Gov. Jared Polis’ office on Thursday released new details and a first look at a proposed pedestrian walkway connecting the Capitol complex and Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park in Denver, a project billed as a celebration of Colorado’s 150th birthday in 2026.

The first phase of the Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway will span 11,000 square feet as it winds from the Capitol building, over Lincoln Street and through the park.

Building the walkway was inspired by several factors, Polis said in an interview Thursday, including boosting connectivity and pedestrian safety as well as creating a lasting monument to celebrate the state’s milestone anniversary.

“This will be a major legacy project at our state Capitol that people will be able to visit for centuries to come,” Polis said.

The project is expected to cost $18 million to $20 million, about half of which will come from private donations, state officials said.

The walkway’s design is meant to invoke Colorado’s topography, specifically the state’s flowing rivers, the governor’s office said in a news release. Regional materials such as sandstone, marble and granite will be used, and visitors will be able to enjoy viewing platforms, sculptures and artwork from Colorado artists as well as learning, storytelling and play elements.

Community input also is shaping the project, and state leaders have met with folks across Colorado about what the walkway should include, Polis said.

“It’s at the state Capitol, but it’s about the entire state of Colorado, from the San Luis Valley and our Indigenous forebears to the Western Slope and Eastern Plains. It’s going to tell the story of the whole state,” he said.

Nearly 160 artists applied to work on the project, and those selected will collaborate with architects to incorporate their work into the structure’s overall design.

The walkway is set to be finished by summer 2026.

State officials initially described the walkway as a two-part project, with a second phase expanding into Civic Center with a bridge over Broadway. But Polis said Thursday he’s looking forward to future administrations building on the walkway’s first phase to help make the area even more accessible.