Locations and General Program Information

Got a question? Send questions and comments about Open Space to trock@jeffco.us

Administrative Offices
700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 100,
Golden, Colorado 80401
Jeffco complex map
Phone: 303-271-5925
Fax: 303-271-5955

Park Services & Maintenance
700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 200
Golden, Colorado 80401

Hiwan Homestead Museum
4208 S. Timbervale Drive
Evergreen, Colorado 80439
720-497-7650

Lookout Mountain Nature Center
910 Colorow Road
Golden, Colorado 80401
720-497-7600

History of the Program
The Open Space Program began in 1972 when the citizens of Jefferson County, Colorado believed so strongly in the need to preserve open space that they voted to tax themselves one-half of one percent on sales to fund planning, acquiring, maintaining and preserving open space properties.

In 1980, an election expanded the use of Open Space funds to allow for the construction, maintenance and management of park and recreation facilities. Expanded use of the Open Space funds has enabled the program to provide campgrounds at White Ranch and Reynolds Parks, multiple sports facilities at Clement Park, as well as assisting in the development of several publicly owned athletic fields, playgrounds, swimming pools, golf courses, picnic shelters, restrooms, recreation centers, regional parks and trails.

In 1998, voters in Jefferson County were asked to authorize $160 million in general obligation bonds to fund acquisition of priority properties. The issue passed with over 70% of the voters supporting the aggressive acquisition plan.

Mission Statement
"The mission of Jefferson County Open Space is to preserve open space lands and natural and cultural resources, and to provide for quality park and recreational experiences."

How Open Space is Organized
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners oversees the Open Space staff and appoints a citizen advisory committee (Open Space Advisory Committee - OSAC).

OSAC(Open Space Advisory Committee)
OSAC is made up of ten members and two alternates. The members are appointed for a three year term by the Board of County Commissioners and represent various segments of the county. Three members are appointed as City Representatives, three are County Representatives, three are At-Large Representatives and one as a representative for the Recreation Districts. The Open Space Advisory Committee monthly meetings are open to the public and scheduled the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Open Space Hearing Room, 700 Jefferson County Parkway, first door south of the Open Space Administration in Suite 100. Map (pdf) | Agendas and Meeting Schedule

Open Space Administration
The Open Space management staff is comprised of a director, who oversees the program, and five sections. These sections include:

Administration & Education Services
Park Services
Planning and Development
Public Information
Real Estate

The staff (over 96 full time employees) works closely with OSAC and the county's administrative staff to provide a unique and successful Open Space Program for the residents and visitors of Jefferson County. To find out more about each section go to Who and What.

Distribution of Funds
The Jefferson County one-half of one percent sales tax collected by the Open Space Program is allocated to cities and to the unincorporated areas of the county. The Open Space Program manages the majority of Open Space lands acquired in the unincorporated areas. Other lands and recreational facilities acquired with Open Space funds are owned and/or managed by the cities or recreation districts. The Open Space Program does not utilize funds from property taxes or the Colorado Lottery. Open Space does apply for special project grants from Great Outdoors Colorado and other funds.

Since 1972, over $285 million have been spent in the cities and unincorporated areas of the county to acquire over 51,000 acres of land, water and facilities. Voters in 1998 approved a bond issue of $160 million provides funds for priority land acquisition. Through the Joint Venture Capital Program, more than $28 million have been spent for parks, trails, golf courses, recreational improvements and development projects for cities and recreation districts located within Jefferson County. Between $1.5 and $2 million dollars are allocated each year through the Joint Ventures program.

The Master Plan
Jefferson County Open Space initiated the update to the 2003 Master Plan in October of 2007 though the efforts of staff and through public outreach. The approved 2008 Master Plan Update is the result of review and discussion with Open Space staff, local agencies, cities and recreation districts, advocacy groups, the public and the Open Space Advisory Committee. The 2008 Master Plan was approved by the Board of County Commissioners. More information on the Open Space Master Plan.

Last Modified: Jun 24, 2010 02:39 PM