CHLP Background and Recommendations for
Master Plan Discussion of Open Space, Parks and Trails

Overview. At the CHV Council’s request, the Blue Ribbon Panel in 2005, made recommendations for protection and enhancement of open space, trails, parks, recreational opportunities, historic preservation, and wetland and habitat preservation.  The stated objectives were twofold:  (1) promote accessibility and connectivity and (2) preserve and maintain open vistas.  Community landscapes and scenic “treasures” as well as specific assets were identified and mapped in pursuit of these objectives. However, before these objectives can be achieved the assets identified by the BRP must serve as the basis for the Village’s Master Plan.  The 2008 Master Plan must include an Open Space Conservation Policy to ensure these key assets are recognized and valued in all Village planning decisions.

What We Want to Protect.  The Cherry Hills Land Preserve and the Blue Ribbon Panel used the same objectives to identify what scenic areas are most important for preservation.  Assets that provide our community with its sense of openness have one or more of the following characteristics that reflect our community values and aspirations:
• scenic vistas
• natural open spaces
• scenic trails
• wetlands, wildlife habitats and natural features and
• trail connectivity. 

Scenic Treasures.  The remaining open spaces in the Village were studied and land where the characteristics listed above converged were identified as scenic treasures.  The assets identified as scenic treasures are the most important areas for open space and trail protection:
• The High Line Canal Trail corridor
• Blackmer Common
• Three Pond Park
• Little Dry Creek
• The East-West Wetlands Trail corridor
• View corridors from Quincy Avenue, Colorado Blvd., Holly Street and Cherry Lane Drive.
Current trails and designated open spaces should be protected for future generations in perpetuity through conservation easements, deed restrictions, recreational easements or other land use restrictions.  

Guiding Principles of Land Acquisition.  Property owners should be supported in planning and making decisions managing the development rights on their property consistent with these principles.
Properties for future strategic acquisitions should be evaluated applying the following:
• Whether the property is adjacent to trails and the High Line Canal and enhances the openness of the trail system
• Whether the property builds upon current trails and parks connectivity internally and externally to surrounding communities
• Whether the property preserves and maintains “lines of sight” or view corridors within the Village
• Whether the property is one of the few remaining large tracts of undeveloped land and encompasses one or more of the community values identified above
• Whether the property encompasses wetlands, wildlife habitats or other natural features or environmentally sensitive areas
• Whether the property has historic, educational, or recreational value.
CHLP Background and Recommendations for
Master Plan Discussion of Open Space, Parks and Trails