Based on an abundance of information gathered through an extensive public involvement process, Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) has determined a final course of action for the current capital project at Crown Hill Park. This decision comes after thousands of citizens provided their input and ideas in a survey, community meetings and on site visits with JCOS staff.

There was a broad range of thinking among community members with respect to the capital projects we were considering. In some cases, such as nature play areas, public desires were clear. In others, such as a shade structure and replacement of fitness equipment there was a lack of consensus among citizens. JCOS has taken all of this information into account and made a decision that honors goals for the Park as well as the common interest of citizens to keep the area as natural as possible. This current course of action does not preclude the addition of a shade trellis or fitness areas in the future based on community interest and need.

What Happens Now
 

JCOS will implement all ‘Givens’ discussed during the public involvement process. These include replacing the restroom, park information center (kiosk), adding three accessible and staff parking spaces and removal of all fitness stations. Please see map.

 
Fitness Equipment – The existing equipment, that has reached its useful life and has deteriorated to sub standard levels, will be removed and will not be replaced. The concrete pads at the eight fitness station locations indicated on the map on the reverse will be removed, regraded and reseeded with natural grasses. This is in keeping with a strong citizen sentiment to keep the Park natural and our goal to preserve the views of the lake, Park and mountains. This work will be completed by June 30, 2013.

Tree Planting – A larger water tap, from a 1” to 1.5”, will be purchased to support the new restroom needs and allow trees to be planted and irrigated in the one-acre area around the restrooms. Trees that need to be removed for construction or because they are invasive species such as Russian Olives will be replaced on a one-to-one basis in this area.

Shade Structure – A shade structure will not be added at this time. In order to accommodate nature education programs that were found to be more desirable than nature play, a small area north of the restrooms will be graded to create a flat surface to set up portable tents. This area could accommodate a shade trellis in the future. The necessary irrigation lines to water future tree plantings in this area will also be added to this area. This is within the one-acre area that JCOS could irrigate if the larger water tap is purchased.

With the removal of fitness equipment and concrete pads anticipated by the end of June, all other work on the 'givens' and plantings will start in late August and be completed by late fall. 

Questions? Contact Thea Rock, Communications Manager, trock@jeffco.us,
303-271-5902.