PLAN Jeffco has been following with concern a new trend that would diminish the Open Space brand and bring Boettcher Mansion, the Fairgrounds, CSU Extension and the Open Space Program together under a newly named “Parks Department.” A similar trend occured in 1987 but was rejected by the County Commissioners. The Jefferson County Open Space Program was established by the Open Space Resolution of 1972 (revised by the voters in the 1980 Amendment to the Open Space Resolution). PLAN Jeffco supports maintaining the Open Space “brand” and maintaining Open Space values as set forth in its authorizing legislation.
Get Involved:
Margot Zallen addressed this issue during the Public Comment period of the August 1, 2013 OSAC Meeting: Margot Zallen, PLAN Jeffco Chairperson spoke about concerns that unifying the Boetcher Mansion, the Fairgrounds, CSU Extension and the Open Space Program under a newly named “Parks Department” would diminish the Open Space brand and the Open Space Program’s unique identity. In July, PLAN Jeffco had sent a letter to Tom Hoby expressing some of our concerns (see below). The letter and its attachments demonstrated that in 1987 the County Commissioners rejected a movement toward the county Open Space Program becoming more like the cities’ and recreational districts parks. PLAN Jeffco is concerned about recent trends that seemed to be a replay of the 1987 controversy. There was spirited discussion by OSAC members regarding these issues and most of OSAC agreed with the concerns raised by PLAN Jeffco. Read more: OSAC Meeting Notes August 1, 2013
October 3, 2013 OSAC Meeting
OSAC has scheduled a discussion on this at the October 3rd OSAC meeting. This meeting will start at 4PM to allow time for adequate discussion. For more information about OSAC Meetings: OSAC Meetings
Read the PLAN Jeffco letter of concern to Tom Hoby, Director of Parks & Open Space Program, dated July 21, 2013:
