Jefferson County Open Space invites the community to enjoy the festival-like atmosphere of the Hildebrand Ranch Park Dedication event on Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. with the official ceremony beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Hildebrand Ranch Park is in the area of C-470 and Wadsworth Boulevard, located south of Deer Creek Canyon Road and west of the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. Parking is extremely limited and courtesy shuttle service will be available from the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield location (8500 Dear Creek Canyon Road).
Visitors will enjoy information stations on the Park's natural resources, historical background, park development, music by the 4th Artillery Quadrille Ensemble and refreshments. Open Space Staff will provide information on visitor management, trail use and etiquette. Jefferson County officials and special guests will gather for the dedication ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
Nearly all of Hildebrand Ranch Park was acquired in 2001 from John Stockwell, an heir of the historic Hildebrand Ranch family that occupied this area as early as 1866. The 1,453 acre ranch and water rights were acquired using Open Space Bond Funds authorized by Jeffco voters in 1998. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) contributed $525,000 to the transaction. Following the County's purchase of the property, the ranch continued to be operated by a caretaker/lessee.
In 2002, Open Space began the process of creating a Park Management Plan involving public open houses and concepts for facility development and management. The Two-Brands Trail was constructed in 2004-2005 and made available to the public as a non-motorized, multiple use trail, although a parking lot/trailhead was not yet available. In 2009, construction was underway on the entry road and parking lot. The project involved other County Divisions, including Road and Bridge, Construction Management, Transportation and Engineering, and Planning and Zoning. The Urban Drainage and Flood Control District participated in the construction project using permeable concrete pavers instead of a typical asphalt parking surface. The installation of the paving system eliminated the need for detention ponds that would detract from the park aesthetic and require additional maintenance. Development of additional park facilities will occur over the next few years.
Open Space staff offers their appreciation to Jeffco Open Space Foundation, Inc. and King Soopers of Golden for their contributions to the dedication event.
