October 11, 2018 – Helicopter Operations and Construction Updates

Helicopter Work

Beginning October 8, 2018, helicopter operations will occur to remove downed trees and woody debris within Chatfield State Park’s fluctuation zone.  The helicopter is used to grapple out collected debris bundles and larger trees from areas that are otherwise inaccessible to heavy machinery.  CRMC is anticipating this round of helicopter work to be completed by mid-November 2018.

For safety measures, closures will be in place for any areas the helicopter is working in.  A large majority of the currently prepped areas for helicopter operations will take place within the existing construction closures.  Please continue to check our website at https://chatfieldreallocation.org/construction/ for updated closure information.

Perimeter Road (Jamison to Park Headquarters)

Due to the replacement of the South Platte Bridge, and construction activities at Gravel Ponds and Kingfisher, the Perimeter Road was closed on October 1, 2018, with an anticipated reopening date by May 24, 2019.  The closure will be in effect from Jamison Day Use Area to the CPW Park Headquarters.

Please note that all park amenities on the west side of the park (Dog Off Leash Area to Jamison) will need to be accessed via the Park’s West Entrance off Wadsworth Boulevard.  The Campgrounds, Model Airplane Runway, Heronry Outlook, and the Park Headquarters will only be accessible via the Park’s South Entrance off Titan Road and N Roxborough Road.

Season Two Closures

The following day use areas are now closed due to Season Two of construction: Marina (including the docks, landside facilities, and South Boat Ramp), Roxborough Cove, Plum Creek Day Use Area, Gravel Ponds, Kingfisher, and Platte River Day Use Area.

South Platte Mitigation

Environmental mitigation activities are well underway within the South Platte River area.  CRMC, Chatfield State Park, and the contractor have worked closely to clearly mark closed trails and defined construction areas.  Please click here for a detailed map of the current trails that are open for multi-use.

For your safety, we are depending on the public’s cooperation to stay off closed trails and out of construction areas.  The trail closures are anticipated to remain in place until Summer 2019.

Trails

The reopening of recreational trails along the west side of the park have been delayed due in part to Xcel Energy’s gas line relocation.  The trail system is anticipated to be completed from Deer Creek to Fox Run by December 2018.

Jamison Day Use Area

As of October 1, 2018, Jamison Day Use Area is now open to the public.  Please respect all newly revegetated areas.

Campgrounds

The Campgrounds will remain open throughout construction activities.  However, please note that day time construction activities will occur near Loop A.

Effective October 1, 2018, the Campgrounds are only be accessible via the Park’s South Entrance off Titan Road and N Roxborough Road.

Swim Beach

The parking lots and access to the shoreline are anticipated to reopen by December 1, 2018.  The new facilities will remain closed until Memorial Day Weekend 2019.

Catfish Flats Day Use Area

Due to a conflict with the relocation of Xcel Energy’s gas line, Catfish Flats is anticipated to reopen by December 1, 2018.

Fox Run Day Use Area

Similar to Catfish Flats, the conflict with relocation of Xcel Energy’s gas line has pushed the anticipated reopening to December 1, 2018.

Plum Creek Trails (within Plum Creek Nature Area)

The civil work has been completed, however, extensive revegetation efforts along Plum Creek will continue until November 2018.  The recreational trail is anticipated to reopen sometime in late 2018/early 2019, after revegetation efforts are complete.

Please continue to visit https://chatfieldreallocation.org/construction/ for regularly updated information on construction activities and closures.