As I have reported in the past, a large commercial and residential development is underway just east of the south end of South Platte Park, in Littleton. From the adjacent roadways, it is currently a massive field of dirt, with some initial roads and structures.
Wanting to see how it is impacting the Park, my wife and I took a trail along the east side of the South Platte River. Fortunately, a significant green belt still exists between the river and the development and wooded areas block one's view of the devastation in most areas.
Nevertheless, such a large project at the edge of what, in my opinion, is the best riverine, greenbelt park in Metro Denver is disturbing. No doubt, access trails will lead down from the neighborhoods, dramatically increasing use of the Park by cyclists, fishermen, rafters, walkers and their dogs. I'm sure this sounds a bit selfish on my part, a regular visitor to the Park, but natural ecosystems can only tolerate so much human activity. Furthermore, loss of the adjacent open space, some of which was agricultural, will change the character of the refuge itself.
