1. Introduction
The CCAIP was brought forth through collaboration between the Cherry Creek Area Business Alliance and the City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation Department, the office of Denver City Councilman Wayne New and the Greenway Foundation. This group of project leaders saw the potential to maximize recreational opportunities, enhance environmental contributions and improve public safety.
2. Project Area Background
The Cherry Creek Greenway corridor is bound by the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and South Steele Street to the north and Cherry Creek South Drive to the south. The plan area along the Creek was chosen because of the immense opportunities afforded to visitors and residents alike.
3. Planning Process
The vision of the CCAIP is to create an implementable plan that creates a dynamic and exciting urban space where the natural environment, outdoor recreational opportunities, and shopping district blend in a seamless urban fabric.
4. Implementation Process
The Cherry Creek Area Implementation Plan in the next step in the evolution of the Cherry Creek Greenway within the CCAIP study area. Implementing this plan will help solidify the multi use nature of the area and will seamlessly integrate the recreational and environmental aspects into the vibrant urban fabric.
The final design recommendations came together as a culmination of the extensive input received through the various outreach methods.
-
Adding three playgrounds and an active play area.
- Replacing the Steele Street Bridge with a wider, safer span.
- Adding an improved pedestrian bridge at west end of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, near Clayton Street.
- Adding a signature bridge and plaza between the Creek and the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. The bridge will include shaded seating and a place for vendors. The plaza includes a spray ground, gathering space, and shade structures.
- Provide a pedestrian loop trail (separate from the regional trail) that includes a public art or arboretum walk.
The Cherry Creek Area Implementation Plan is the next step in the evolution of the Cherry Creek Greenway within the CCAIP study area, including the Cherry Creek Regional Trail and the parks adjacent to the corridor. These improvements will also help enhance the character of the Cherry Creek shopping district in the future.
Implementing this plan will help solidify the multiuse nature of the area and will seamlessly integrate the recreational and environmental aspects into the vibrant urban fabric.