want to keep (Goldfield) open,” he said. “Bu turning it into a trail and an open space, it’ll be here forever and won’t have houses built on it. That’s good.”
The open house is scheduled to take place at the Widefield Parks & Recreation Center, 755 Aspen Drive, with a presentation at 6 p.m. on what’s officially called the Goldfield Corridor Concept Plan.
For more information, visit: https://www.goldfieldcorridorplan.com/.