Open Space hires deputy director

Hillary Merritt, senior project manager with the Trust for Public Land’s Denver office, has been named deputy director of the Jefferson County Open Space Department. Her main responsibility will be land acquisitions. Open Space Executive Director Tom Hoby announced the decision on Thursday, May 2, at a meeting of the Open Space Advisory Committee. Her first day on the job will be June 17.

Recently Merritt worked with Open Space and other partners to acquire the Applewood Golf Course (which is now part of the Prospect Park & Rec District) and North Floyd Hill (now a  MALT property). She is currently working on two other acquisitions in Jeffco, Hoby said. Over the past 14 years while at TPL, Hillary has developed numerous conservation partnerships around the Denver area, state and region that have led to preserving over 7,000 acres of land.

Previously, she worked for the Conservation Resource Center and Colorado Conservation Trust in Boulder.

Merritt’s education includes a Bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College and a law degree from the University of Colorado Law School, Boulder. A native Coloradan, she grew up in Aspen and enjoys hiking, skiing, and gardening.

As deputy director, her main responsibilities will include developing and coordinating the land conservation program and landowner relations, expanding existing and developing new partnerships, assisting with standards and procedures, policy formulation and strategic initiatives.

With 30 offices nationwide, The Trust for Public Land helps communities raise funds, conduct research and planning, acquire and protect land, and design and renovate parks, playgrounds, trails, and gardens.