The following post has been adapted from an interview with Tom Waymire, Founder of the High Line Canal Preservation Association and a High Line Canal Conservancy Board Member. The post has been contributed by Shannon Bauman from the Conservancy.

The dark brown and crimson mile markers along the High Line Canal are a familiar sight to many. Not only do they orient users on the trail, they act as a symbol of achievement for walkers, runners and cyclists making their way along parts (or all) of the 71-mile linear park. They also highlight the rich history and deep passion of the community for this beloved resource. The legacy of protection for the Canal dates back to 1990 with the formation of the High Line Canal Preservation Association, a group of local homeowners.

The Association formed in response to Denver Water’s plan to remove the Canal’s cottonwood trees for water conservation purposes. The local group held regular system-wide homeowner meetings and initiated a partnership with Denver to install the mile markers from 1994-97.

“We chose a dark brown recycled plastic material 6″ square for the posts to minimize their presence,” said Tom Waymire, former Association President, and an active Conservancy Board Member. As for the Association logo, they engaged students at the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design in a design contest. They reviewed entries and awarded the winning prize for the logo that is currently featured on the markers. “I think the logo with the reeds is most outstanding,” Waymire said.

The Association was also active in helping set the signs on the posts. Shortly after, the posts were set 3-6 feet off the trail, standing 4 feet tall and extending another 3 feet into the ground. “We went back in 2004 and 2005 to reset posts that had been removed or signs that had been defaced,” Waymire added. “How did we get the plastic sign off the post? Using a steel guitar string!”

The High Line Canal Conservancy has formally taken up the cause to protect and enhance the Canal into the future, building on the foundation set by the Association’s dedicated efforts. In the summer of 2020, users will see new mile markers spring up along the Canal as the Conservancy’s Plan for the High Line Canal begins to be implemented. Other projects in pipeline in the next 18 months include improved crossings, new access points and stormwater management projects.

Mile markers will feature donors for the recently-completed “71 Miles Supported by 71 Founding Partners” campaign. If you’re familiar with the current markers, you may also notice a shift in location for the new markers as they will match the mileage of the trail instead of the Canal. This is described in the new Guide to the High Line Canal Trail (learn more here).

The Conservancy is thrilled to bring tangible improvements to the Canal in the coming year and is grateful for the early leadership and efforts put forth by the High Line Canal Preservation Association.