To: Parks and Recreation Commission Members and Staff
From: Jeff Brauer, Director of Parks and Recreation
Title
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Update
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
Staff will provide Parks and Recreation Commission members with an update on two items considered by Town Council the previous evening: approval of the Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Master Plan and Management Plan, and approval of a trail construction contract with Timberline TrailCraft LLC. While the Commission has previously reviewed the Master Plan, Council’s action marks a significant milestone in formal adoption. The Timberline contract represents the first major implementation step, with trail construction anticipated to begin in 2025. No formal action is required by the commission.
Background
The Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Master Plan and Management Plan establish the framework for long-term stewardship and phased development of the 681-acre property, acquired in 2024 through a partnership with The Conservation Fund, Great Outdoors Colorado, and Douglas County. This purchase represents the largest open space acquisition in Town history and reflects high community interest in preserving natural lands and providing passive recreation. The Douglas Land Conservancy, as the easement holder, formally approved the Management Plan in August 2025, ensuring all improvements are consistent with conservation requirements.
Alongside plan approval, Council considered a resolution to approve a construction contract with Timberline TrailCraft for the first phase of trail development. The contract - in the amount of $781,787.48 with a 10% contingency for a total of $859,965.48 - includes approximately 15 miles of new soft-surface trails designed for hiking. Key features of the project include stone steps, a rock-armored stream crossing and a boulder staircase to access the mesa top. Timberline was sole-sourced for the project due to its expertise in sustainable trail design and its existing on-call services agreement with the Town allowing for standardization amongst trail networks.
This contract is funded through the $2 million budget allocated for initial improvements at Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space. In addition to trail construction, early phases will include road upgrades, trailhead development, parking, signage, and other infrastructure, brought forward under separate contracts. Trail construction is planned to begin in 2025, with completion aligned with the anticipated public opening of the property in 2026.
Notification and Outreach
The proposed trail system was directly shaped by the public outreach process conducted as part of the Master Plan and Management Plan. Through neighborhood meetings, two open houses, and online surveys with more than 1,000 responses, residents identified hiking trails as the top priority for recreation while supporting restrictions necessary to protect habitat and cultural resources. The Timberline TrailCraft contract implements these community-supported priorities, ensuring that the first phase of improvements delivers safe, sustainable, and conservation-oriented access.
Budget Impact
There is no direct budget impact associated with Council’s approval of the Master Plan and Management Plan. Implementation of improvements will be programmed through an initial $2 million investment. The Timberline TrailCraft contract totals $781,787.48, with an added 10% contingency of $78,178, bringing the total authorization to $859,965.48. Funding for this contract will come from the Lost Canyon Ranch Site Improvements Account (110-5275-452.70-10).
Proposed Motion
No action is required at this time.
Attachments
The Lost Canyon Ranch Master Plan and Management Plan can both be viewed online at CRgov.com/LostCanyonRanch.
Attachment A - Trail Map