Roxborough Village Metro District Master Plan 2020

Design Guidelines & Standards

To best reflect the natural context of RVMD and to build on the District’s brand of natural and rustic qualities, site furnishings should use and/or contain raw materials found in nature, such as wood and boulders The following are recommended character standards for various open space and park elements..

Trails & Paths

Trails and paths within the District should be ADA (American Disability Act) compliant. Trail surface materials, width, and grade should be designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities.

The main trail should have concrete surface to match existing trails on site, and provide emergency vehicle access.

trail example images

Signage

Provide signage and wayfinding to strengthen the District’s identity, and provide educational opportunities for residents to understand the unique ecological landscape in which they live.

Signage can help guide users throughout the open space system, and offer informational insights into the District’s fauna and flora. For example, provide information on the endangered species, Preble’s meadow jumping mouse living within the Little Willow Creek corridor.

Consider using raw materials, such as wood and boulders to align with the natural context.

trail example images

Seating

A variety of seating exists throughout the District. Each park and open space has picnic tables and benches with inconsistent styles, colors, and materials.

Consistent seating and site furnishing can strengthen the District’s brand, and enhance human experience in the open space. A family of seating is recommended to provide a sense of place when people enter the parks.

trail example images

Structures

Provide shade structure for gathering and areas to rest. Structure materials should align with the District’s brand and use wood or stone. Images here show options for rustic or modern character.

trail example images

Native Plants

Due to Little Willow Creek’s designation as Riparian Conservation Zone by Douglas County, and the District’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains, the following plant species have been selected by their characteristics, water needs, wildlife attraction, and availability at local plant nurseries to ensure the District has access to them. The list is intended to be a selection of preferred plant species and not a comprehensive list of all plant material.

Riparian

Plants selected for the riparian zone can withstand occasional water inundation after storm events.

Bottlebrush sedge

Bottlebrush Sedge

Carex hystericina

Height: 3 feet
Width: 24 inches
Water Use: High
Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Type: Rush / Sedge

nebraska sedge

Nebraska Sedge

Carex nebrascensis

Height: 3 feet
Width: 30 inches
Water Use: High
Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Type: Rush / Sedge

red twig dogwood

Red Twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea var. coloradensis

Height: 10 feet
Width: 10 feet
Water Use: Medium
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
Plant Type: Shrub

drummond's willow

Drummond's Willow

Salix drummondiana

Height: 13 feet
Width: 13 feet
Water Use: High
Exposure: Part Shade
Plant Type: Shrub

Dewystem Willow

Dewystem Willow

Salix irrorata

Height: 50 feet
Width: 50 feet
Water Use: High
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
Plant Type: Tree

Water Birch

Water Birch

Betula occidentalis

Height: 35 feet
Width: 30 feet
Water Use: Medium or High
Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Type: Tree

Upland

Upland plants were selected based on their minimal water requirement, thus reducing the need for irrigation.

Leadplant

Leadplant

Amorpha canescens

Height: 3 feet
Width: 24 inches
Water Use: Low to Medium
Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Type: Shrub

Fragrant False Indigo

Fragrant False Indigo

Amorpha nana

Height: 12 inches
Width: 24 inches
Water Use: Low to Medium
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
Plant Type: Shrub

Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany

Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus intricatus

Height: 5 feet
Width: 4 feet
Water Use: Low to Medium
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
Plant Type: Shrub

Yellow Rabbitbrush

Yellow Rabbitbrush

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus

Height: 5 feet
Width: 5 feet
Water Use: Low to Medium
Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Type: Shrub

Western Sandcherry

Western Sandcherry

Prunus pumila var. besseyi

Height: 6 feet
Width: 6 feet
Water Use: Low to Medium
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
Plant Type: Shrub

Three-leaf Sumac

Three-leaf Sumac

Rhus trilobata

Height: 7 feet
Width: 10 feet
Water Use: Low to Medium
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
Plant Type: Shrub

One-Seed Juniper

One-Seed Juniper

Juniperus monosperma

Height: 23 feet
Width: 20 feet
Water Use: Low to Medium
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
Plant Type: Tree

Black Chokecherry

Black Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Height: 30 feet
Width: 20 feet
Water Use: Low to Medium
Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Type: Tree

Gambel Oak

Gambel Oak

Quercus gambelii

Height: 60 feet
Width: 60 feet
Water Use: Low
Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Type: Tree