Polis announces plans for pedestrian bridges, walkway connecting Capitol, Civic Center Park

Gov. Jared Polis wants to build a pedestrian walkway and bridge connecting the Capitol complex and Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park in time to celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday in 2026.

Polis’ office announced the project – but no price tag – on Friday.

State officials outlined two phases of the project, with the first connecting the Capitol to Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park starting and finishing construction in 2026.

It’s not clear when construction on the second walkway and bridge between the Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park and Civic Center Park will start.

The state is paying $1.5 million for the concept, design, engagement and construction bidding process, with the rest of the project funded by “a combination of public and private donations,” according to the news release.

A capital fundraising campaign is set to begin immediately, according to the timeline released by Polis’ office, but no other details about the campaign were provided in the release. Officials were unable to provide more information about the project on Friday.

“Celebrating and commemorating Colorado’s 150-year anniversary, this pedestrian walkway will be a highly functional structure of public art that serves as a unique narrative canvas, weaving the state’s rich heritage into a safe and vibrant pathway,” state officials said in the proposal.

While Polis’ office did not specifically mention bridges over Broadway and Lincoln Street in Friday’s news release, a public survey published by the governor’s office described the project as “an iconic multi-modal pedestrian bridge.” The release said the project would improve pedestrian safety.

“From Civic Center to the Capitol, over Broadway and Lincoln through Lincoln Veterans Park, this iconic walkway will tell stories through public art highlighting our most important stories,” state leaders said in the proposal.

Themes highlighted in the Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway could include agriculture, outdoor recreation, Indigenous stories, natural resources and music, according to the proposal.

“Industry and corporate partners can support specific installations highlighting important economic contributions” while incorporating Colorado history and supporting local artists, state officials said.

The two-year timeline includes designing the walkway, engaging with local artists and industries, soliciting statewide community feedback, a fundraising campaign, getting feedback on the design, accepting bids for construction, choosing artists to contribute to the project and starting and finishing the first phase of construction.

“I look forward to seeing this amazing walkway come to life and create an exceptional experience for Coloradans and visitors alike,” Polis said in a statement.

The state’s Public-Private Partnership Collaboration Unit and History Colorado are also involved in the project, and state officials have already contracted with Chicago-based firm Studio Gang for the design.

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