Open Spaces

The Open Spaces Department works to preserve natural and heritage areas, enhance neighborhood and regional parks and build and maintain trails. Since its inception, the program has built or improved more than 78 miles of trails, supported more than 190 park and trailhead projects and protected more than 32,000 acres of open space.


Featured Project: High Plains Trail Connector Project / Parker Road Overpass

This video highlights the successful completion of Phase One of the High Plains Trail Connector Project, a multi-year project that will ultimately connect the High Plains Trail to the Cherry Creek Trail, improving trail safety, access and regional connectivity for residents and trail users.

Phase One of the High Plains Trail Connector project was completed in Summer 2023 following the installation of a pedestrian bridge over South Parker Road at the border of the City of Centennial, City of Aurora, and the Town of Parker. Project completion is slated for Spring 2025 following Phase Two construction of the final connecting trail segment along the east side of Parker Road through the planned Prairie Point housing community.

As you can imagine, installing a pedestrian bridge over six lanes of Parker Road was no small feat, and this project has been many years in the making. Special thanks to our partners: Town of Parker, City of Aurora, City of Centennial, Douglas County, Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Department of Transportation, Denver Regional Council of Governments, and E-470 Public Highway Authority.

Find information and project updates at www.arapahoeco.gov/parkerhighplains


2024 Grant Opportunities


Arapahoe County Open Spaces has allocated $5.5 million for the 2024 grant cycle, to support local park, trail and open space projects across the County. Each agency may submit up to three applications for the 2024 grant cycle, to include no more than two Standard Grant applications. Applications are due on April 12, 2024. Download materials and learn more.


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