Boulder Active Paths

We are going to be  presenting at the planning commission on May 9 and at the Town  Council meeting on June 6.

Separate,  All-user, Paved Path, 8’-wide Asphalt

PROS: If available, cheaper than concrete, durable, smooth, flexible, ADA-accessible.

CONS: Expensive, no batch-plant near Boulder, prone to cracking/weathering, requires regular maintenance, difficult to remove/replace, hot in sun, impermeable.

Separate, All-user, Paved Path, 8'-wide Concrete

PROS: Very durable, smooth, ADA-accessible, low maintenance unless it cracks or breaks.

CONS: Expensive, prone to cracking and shifting at joints, very difficult to remove, replace and repair, expansion joints make bumpy, hard on feet, impermeable.

3-8’ Sidewalk 


PROS: Resists erosion and direct run off, durable, ADA-accessible with proper sidewalks.

CONS: Expensive, requires storm drains, difficult to remove/replace, accessibility problems if joints shift, impermeable.

Roadside Asphalt Path along Asphalt Road

PROS: Relatively inexpensive.  Road widened and paved when other upgrades occur.

CONS: Safety issues, not advised for high speed roads.  Maintenance-sweeping gravel and repainting line. Not that ADA-accessible. 

Chip Seal on shoulder of Asphalt Road

PROS: Inexpensive for paved surface, moderately easy to maintain.

CONS: Can crumble with age, requires regular maintenance.

Gravel Path on Shoulder of Asphalt Road

PROS:  Inexpensive, softer surface, relatively easy to maintain and repair. 

CONS: Prone to erosion, not ADA-accessible, can be unstable.

Accessible Compacted Crushed-Rock Path 3-5'

PROS: Inexpensive, easy to repair, aesthetically pleasing, softer surface, ADA-accessible, permeable.

CONS: availability, must be installed properly, can be weathered and eroded, requires periodic maintenance.

Compacted Gravel Path with Binder


PROS: Inexpensive, easy to repair, aesthetically pleasing, softer surface, ADA-accessible, permeable.

CONS: availability, must be installed properly, can be weathered and eroded, requires periodic maintenance.

Gravel Path 3-7' wide


PROS: Inexpensive, softer surface, relatively easy to maintain and repair.

CONS: Prone to erosion, not ADA-accessible, can be unstable.

Mowed Lawn Path Winding Through Park

PROS: Inexpensive, natural surface, relatively easy to maintain and repair.

CONS:  Not ADA-accessible, irregular and can be unstable. 

Dirt Path


PROS: Free (no materials and minimal labor), relatively easy to maintain/repair.

CONS:  Not ADA-accessible, irregular and can be unstable.