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City of Aurora and Arapahoe County working to connect new residents to the great outdoors

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AURORA, Colo. — Our Colorado seems to be outgrowing the trail system. That is especially true in east Aurora.

According to Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space there are about 7,600 people that live in neighborhoods just to the east of E-470. Right now, they don't have any access to regional trails.

Aurora and Arapahoe County teamed up to start construction of the Triple Creek Trail as part of the Triple Creek Greenway Project. Eventually, it will make up 27 miles of biking and walking trails between Aurora Reservoir to the south and the South Platte River to the north.

Construction will begin soon on the first three miles of trail which will connect to Gun Club Road and trail-deprived neighborhoods.

"We're ahead of development," said Josh Tenneson with Arapahoe County Open Space. "We're not working and trying to retro-fit something in a narrow corridor."

It could take several years before the full project is complete.

"We're always looking for funding," said Tracy Young with Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space. "On these large-scale projects, particularly regional trail projects, we're always looking for funding partners to help get the job implemented."

Denver7 also looked into safety along trails. According to Aurora police, narcotics offenses are a top crime on their trails. People also tend to fight on the trails because they feel they can get away with it in a more secluded area. Officers say nothing is better than taking the trails in groups to stay safe.