To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Jeff Brauer, Director of Parks and Recreation
Title
Resolution Approving a Construction Contract with Sabell’s Civil and Landscape L.L.C. for the Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Roadway Maintenance and Parking Lot Improvement Project
Body
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Executive Summary
Staff are seeking Town Council approval of a construction contract with SaBell’s Civil and Landscape LLC for roadway maintenance and parking improvements at Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space. These improvements represent the next step in implementing the Master Plan and Management Plan for the 681-acre property, approved by Town Council in 2025.
The base bid scope of work includes roadway maintenance and improvements, drainage upgrades, and construction of the Creekside Trailhead parking area. In addition, three high-priority alternates will also be funded to reduce future demolition and replacement needs:
• Alternate 1 - Cattleman’s Trailhead Parking Lot: Construction of the upper gravel lot will expand parking capacity and help distribute use across the property, reducing congestion at a single trailhead.
• Alternate 2 - Accessible Trail and Maintenance Path: Development of an accessible trail and maintenance path from the Creekside Trailhead to the existing dam will provide meaningful access for users of all abilities while also creating a central connection between all three trailhead zones.
• Alternate 3 - Paved Entry Drive: Paving the entry drive from the gateway to the Creekside Trailhead will ensure reliable, year-round access with lower maintenance needs, while also addressing adjacent residents’ concerns about roadway dust.
The Town received five bids for the project, with SaBell’s submitting the lowest responsive bid. By incorporating select alternates into the contract now, the Town will complete all critical site features in phase one, while ensuring Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space is fully accessible to the public in 2026. Once approved, construction will begin in fall 2025, with substantial completion scheduled for May 21, 2026, and final completion by June 4, 2026.
Discussion
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space was acquired in 2024 through a landmark partnership involving the Town, Douglas County, The Conservation Fund and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). At 681 acres, it is the largest open space acquisition in the Town’s history and provides exceptional ecological, scenic and cultural value, including riparian corridors, grasslands and sandstone cliffs.
In 2025, Town Council approved both the Master Plan and Management Plan, which set the framework for balancing community access with conservation goals. Key recommendations included creating safe roadway access, developing trailhead facilities and phasing parking improvements to support planned trail connections.
The proposed contract with SaBell’s Civil and Landscape LLC will deliver the first major infrastructure phase to prepare the property for public use in 2026. The improvements include:
• Entry Road Upgrades: Regrading and widening the entry road from the gateway to the Creekside Trailhead to improve drainage, surface stability, and safety.
• Drainage Improvements: Installing new roadside swales with check dams and replacing a damaged culvert to enhance stormwater management.
• Creekside Trailhead Preparation: Adding pull-in and roadside parking, along with retaining walls to create a developable pad for future trailhead amenities.
• Cattleman’s Trailhead Parking (Alternate 1): Constructing a gravel parking lot to expand capacity and distribute visitor use.
• Willow Creek Accessible Trail (Alternate 2): Building an accessible trail and dam maintenance access road, providing universal access and connecting key zones.
• Paved Entry Road (Alternate 3): Surfacing the entry road with asphalt to ensure reliable year-round access and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Together, these improvements represent a balanced investment in community access, safety, and conservation, consistent with the vision of the Master and Management Plans.
Notification and Outreach Efforts
Public input has been integral throughout the planning of Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space. The Town hosted multiple neighborhood meetings and two public open houses during the planning process, with nearly 200 participants collectively. In addition, two online surveys generated over 1,000 responses, reflecting strong community interest and providing guidance on balancing recreation with preservation. Feedback emphasized the importance of safe access, adequate parking and trails designed for low-impact recreation. Nearly half of survey respondents ranked hiking access as their top priority, and many highlighted the need to ensure access for all residents, including those with mobility challenges. The improvements included in this contract directly respond to those priorities-providing safe roadway conditions, adequate trailhead parking and an accessible trail connection that ties the property together.
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
Town Council approved the Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Master Plan and Management Plan in September 2025, following review and approval by easement holder Douglas Land Conservancy. This construction contract represents the first major step in implementing those plans and preparing the property for public access in 2026.
Budget Impact
The Town received five bids for the project, with SaBell’s Civil and Landscape LLC submitting the lowest responsive bid. Following review, staff requested the inclusion of additional work to provide stabilized crusher fines for the Willow Creek Trail. SaBell’s proposal remains the lowest overall and offers the best value to the Town. By completing the base bid and recommended alternates, the Town will ensure reliable year-round access through asphalt paving of the entry drive, provide adequate parking at the Cattleman’s Trailhead and deliver the Willow Creek accessible trail as a central connection for all three trailhead zones. This contract will be funded through the Lost Canyon Ranch Site Improvements Account 110-5275-452.70-10.
|
Item |
Amount |
|
Base Bid |
$543,835.00 |
|
Alternate 1 |
$274,325.00 |
|
Alternate 2 |
$352,150.00 |
|
Alternate 3 |
$275,255.00 |
|
Total in SaBell’s Contract |
$1,445,565.00 |
|
6% Town-Managed Contingency |
$86,733.90 |
|
Total Project Authorization |
$1,532,298.90 |
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommend Town Council approve the Resolution as introduced by title.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title.”
Alternate Motions
“I move to approve the project with the following conditions:” (list conditions)
“I move to continue this item to the Town Council meeting on [date], at [time].”
Attachments
Attachment A - Resolution
Attachment B - Construction Contract