Plans call for a new trailhead to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail and additional opportunities for wildlife viewing since Arapahoe County has recently purchased land for open space in Centennial.

On Dec. 15, the county paid $735,000 in open-space tax funds for approximately 13 acres at 15200 E. Arapahoe Road. The land, adjacent to the Cherry Creek Soccer Complex, consists of 3.5 acres that had been used as a tree farm and 9.5 acres of diverse vegetation and wildlife habitat.

County Commissioner Jim Dyer of west Centennial says the project fills a strategic gap in the county’s trail network by expanding connectivity to Cherry Creek State Park while serving several communities including Centennial, Aurora and Foxfield.

“It’s just one of the incredible projects being pursued by the Cherry Creek Basin Working Group,” Dyer said.

The intergovernmental working group, with representation from 20 jurisdictions from Denver to Douglas County, has over the years endeavored to beautify and enhance the trail corridor by adding open-space buffers and closing gaps in the Cherry Creek Trail.

The recent purchase is part of Arapahoe County’s master plan for developing an interconnected system of open space, parks and trails, protecting water resources, and conserving prime wildlife habitats.

Such efforts have been supported by the voter-approved Arapahoe County Open Space tax.