Open Space and Trails Master Plan

The Evans Open Space and Trails Master Plan is intended to be a comprehensive master
plan for the guidance of trail development and open space needs within the current Evans
City limits as well as the defined urban growth area as determined by the City
Comprehensive Plan, May, 2002. The Trails component will update the Trails Master Plan
completed in 2000, prior to the tremendous growth the City has experienced in the past
three years. There are currently no open space plans or plans for conservation/preservation
within the City. The 2000 Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan is used as a basis to
update and expand the Open Space and Trails Master Plan.

The City of Evans has a current population of over 15,000 residents within a 6.5 square mile
area. It is bordered by the City of Greeley to the north and crosses over the South Platte
River with growth areas both to the south and to the east of the river. Evans is facing
developmental demand with annexations proposed to expand the City rapidly towards the
west and south, encompassing several miles of the South Platte river basin as well as
pasture land and current farming operations.

The Open Space and Trails Master Plan will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. It
will be recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission and adopted by the Evans
City Council. This plan should be reviewed periodically and updated based on
implementation accomplishments, and additional information gathered through surveys,
community meetings, planning studies and data analysis.