As of April 30, 2013, the opening of Garrison Street is set for June 1, 2013. The original construction plan involved the demolition of the bridge early in the project so the pavement on Garrison Street could be done before bad weather set in. As you know, that did not occur. Delays in the relocation of utilities such as the removal of power poles near the old bridge on Garrison Street, the undergrounding of utilities and the replacement of traffic signals at Ralston Road and Garrison Street, the relocation of switch cabinets, and more in the fall of 2012 resulted in work sequencing issues for construction. Those delays are the direct cause of a domino effect on the Garrison Street schedule. In addition for the past 12 weeks the contractor has been dealing with unpredictable spring weather. Snow storms in late February, March, and April have resulted in further construction delays due to extreme cold and/or wet conditions.
The intersection at Brooks Drive and Garrison Street is now paved and work is being done to complete Garrison Street south of the bridge to Ralston Road. New curb and gutters and street surface are being poured and the grand entrance to the park is being constructed. Business owners in the area have been notified and RTD is aware of the changes as well.
The good news is that during the past 12 months we have seen the construction of a 100’ span bridge at Garrison Street and the construction of pedestrian bridges at creek crossings, the re-routing of the Van Bibber Creek, improvements to the Ralston Creek channel behind the retail property and expansion of the whole channel, the placement of major boulders as drop structures, and the export of tons of dirt to lower the ground level nearly four feet throughout the park. In addition, water and sewer lines under Garrison Street and the Carr Street bridge were replaced as were all of the storm drains along Brooks Drive.
The overall goal related to the drainage improvements that removes approximately 90 homes from the floodplain is nearing completion. The old practice field at the Arvada K-8 School has become a green oasis known as Wolff Park using dirt from the Garrison Street site. The Apex Park & Recreation District has successfully replaced its antiquated facilities on Garrison Street with new facilities at the Stenger/Lutz Sports Complex and has expanded programing there and at the Simms Street Recreation Center.
So why are there gaps in sidewalk along Brooks Drive? The lighting in and around the park will be provided by LED fixtures installed during the park construction phase. The street lights along Ralston Road, Garrison Street, and Brook Drive will all meet the new standard requirements for fixtures and lumens and all utility lines in the park will be underground. In the meantime the existing street lights must remain in place for safety reasons leaving gaps in the sidewalk along Brooks Drive. The gaps will be temporarily filled with “crusher fines” material around the old poles until the new lighting is in place and the old poles are removed. Concrete will be poured to fill the gaps when that work is complete.
The long range benefits to the adjacent neighborhood and the entire community will include a brand new park with ample space for play, gatherings of all sizes, a peaceful memorial garden, walkable sidewalks and trail connections that go under the bridge rather than at street level. The construction of the park is a major project in its own right and will take months to complete. The contract for the construction of Ralston Central Park is scheduled for your approval on May 6, 2013. Work will begin soon thereafter.
And finally, City Council Members made it official in their meeting on April 22 by selecting the name “Ralston Central Park” for the new park. The property at the east end of the area will continue to be known as Hoskinson Park.
If you have questions about the projects you may contact Vicky Reier, Vicky-r@arvada.org or 720-898-7509.
