To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Shannon Carter, Director, Open Spaces
Prepared By:
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Roger Harvey, Planning Manager, Open Spaces
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presenter
Presenter: Josh Garcia, Planner, Open Spaces
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Subject:
title
2:15 PM *17 Mile House and Farm Park Deceleration Lane and Entrance Funding Request
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
Staff will present the final design and estimated cost estimate and request approval from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to expend approximately $1,500,00.00 from the Open Spaces Acquisitions and Development Fund to construct the new deceleration lane and entrance at the 17 Mile House and Farm Park and to approve the submittal of an application for a CDOT new access permit.
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Background and Discussion:
The 17 Mile House is a 160-year old farm that served as an important stop for pioneers traveling along the Cherokee/Smoky Hill wagon trails in the 1860's. The 17 Mile House has a long and significant history. When the 1859-1860 gold rush resulted in large-scale settlement of the state, a series of inns emerged along Cherry Creek to accommodate travelers and freighters. These "mile houses" were located every 3-4 miles along the Cherokee/Smoky Hill wagon trails from Kansas, all named based on their distance to the intersection of Colfax and Broadway. Upon arrival, travelers could get a meal, spend the night, rest their animals, and have minor repairs made to their coaches or wagons. Out of the original six mile houses, only 17 Mile House and 4 Mile House remain. The property was purchased by Arapahoe County in 2001. The farm is an Arapahoe County designated heritage site that includes interactive displays and historical artifacts for visitors to enjoy. The 17 Mile House property also provides parking for the nearby Cherry Creek Regional Trail.
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