Why Are Improvements Needed?

Today, much of Goldsmith Gulch between Iliff Avenue and Evans Avenue flows through a large underground concrete storm drain that is roughly 1,270 feet long; this is the downstream segment. While this infrastructure carries stormwater, it is hidden from view and provides limited environmental, recreational, or community benefits.

The project team is exploring opportunities to eventually transform this section of the corridor into a more natural stream environment that improves flood conveyance, enhances habitat, and creates a more connected community space.

What We Heard in Phase 1 Engagement

Top Community Priorities Included:

What Will Change?

Downstream Segment Realignment

Creating a Visible, Connected Creek Corridor

The proposed alignment creates space for native vegetation, improved habitat, and a safer, more connected experience for people using the surrounding neighborhood and trail network.

Image illustrating the realignment of the downstream portion of Goldsmith Gulch

  • Naturalized Stream Corridor

    Replace portions of the underground storm drain with an open channel featuring native landscaping and ecological enhancements.

  • Improved Pedestrian Connectivity

    Create opportunities for future walking and biking connections along the corridor.

  • Enhanced Flood Conveyance

    Improve the ability of the system to safely move stormwater while working together with upstream improvements proposed in Bible Park and Iliff Basin.

  • Neighborhood Revitalization

    Transform an unseen utility corridor into a community asset that supports recreation, habitat, and improved aesthetics.

Open Channel Concept

Future Downstream Open Channel Concept

These concepts illustrate how a hidden underground storm drain could be transformed into a naturalized stream corridor that improves flood management, enhances habitat, and creates new opportunities for walking, biking, and connecting with nature.

Important Considerations


Because this section of Goldsmith Gulch passes through a constrained urban corridor and multiple properties, improvements in this area would likely represent a longer-term effort.

The project team has identified several challenges that would need to be addressed, including property constraints, utilities, and coordination with future redevelopment opportunities. As a result, improvements in this reach would likely occur after work is completed in Bible Park and Iliff Basin.

Improvements in the Downstream Segment depend on flood reduction projects in Bible Park and Iliff Basin and would likely occur as a future phase of the overall Goldsmith Gulch project due to property and corridor constraints.


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