Study Session:
The study session was a field trip to visit four parks that have received Open Space grants. The first stop was Prospect Park at 44th and Oak in Wheat Ridge. This is an old park that contains a trailhead for the Clear Creek Trail, sports fields, lakes for fishing, a large shelter and a playground. Wheat Ridge is contemplating a major revision to the park to increase the size of the sports fields and improve their drainage. For decades the fields have been referred to as Goose Poop Park. The traffic pattern would be improved to have less conflict with pedestrians, the playground would be moved and updated, and the shelter would be replaced with one that does not provide swallow nesting sites.
The second stop was Ralston Central Park in Arvada at Ralston Road and Garrison. The park area was dramatically changed by improving the Ralston Creek channel. The old Apex Recreation field house and swimming pool were removed and replaced with a large splash pool and small shelters. The splash pool has been very popular.The third stop was the Simms Street Center of Apex Park District. This property, at 82nd and Simms, originally was a church facility. The building has been converted into recreational uses and 16 pickleball courts have been built on the grounds. Pickleball has become very popular and the site has sponsored many events.
The last stop was the Hills at Standley Lake. This Arvada park at 84th and Alkire Street is combination a passive park area and a large community garden. The community garden plots have individual water sources and participants pay a nominal annual fee to cover the water cost and other maintenance items.
Regular Session: cancelled