Apex Park May Be Closed Until Spring Due To Flood Damage
GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - Weeks after massive flooding there's a clearer picture of what it will take to rebuild one popular Colorado park.
Authorities say the damage is so great at Apex Park in Jefferson County the park may not open until next year.
Wendy Gustin and her dog Maggie May love to hike, but unfortunately they're backyard is Apex Park and it's no longer an option.
"This is actually the first day that I've attempted to go down here again," Gustin said on Sunday.
Last month's floods washed away many trails, leaving drop-offs and trenches nearly every 20 feet.
"There's actually 8-foot wide by 5-foot deep sections of the trail that are completely washed out," Ranger Ben Stanley with Jefferson County Open Space said.
Apex Trail is about 2.3 miles long and goes from Heritage Square all the way up to Lookout Mountain.
"It's going to take thousands of hours of volunteer time as well as heavy machinery," Stanley said.
Rangers say with winter approaching it will likely be spring 2014 before trails are open. Right now their main concern is safety.
"We are pretty serious about people staying out," Stanley said.
Rangers are issuing tickets to hikers who ignore signs.
"The changing soil moisture coupled with varying temperatures we've had lately make this park particularly prone to rock slides," Stanley said.
Although hikers are disappointed, Maggie May and Gustin say they understand and are happy to oblige.
"It's a bummer that I might have to wait that long to get to use them, but luckily there are a lot of other surrounding areas that I can hike into," Gustin
Jefferson County is looking for volunteers to help clean up trails. They have about 200 so far. Visit http://jeffco.us for more information.
Colorado Floods: How To Help
The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.
