When you visit City Park (10455 Sheridan Blvd.) later this fall, the view will look a little different. Look west past the pavilion, and you will see new trails, ponds, and bridges along Big Dry Creek. Stroll down to the water and you will notice the steep streambanks have been transformed into gentle slopes with newly planted native trees, plants, and grasses. These changes are part of the Big Dry Creek Streambank Restoration Project, which finishes work later this year.
The project started in 2019, when the City partnered with the Mile High Flood District
to improve Big Dry Creek’s water quality and flood management capabilities. Years of urban runoff caused steep, unsafe streambanks and erosion that encroached on trails and water infrastructure. To revitalize our waterways and infrastructure, the project team:
Crews planted vegetation to help stabilize the streambanks and build a healthy habitat for native plant species. The first step was removing undesirable, non-native trees. The second step was planting hundreds of new cottonwood and willow starts, along with native shrubs and plants. The next step will be seeding the area with native grasses after construction.
It will take several years for the plants and trees to become fully established. Although
they may appear sparse initially, they will eventually develop into a thriving landscape. To safeguard the young plants as they grow, you might notice fencing around the base of trees and colorful flags blowing in the wind for protection from waterfowl. As an example of what to expect, visit the park
area at Westminster Station. This space just north of 68th Avenue between Lowell and Federal boulevards underwent the same type of construction activity and plantings. The plantings on that site were completed in 2017.
In addition to a restored and rebuilt Big Dry Creek, there will soon be new amenities along the creek for the community to enjoy:
We invite you to explore and enjoy the new and improved Big Dry Creek corridor. Every element of the project — from the native plantings to water quality improvements — was designed to ensure long-term sustainability for both the environment and the people who enjoy it. Whether you’re out for a stroll, having a picnic, or observing wildlife, Big Dry Creek is ready to welcome you back — stronger, more natural, and more resilient than ever.
City Park Pond is now completely separate from the Big Dry Creek system. It will be used to store non-potable reclaimed water for irrigating all of City Park, including the soccer and softball fields. Reclaimed water is safe for plants, but the state of Colorado does not allow recreation in reclaimed ponds. That means no fishing, paddleboarding, swimming, or dogs in City Park Pond.
The other small ponds you may see around the area are water quality ponds, which temporarily hold rainwater after storms. The water in those ponds slowly drains after a storm back into Big Dry Creek.