HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/21/2006AGENDA
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
5eptember 21, 2006
Notice is hereby given of a Public Meeting to be held before the City of Wheat Ridge Planning
Commission on September 21, 2006, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal
Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
L CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA (Items of new and old business may be
recommended for placement on the agenda.)
5. APPROVAL OF NIINUTES - August 3, 2006
6. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not
appearing on the agenda. Public comments may be limited to 3 minutes.)
7. STUDY SESSION
A. Parks and Recreation Master Plan
8. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Case No. ZOA-04-04: An ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code
of Laws pertaining to outdoor lighting standards.
9. OLD BUSINESS
10. NEW BUSINESS
A. Traditional Schools vs. Trade Schools
10. COMMISSION REPORTS
11. COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS
12. ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of Meeting
August 3, 2006
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Wheat Ridge Plamiing Commission was called to order by
Acting Chair McMILLIN at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal
Building, 7500 West 29b Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
2. ROLL CALL
Commission Members Present:
Comxnission Members Absent:
Anne Briukuian
Jun Chilvers
John McMiilin
Cassie Spaniel
Kim Stewart
Phil Phimmer
Jerry Scezney
Scott Wesley
Staff Members Present: Alan White, Community Development Director
Meredith Reckert, Sr. Planner
Tim Paranto, Public Works Director
Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA
It was moved by Commissioner CHILVERS and seconded by
Commissioner STEWART to approve the order of the agenda. The
motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners PLUMMER, SCEZNEY and
WESLEY absent.
5. APPROVAL OF NIINUTES - July 20, 2006
It was moved by Commissioner BRINKMAN and seconded by
Commissioner STEWART to approve the minutes of July 20, 2006 as.
presented. The motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners PLUMMER,
SCEZNEY and WESLEY absent.
6. PUBLIC FORUM
There was no one present to address the Commission at this time.
Planning Commission
August3,2006
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PUBLIC I3EARING
A. Case No. WZ-06-04 - An application filed by the City of Wheat
Ridge for approval of a rezoning from Agricultural-One (A-1) and
Residential One (R-1) to Public Facilities (PE) for property located at
11210 West 45h Avenue with variances to the Development Standards
for Public Facilities District (Section 26-215.B).
The case was presented by Meredith Reckert. She entered all pertinent
documents into the record and advised the Coxnxnission there was jurisdiction
to hear the case. She reviewed the staff report and digital presentation. Staff
recomxnended approval for reasons outlined in the staff report.
Commissioner STEWART asked if there would be 24-hour police presence on
the site. Tim Paranto explained that there would be 24-hour security camera
surveiliance; however, there would not be 24-hour police coverage.
Commissioner STEWART expressed concern about safety issues for
neighbors. Mr. Paranto explained that the fence surrounding the police
compound area would be topped with barbed wire. The existing wood fence
would be removed to allow circulation around the facility and allow better
visibility by police.
Corrimissioner BRINI{MAN asked if hazardous materials would be stored at
the compound. Tnn Paranto replied that he assumed the hazardous materials
team would take appropriate measures to store hazardous materials in an
appropriate manner. There would be indoor storage for impounded vehicles.
In response to a question from Commissioner McMILLIN about
compensatory landscaping, Tim Paranto stated there wouid'oe iandscaped
areas around the administration building and as the property is redeveloped,
trees would be added around the perimeter of the police compound azea. He
also stated there would be landscaping outside the entrance gate to West 45`t'
Ayenue.
Kent Young
11280 West 46`h Avenue
Mr. Young was swom in by Chair McMILLIN. He lives to the north of the
evidence compound and expressed several concerns about the plans wluch he
believed completely ignored adjacent property owners. He stated that he was
originally told the evidence compound would be housed in a one-story
building and now it is to be a two-story building with surveillance. He fin•ther
stated he didn't receive any notice of a hearing until this meeting. He was out
of town when the June 6 neighborhood meeting took place.
i
Planuing Commission
August 3, 2006 - 2 -
In response to a question from Commissioner BRINKMAN, Mr. Young stated
that light from the facility spills onto his property. He further stated that his
property values would be decreased as a result of the building being
surrounded by bazbed wire. Even with trees planted on the perimeter, the
barbed wire would be visible from his property. He asked what kind of
safeguards there would be for adj acent neighbors when the administration
building is constructed.
In response to a question.from Coxnmissioner McMILLIN, Mr. Paranto
replied that there would be some storage bunkers on the south end of the
property but no addirional buildings on the western parcel. He further stated
that the barbed wire fence could be placed inside a wood fence; however, tYus
scenario would change the possibility of planting trees in that space.
Mr. Young commented that these changes would not affect the view from his
side of the fence.
In response to a question from Commissioner STEWART, Mr. Paranto stated
that the police building constnxction began last fall and is not yet occupied.
Further, the police could not use the building for evidence storage if there is
no barbed wire. Alan White explained that any fuhxre building on the site
would have to meet building code requirements. He also explained that public
facilities are allowed in any zone district as a use by right and that neighbors
do not receive notices when building permits are issued.
Commissioner McMILLIN asked Mr. Young if landscaping, such as a large
evergreen, at the northeast comer of the evidence building would help. Mr.
Young replied that this would help. Mr. Paranto stated that the city wants to
be a good neighbor and it would be possible to landscape the northeast comer.
His department would also investigate the Iig'nfing situation to see if security
could be accomplished without light spillage onto Mr. Young's property.
There were no other individuals who wished to address this case.
Commissioner CHILVERS suggested that the city plant several trees on Mr.
Young's property to mitigate the lighting and view of the barbed wire. Mr.
Pazanto stated that the city could not plant the trees on Mr. Young's property
but would consider providing funds to Mr. Young to plant the trees. The other
alternative would be to haue a bazbed wire topped chain link fence inside a
wood fence. However, there would have to be enough space between the
fences for maintenance..
There was discussion about a variance to fence height to allow the wood fence
to obscure the chain link with barbed wire fence.
~ .
Planning Commission
August 3, 2006 - 3 "
Commissioner SPANIEL commented that she was in fauor of mirigating the .
lighting and obscuring the view ofbarbed wire far Mr. Young in order far the
city to be a good neighbor.
Commissioner STEWART agreed that there is a need to mitigate the
conditions. She expressed concem about accessibility and safety issues for
the police property.
Mr. Young expressed concern about the other sides of the building in addition
to the north side.
Tim Paranto suggested the city could look into placing the impound portion of
the facility on the south side. There was discussion about fencing east from
the gazage door in order to allow the building to serve as its own fence. He
also gave assurance that the city would plant trees on the city's side of the
fence or provide funds so Mr. Young could plant trees on his side of the fence.
Alan White and Tnn Paranto will work on a new scenario for the property to
include suggestions made during the meeting and present a new site plan to
city council.
It was moved by Commissioner BRINKMAN and seconded by
Commissioner SPANIEL to recommend approval of Case No. WZ-06-04,
a request for approval of a zone change from Agriculture-One and
Residential-One to Public Facilities district for property located at 11210
West 45`h Avenue for the following reasons:
1. The proposed zone change will consolidate zoning on the property.
2. Although not consistent with the designation on the Future Land Use
Map, it meets the goais anu objeciives of ofner provisions in the
Comprehensive Plan.
The motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners PLUMiVIER, SCEZNEY and
WESLEY absent.
It was moved by Commissioner BRINKMAN and seconded by
Commissioner STEWART to offer the following recommendations for
City Council's consideration: (1) the city will reconfigure the site plan to
show the northeast corner of the evidence building easLward with no
barbed wire fencing north of the building; (2) the city will review lighting
to eliminate any spillage onto adjacent properties; (3) the city will
landscape the area adjacent to Mr. Young's property to obscure the view
of the building and to prevent light spillage; and (4) irrigated planters
will be placed at the entrance.
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Plamring Commission
August 3, 2006 - 4 -
The motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners PLUMMER, SCEZNEY and
WESLEY absent.
It was moved by Commissioner BRINKMAN and seconded by
Commissioner SPANIEL to recommend approval of variances to the
development standards in the Public Facilities zone district for property
located at 11210 W. 45th Avenue being considered concurrently with Case
No. WZ-06-04, for the following reasons:
1. The variances will legitimize the existing conditions on the property.
2. There should be no additional impact on adjacent properties as a
result of the variances.
The motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners PLUMMER, SCEZNEY and
WESLEY absent.
(The meeting was recessed from 8:35 p.m. to 8:42 p.m.)
B. Case No. ZOA-06-04 - An ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the
Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning Section 26-603 (fencing
regulations) and Section 26-204 (agriculture and public facilities use
chart).
The case was presented by Meredith Reckert. She entered all pertinent
documents into the record and advised the Commission there was jurisdiction
to heaz the case. She reviewed the staff report and digital presentation. Staff
recommended approval for reasons outlined in the staff report.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Commissioner CHILVERS
and seconded by Commissioner SPANIEL io recommend approvai of
Case No. ZOA-06-04 concerning Section 26-603 (Fencing) and Section 26-
204 (Agriculture and Public Facilities use chart).
Commissioner STEWART offered a friendly amendment to require that,
when a Public Facilities district is established, special consideration be
given to minimize the impact on adjacent residential properties, including
the use of landscaping and placement of fences to shield the view of
barbed wire fencing.
The amendment was accepted by Commissioners CHILVERS and
SPANIEL.
The motion, as amended, carried 5-0 with Commissioners PLUIVIMER,
5CEZNEY and WESLEY absent.
Plamung Commission
August 3, 2006 - 5 -
8. OLDBUSINESS
A. Lighting Standards
Alan White reviewed an ordinance repealing and re-enacting Section 26-503 of
the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning exterior lighting standards.
Following review and discussion of the proposed ordinance, staff was directed to
schedule a public hearing on the ardinance.
9. NEW BUSINESS
Alan White reported that there were no scheduled cases for the meeting of
August 17. Therefore, the August 17 meeting will be canceled.
10. COMMISSION REPORTS
. Commissioner BRINKMAN stated that she would be unable to attend the
September 21, 2006 meeting. Commissioner STEWART stated that she
would be unable to attend the September 7, 2006 meeting.
11. COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS
There were no committee and department reports.
12. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner STEWART and seconded by Commissioner
CHILVERS to adjourn the meeting at 9:56.
John McMillin, Acting Chair
Planning Commission
August3,2006
Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary
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City of Wheat Ridge ~F WHEAT,p
Community Development Department ~ °
Memorandum ~o~oRpo~
TO:
Pluming Commission
FROM:
Meredith Reckert
SUBJECT:
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DATE:
September 15, 2006
Attached for your review is a draft copy of the Pazks and Recreation Master Plan which will be
discussed at our study session on September 21. It was approved with minor amendments by the
Pazks and Recreation Commission on September 13. Please see the attached memo for the
amendments recommended by the Parks Commission.
Joyce Manwaring, Parks and Recreation Director, and a representative from EDAW will be present
at the study session to discuss the draft plan.
EDAW I AECOM
EDAW Inc
240 East Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524
T 970.484.6073 F 970.484.5518 www.edaw.com
Memorandum
Date: September 14, 2006
To: Meredith Reckert, AICP
Senior Planner, City of Wheat Ridge
From: Chad Schneckenburger
Jana McKenzie
Subject: Parks and Recreation Commission Amendments to the Draft Parks and Recreation
Master Plan
Distribution: Meredith Reckert; Joyce Manwaring
Meredith,
Below please find a bulleted list of proposed changes to the City of Wheat Ridge Draft Parks and
Recreation Master Plan from the September 13, 2006 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
Please fonvard this Iist on to all members of the City of Wheat Ridge Planning Commission for #heir
review prior to the September 21, 2006 study session. If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact either myself or Jana Mckenzie.
Yours sincerely,
Chad Schneckenburger
Proposed Changes and Amendments to the City of Wheat Ridge Draft Parks and Recreation
Master Plan
• Page 1-9, Section D, Wheat Ridge Sub-Area Plans: language will be added recognizing the
38t Ave. Business District improvement efforts.
• Page 1-10, Goal 2, 2"tl objective: W ill be re-worded to state that "...Greenbelt will serve as an
amenity that encourages complimentary private redevelopment and development" not
adjacent.
EDAW I AECOM
EDAW Inc
240 East Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524
T 970.484.6073 F 970.484.8518 vnvw.edaw.com
• Page 1-10, Goal 2: Additional objective will be added recognizing that development adjacent
to the Greenbelt will be complementary, and will not compromise the natural values, integrity,
character, and recreation experience of the area
. Page 2-13, Section A, Neighborhood park Standards: language will be added indicating that a
neighborhood park can be active, passive, or a combination of both. ,
• Page 2-23, Section A, Open Space Areas, Table2.7: Natural Area/Natural Corridor section
will be expanded to integrate and define Conservation Areas. Another section will also be
added to include and describe Sensitive Resource Areas.
• Page 2-25, Section A: Section will be added recognizing the value of the urban tree canopy,
and that Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for maintaining and replacing trees
within street rights-of-ways. Also will describe that a proactive forestry program existed in the
past, which assisted residents with tree issues (i.e., education, replacement, maintenance,
etc.) , which helped to have Wheat Ridge recognized as a"Tree City USA".
. Page 4-5, Section A, Major Park/Facility Redesign, Anderson Park, 3`d paragraph: language
will be added indicating that city should balance priorities between revenue generation
through creating a regional draw, local recreational needs, and impact on the park with any
new aquatic projects.
. Page 4-10, Section A, Joint Use School-Park Upgrades: language will be enhanced to further
indicate that development of joint-school parks are a good opportunity to provide parks in
underserved areas. Also will enhance language indicating that the City will proactively work
with JeffCo R-1 School District to accomplish this. Also add language indicating that at many
school facilities it would be beneficial from a park perspective to remove chain link fencing.
• Page 4-11, section B. Trails Projects: language will be added indicating the need for specific
design standards for off-street trails that recognize the varying needs of different trail users
(i.e., soft suriace trail needs).
• Page 5-3, Section A, Project Prioritization Consideration, 5`" paragraph, last sentence:
language will be changed to indicate that Prospect Park should become "a key urban park
experience", not "the primary urban park experience."
City of Wheat Ridge oF "'"EqT
Community Development Department ~ °
Memorandum ~p~pRA~O
TO: Plamiiug Commission
FROM: Travis Crane, Planner II~
SUBJECT: ZOA-04-04/Lighting Standazds
DATE: 1 September 2006
This case is: Quasi-Judicial X : Legislative
Per direcfion given by Planning Coxnmission, the zoning ordinance amendment regazding changes to
Section 26-503 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws has been re-introduced for examination at pubiic
hearing. In 2004, staff created an ad-hoc committee to examine the lighting regulations. The result of
this work is the revision to Section 26-503. The proposed changes as recommended by the ad-hoc
committee establish measurable standards for all outdoor lighting. A copy of the proposed language
has been included as Exhibit 1 for your reference. There have been no changes made to the language
since the last Planning Commission public hearing in January of 2005.
Planning Coimnission directed staff to bring the proposed changes back to another public hearing to
further examine specific lighting types allowed.
Recommended Motion
"I move to recommend approval of case number ZOA-04-04, an ordinance which will amend
Section 26-503 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, for the following reasons:
L The existing lighting standards are not quantifiable and are difficult to enforce.
2. A problem conceming light pollution has been identified, and staff feels more strict
regularions are needed.
3. The proposed changes should diminish light pollution and allow staff to identify
offenders.
with the following changes:
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
Council Bill No.
Ordinance No.
Series of 2006
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REENACTING
SECTION 26-503 OF THE WHEAT RIDGE CODE OF
LAWS CONCE1tNING EXTERIOR LIGHTING
STANDARDS.
WHEREAS, the effects of improperly directed and excessive lighting
include the visual impairment of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians and the
trespass of light to adjacent properties; and
WHEREAS, practical and effective measures exist to minimize the obtrusive
aspects of excessive and careless outdoor light usage, while preserving safety, security,
and the nighttune use and enjoyment of property; and
WHEREAS, effective regulation of outdoor lighting can increase the usage of
energy-efficient light sources and decrease the amount of energy consuxned by inefficient
and inappropriately directed lighting; and
WHEREAS, The City Council desires to enact measures that wili curtail the
degradation of the nighttime visual environment by encouraging lighting practices that
direct appropriate amounts of light where and when it is needed; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO, THAT:
Sec'Liou 1. Section 26-503 oi u.e Wheat Riuge Code of Laws ;s hereby :epealed
in its entirety.
Section 2. Secrion 26-503 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws is hereby reenacted
as follows:
Section 26-503. Exterior Lighting Standards
A. Intent. To provide lighting standazds that prevent motorized vehicle and
pedestrian conflicts; to provide personal safety and protection against assault, theft and
vandalism; to provide convenience and comfort levels to the users of sites; to minimize
the negative effects of light pollution and trespass on surrounding land uses; and to
provide an environmentally sensitive nighttime environxnent that include the ability to
view the stars against a dazk sky so that people can see the Milky Way Galasy from
residential and other appropriate viewing areas.
` B. Lighting Standards for Single and Two Family Uses.
EXHIBIT 1
Low wattage porch or ground lights aze permitted. Ali other lights shall be
aimed or shielded such that off-site spili shall be lunited to a maacimum of
0.1 foot-candle fifteen (15) feet past the property line on any adjacent non-
residential property, and 0.1 foot-candie five (5) feet past the property line
adjacent to residential property or public right-of-way, as measurable from
any orientation of the measuring device.
2. Maxixnum aliowable pole height for pole-mounted lighting shall be fifteen
(15) feet in the R-1, R-lA, R-1B, R-1C, and R-2 zone districts and in the A-
1 and A-2 zone districts.
3. Each e2cterior entrance is permitted a total of eighty (80) watts
incandescent OR forty (40) watts tluorescent lights to serve as porch or
entry lighting. These entry lights must be attached to the structure or
within ten (10) feet of the entrance, and shall be exempt from the light
spillover trespass requirements of this section. Lights used for temporary
holiday decorations are exempt from the requirements of this section.
C. Lighting Standards for All Other Uses.
All outdoor lighting for all uses other than single and two family uses shall meet the
following standards:
External and internal lighting shall be shielded such that the source of
illumination (bulb, lens,or reflector) is not visible from any adjacent
property, except for approved streetscape lighting, temporary holiday
decorations, or as otherwise provided herein.
Off-site spill shall be limited to a masimum of 0.1 foot-candle fifteen (15)
feet past the property line on any adj acent non-residential property, and 0.1
foot-candle five (5) feet past the property line adjacent to residential
property or public right-of-way, as measurable from any orientation of the
measuring device.
Except as otherwise allowed for herein, all lighting (including, but not
lunited to, parking lot, security, walkway and building) shall conform with
the Illuminating Engineers Society (IES) criteria for h-ue cut-off fixhues
(90% of fixhue light out-put within the 0-60° range from vertical). No
portion of the bulb may be visible beyond rivo mounting heights from the
fixture.
4. If the bulb position within a fixture is vertical, any or all of the following
may be required:
• A high socket mount,
• A translucent fixture lens,
• An opaque coating or shield on a portion of the perimeter of the lens, or
• Other industry accepted measures, to ensure that the fixture's IES
classification as a true cut-off is not compromised.
5. All lights, except those required for security as provided herein, must be
extinguished within one hour after the end of business hours and remain
extinguished until one hour prior to the commencement of business hours.
For reasons of security, 1.5 foot-candles at entrances, stairways and loading
docks, and 0.5 foot-candle on the rest of the site is pennitted during the off
hours.
6. The lighting of a building fagade for architectural, aesthetic, or decorative
purposes is pennitted subject to the following restrictions, unless otherwise
approved through the Final Development Plan or Site Plan process:
a. Upward aimed building fagade lighting shall not exceed nine hundred
lumens. All upwazd aimed light shall be fully shielded, fully confined
from proj ecting into the sky by eaves, roofs or overhangs, and mounted
as flush to a wall as possible.
b. Building faqade lighting exceeding nine hundred luxnens shall be fully
shielded, aimed downwazd, and mounted as flush to the wall as possible.
c. Building fapade lighting shall be fully contained within the vertical
surface of the wall being illuminated and shall not be aimed at a
reflective surface.
d. Building fagade tighting that is measurable at U'ie grcund level shall be
included in the maximum allowable light levels.
Non IES approved cut-off fixtures which use incandescent bulbs of 150
watts or less, or the equivalent lumens output from another pennitted bulb
type, may be pennitted to illuminate landscape plantings, pedeshian
walkways, signage, or product display areas.
8. 1Vlaximum allowable pole height for pole-mounted lighting shall be:
a. Fifteen (15) feet in the R-2A, R-3 and R-3A zone districts.
b. Twenty (20) feet for all uses adjacent to residential uses
c. Twenty-five (25) feet in commercial and industrial zone districts
d. Sixty (60) feet for outdoor recreation facilities regardless of zone district
9. All fixtures mounted within 15 feet of any residential property line or public
right-of-way boundary of the site shall be classified as IES Type III, Type
IV or Type F(asyimnetric forward throw) and shall be fitted with shielding
on the side facing the residential or public right-of-way property line.
10. Acceptable bulb types:
• I,ow Pressure Sodium
• High Pressure Sodium
• Metal Halide (coated preferred)
• Incandescent
D. P,rohibitions
No person shall install any of the following types of outdoor lighting fixhues:
Mercury vapor lamps
2. Blinking, strobe, flashing or changing intensity lights and lighted signs,
except for temporary holiday displays.
No outdoor lighting may be used in any manner that could interfeie with the
safe movement of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares, including but not
limited to:
a. Any fixed light not designed for roadway ilhimination that produces
incidental or reflected light that could be dishubing to the operator of a
motor vehicle.
b. Any light that may be confused with or conshued as a traffic control
device except as authorized by a State, Federal, or City govemment.
4. No beacon or searc.::ight shall be instatled, illuminated or maintained.
5. Laser source light or any similar high intensity light for outdoor advertising
or entertainment when projected above the horizontal.
E. Special Lighting Situations
Parking Lots
Maximum foot-candies shall not exceed ten (10) foot-candles for pazking lot
areas. Masimum foot-candles shall not exceed five(5) foot-candles for
pazking lot lighting adjacent to residential uses.
2. Display Lot or Storage Areas Associated with such uses as auto sales
4
Maacimum on-site foot-candles shall not exceed twenty (20) foot-candles for
special display areas adj acent to streets and ten (10) foot-candles for all
other azeas or rows.
Canopies
a. Maximum foot-candles shall not exceed thirty (30) foot-candles under
canopies of service starions and convenience stores or similaz approved
uses, including luminaires mounted under the canopy and lighting within
signage or panels over the puxnps.
b. Maximum foot-candles shall not exceed twenty (20) foot-candies under
drive-through canopies or awnings.
c. Lighting for all new canopies shall be installed such that the bottom of
the light fixture or its lens, whichever is lower, is recessed or mounted
flush with the bottom surface of the canopy. All light emitted by an
under-canopy fixture shall be substantially confined to the ground
surface directly beneath the perimeter of the canopy.
c. The provisions of subsection G, amortization, shall not apply to
existing canopy lighting which is not recessed or flush mounted, as
described in subsection 3(c). Canopy lighting shall still be subject to
subsection 3(a) and 3(b), whether the fixture or lens is recessed or
flush mounted or not.
4. Stadiums and Outdoor Recreation Facilities
All stadium and all other exterior outdoor recreation facility lights used for
the purpose of illuxnination of piaying azea must be extinguished by 10:00
p.m. or immediately after the conclusion of the final event of the day. The
remainder of the facility lighting, except for lighting used for security
purposes, musi be extinguished at 10:00 p.m. or with;n oile ia5:r a°er tl-ie
event, whichever is later, and remain extinguished unril one hour prior to the
commencement of the next event.
Building Enhyways
Maximuxn on-site foot-candles shall not exceed ten (10) foot-candles in
azeas adjacerit to building entryways. Said 10 foot-candle maacimum shall
include light spillage from within the building as well as light from signage.
6. Street Lighting
Existing lighting within the public right-of-way, including street lights and
pedestrian lights, is not subj ect to the requirements of this Section; however,
any new or replacement lighting shall be subject to the provisions of
Sections C(3) and C(10).
F. Lighting Plans Required
A lighting plan shall be submitted with any building pernut application
except for a one or two family shuchxre on an individual lot, in which
outdoor lighting is proposed or required. The lighring plan shall include:
a. A site plan showing the location of all buildings and building heights,
parking, and pedestrian azeas on the lot or pazcel;
b. The location and description of mature height of existing and proposed
trees and the location of light fixtures on adj acent properties or the street
right-of-way within ten (10) feet of the subject property.
c. The location and height above grade of all proposed and existing light
fixtures on the subject property; .
d. The type, initiai lumen rating, color rendering index, and wattage of
each lamp source;
e. The general style of the light fixture such as cutoff, lantem, coach light,
globe, and a copy of the manufacturer's catalog information sheet and
IESNA photometric distribution type, including any shielding
information such as house side shields, internal, and/or extemal shields;
f. Control descriptions including type of controls (timer, motion sensor,
time clock, etc.), the light fixhues to be controlled by each type, and
control schedule when required;
g. Aiming angles and diagrams for sports lighting fixtures; and
h. A photometric plan showing the maximum light levels on a grid not to
exceed ten feet by ten feet across the entire site and a minimum of
fifteen (15) feet beyond the lot or parcel property line.
2. Prior to a building permit final inspection or the issuance of a certificate of
occupancy, the applicant shall provide certification that the outdoor lighting
as insiailed complies with ihe approved ii2w-nination plan and the
requirements of this section unless waived or amended by the community
development director. The certification shall be completed by the azchitect,
electrical engineer, elechical contractor, or lighting consultant responsible
for the plans or the final installation.
G. Amortization
1. All outdoor lighting fixtures lawfully installed before and operable on the
effective date hereof which do not meet the requirements of this chapter are
deemed to be nonconforining outdoor lighting fixhues. Any nonconfornung
outdoor lighting fixture shall conform to the provisions of this secrion within
five (5) years of the effective date hereof.
2. Special Amortization Requirements: Notwithstanding the five-year
amortization period set forth above, the following types of fixtures or bulbs
shall be replaced sooner, as follows:
a. Renlacement of Unshielded Mercurv Vapor Lieht Fixtures: Existing
unshielded mercury vapor light fixtures shall be removed or replaced
with a light that meets the requirement of this section by December 31,
2006.
b. Reulacement of Bulbs: To the extent that compliance with this secfion
can be achieved by replacement of a light bulb, the light bulb shail be
repiaced with one that meets the requirements of this secrion upon its
failure or on December 31, 2005, whichever is eazlier.
c. AiiniuQ of Fixtures: To the extent that compliance with tlus section can
be achieved by reaiming a fixture, such fixture shall be reaimed by
December 31, 2005.
d. All lights for non-residential uses adjacent to residential uses must be
retrofitted with shielding in a manner such that the light conforms to IES
criteria for true cut-off fixhues by December 31, 2006.
H. Definitions
As used in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, certain words
and phrases shall mean the following:
Direct Illuxnination - Illumination resulting from light emitted directly from a lamp or
luminaire, riot light diffused through translucent signs or reflected from other surfaces
such as the ground or building faces.
Directly visible - Allowing a direct line of sight to the light source or lamp.
Display Lot or Area - Outdoor areas where acrive nighttime sales activity occurs and
where accurate color perception of inerchandise by customers is required. To qualify
as a display lot, one of the following specific uses must occur on the lot: automobile
sales, boat sales, tractor sales, building supply sales, gardening or nursery sales,
assembly lots, swap meets. Uses not on this list must be approved as display lot uses
by the community development director.
Floodlight - A specific form of light or lamp designed to direct its output in a specific
direction and as a broad beam.
Foot-candle - A unit of illutninance being one lumen per square foot. It is the
luminous flwc per unit azea in the nnperial system. One foot-candle equals
approximately 10 (10.8) lus.
Fully Shielded Light Fixture - A lighting fixture constructed in such a manner tYiat all
light emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp or a diffusing element, or
indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the luminaire, is projected
below the horizontal as determined by photometric test or certified by the
manufacturer. Any structural part of the light fixture providing this shielding must be
permanently affixed.
Glaze - The sensation produced by a bright source withiu the visual field that is
sufficiently brighter than the level to which the eyes aze adapted to cause annoyance,
discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility; blinding light. The magnitude
of glare depends on such factors as the size, position, brightness of the source, and on
the brightness level to which the eyes are adapted.
IESNA - The Illuminating Engineers Society of North America
Illuminance - The amount of light falling onto a unit azea of surface (luminous flux
per unit area) measured in lumens per squaze meter (lux) or lumens per square foot
(foot-candles).
Illumination Engineer - A professional engineer having received training in the
art/science of illumination.
Light Pollution - Any adverse effect of manxnade light.
Light Trespass - Light falling where it is not wanted or needed, typically across
property boundaries.
Lumen - Unit of lumiuous flux; used to measure the amount of light emitted by
lamps.
Luminaire - The complete lighting assembly (inciuding the lamp, housing, reflectors,
lenses and shields), less tiie support assembly (pole or mounting bracket); a;:g:A
fixture. For purposes of detenniuing total light output from a luminaire or light
fixhue, lighting assemblies which include multiple unshielded or partially shielded
lamps on a single pole or standard shali be considered as a single unit.
Luminous Tube - A glass tube filled with a gas or gas mixture (including neon,
ugon, mercury or other gases), usually of small diameter (10-15 milluneters), caused
to emit light by the passage of an electric current, and commonly bent into various
forms for use as decoration or signs. A"neon" tube. Does not include common
fluorescent tubes.
Lux - One luxnen per square meter. Unit of illuminance. It is the luminous fltix per
unit area in the mehic system. One lux equals approximately 10 (10.8) foot-candles.
Outdoor Light Fixture - An outdoor ilhuninating device, outdoar lighting or
reflective surface, luminous tube, lamp or sunilaz device, permanently installed or
portable, used for illmnination, decoration, or advertisement. Such devices shall
include, but are not limited to, lights used for:
(A) Pazking lot lighting;
(B) Roadway lighting;
(C) Buildings and structures;
(D) Recreational areas;
(E) Landscape lighting;
(F) Billboards and other signs (advertising or other);
(G) Product display area lighting;
R Building or shucture decoration;
(n Building overhangs and open canopies;
(J) Spotlight;
(K) Floodlight.
Recreational Facilities - An area designed for active recreation, whether publicly or
privately owned, including, but not lunited to, baseball diamonds, soccer and football
fields, golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools.
Searchiighi - A ligi'iting asseiribly designed to direat the autput of a cc;.tained lamp ;n
a specific tightly focused direction (a beam) with a reflector located external to the
lamp, and with a swiveled mount to allow the assembly to be easily redirected. Such
lights aze used commonly to sweep the sky for advertisement purposes.
Spotlight - A form of lighting fixture designed to direct or project a spot of light
illuminating a defined spot or object by directing a narrow beam of light on a small
area.
Temporary Lighting - Lighting which does not conform to the provisions of this code
and which will not be used for more than one thirty (30) day period within a calendaz
yeaz, with one thirty (30) day extension. Temporary lighting is intended for uses
which by their nature aze of limited duration; for example holiday decorations, civic
events, or construction projects.
Section 3. Safetv Clause. The City Council hereby finds, determines, and
declares that this ordinance is promulgated under the general police power of the City of
9
Wheat Ridge, that it is promulgated for the health, safety, and welfaze of the public and
that this ordinance is necessary for the preservation of health and safety and for the
protection of public convenience and welfare. The City Council fiuther determines that
the ordinance bears a rational relation to the proper legislarive obj ect sought to be
attained.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect days after final
publication.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED on first reading by a vote of
to on this day of , 2006, ordered published in full in a
newspaper of general circulation in the City of Wheat Ridge and Public Hearing and
consideration on final passage set for , 2006, at 7:00 o'clock p.m., in
the Council Chambers, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
READ, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED on second and final
reading by a vote of to , this day of , 2006
SIGNED by the Mayor on this day of , 2006
7ERRY DiTLTI,LIO, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Pamela Y. Anderson, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY CITY
ATTORNEY
GERALD DAHL, CITY ATTORNEY
1 st Publication:
2nd Publication:
Wheat Ridge Transcript
Effective Date:
`
10
CITY OF
WHEAT RIDGE
' PARKS AN D RE C REAT I O N
MASTER PLAN
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DRAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Chapter One - Introduction
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
A. Purpose of the Plan 1-1
B. Planning Process and Document Organization 1-3
C. City of Wheat Ridge History and Government Structure 1-4
History 1-4
Gove rn ment 1-4
Parks History 1-5
D. Relationship to Other Plans
1-6
1991 City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
1-6
2002 City of Wheat Ridge Open Space Management Plan
1-6
2003 City of Wheat Ridge Open Space Wildfire Management Plan
1-7
2003 City of Wheat Ridge Weed Management Plan
1-7
2000 City of Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Pian
1-7
2005 and 2006 Comprehensive Plan Addendums
1-8
2005 Repositioning Wheat Ridge Report
1-8
2006 Wheat Ridge Strategic Plan
1-8
Wheat Ridge Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan
1-8
Wheat Ridge Sub-Area Plans
1-9
E. Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives
1-9
Strategic Plan Vision 2020
1-9
Parks and Recreation Department Mission Statement
1-9
Goals and Objectives
1-10
Chapter Two - Existing Park and Recreation Resources,
Standards and Level of Service
A. Parks and Open Space Inventory
2-1
Neighborhood Parks
2-8
Pocket Parks
2-10
Neighborhood Park Standards
2-12
Neighborhood Park Level of Service
2-14
Community Parks
2-16
Community Sports Complexes
2-18
Community Park Level of Service
2-20
Special Purpose Parks
2-22
Open Space Areas
2-23
Visual Green Spaces
2-25
Undeveloped Parkland
2-25
Parks Outside of Wheat Ridge
2-26
Other Park and Recreation Resources
2-26
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
B. Existing School District and Private/Non-Profit Recreation Facilities......
Kullerstrand Elementary School
Martensen Elementary School
Pennington Elementary School
Prospect Valley Elementary School
Wheat Ridge Middle School
Stevens Elementary School
Wilmore Davis Elementary School
C. Trails
Regional Trails
Local Trails
Chapter Three - Issues and Needs Analysis
A. Population and Demographic Characteristics
B. Development Patterns
C. Peer Community Comparisons
D. National Recreation Participation Trends
E. State of Colorado Recreation Trends and Issues............
F. City of Wheat Ridge Community Survey
Methodology
Study Goals and Objectives
Key Findings
Conclusions
Responses by Question
G. Recreational Program Participation and Needs
Athletic/Sport Recreation Program Activity
Non-Athletic/Sport Recreation Program Activity
H. Existing and Future Recreation Facilities Needs
1. Existing and Future Parklands Needs
J. Trail Needs
Chapter Four - Recommendations of the Master Plan
A. Park Projects
Develop Existing Park Sites
New Parkland and/or Amenities
Major Park/Facility Redesign
Facility Additions or Enhancements
Joint Use School-Park Upgrades
B. Trail Projects
Clear Creek Trail Improvements
Lena Gulch Trail
DRAFT
2-27
2-27
2-28
2-28
2-28
2-28
2-29
2-29
2-29
2-30
2-30
3-2
3-3
3-3
3-6
3-7
3-9
3-9
3-9
3-9
3-11
3-13
3-29
3-30
3-34
3-36
3-38
3-39
4-2
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-7
4-9
4-11
4-11
4-12
DRAFT
Rocky Mountain Ditch Trail...........
Chapter Five - Implemen4ation
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
4-13
A. Project Prioritization Considerations 5-1
B. Estimated Costs for Parks, Recreation Facilities, and Trails 5-3
C. Implementation Actions 5-9
Administrative Planning Actions 5-9
Upgrades and Maintenance Actions 5-9
Administrative and Management Actions 5-9
Funding Actions 5-9
D. Potential Funding Sources for Park and Recreation Projects
5-10
Sales/Property Tax Increase
5-10
Establishment of a Parks Sub-District Tax
5-11
Establishment of a Special Improvement District
5-11
Sale of City-Owned Land
5-11
Hotel/Motel Tax
5-12
Subdivision Ordinance Requirements and Development Impact Fees
5-12
Parks Fee
5-13
Open Space Funds
5-13
Conservation Trust Fund
5-14
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Grant Program
5-14
State Traiis Program
5-14
Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy
For Users (SAFE-TEA-LU)
5-14
State Historical Funds
5-14
List of Tables
Tabie 2.1
Park and Open Space Inventory Summary
2-2
Table 22
Detailed Parks and Open Space Inventory
2-4
Table 2.3
Neighborhood Park Standards
2-13
Table 2.4
Existing Neighborhood Park Levei of Service
2-14
Table 2.5
Community Park Standards
2-19
Table 2.6
Existing Community Park Level of Service
2-20
Table 2.7
Open Space Standards
2-23
Table 3.1
Wheat Ridge Age Distribution
3-2
Table 3.2
Summary of Community Comparisons
3-4
Table 3.3
Total National Participation by Activity - Ail Ages
3-6
Table 3.4
Total National "Frequent" Youth Participants
3-7
Table 3.5
Participation by Type of Outdoor Activity Among Colorado Residents......
3-7
Table 3.6
Name/Location of Nearest Park
3-13
Table 3.7
Frequency of Wheat Ridge Park Usage
3-13
Table 3.8
Quality of Wheat Ridge Parks
3-14
Table 3.9
Reasons for Wheat Ridge Park Ratings
3-15
Table 3.10
Favorite Wheat Ridge Park
3-16
Table 3.11
Reasons the Wheat Ridge Park is a Favorite
3-17
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
Table 3.12
Reasons the Park Outside of Wheat Ridge is a Favorite
3-18
Table 3.13
Bicycling Activities
3-26
Table 3.14
Family Participation in Activities
3-28
Table 3.15
Summary of Athletic/Sport Recreation Program Activity
3-30
Tabie 3.16
Recreational Facility Needs
3-37
Table 5.1
Typical Park Project Item Costs
5-4
Table 5.2
Proposed Project Summary and Estimated Costs
5-5
Table 5.3
Current City of Wheat Ridge Tax Rates
5-11
List of Maps
Map 1 Regional Context 1-2
Map 2 Existing Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Resources 2-3
Map 3 Neighborhood / Pocket Park Service Areas 2-15
Map 4 Community Park Service Areas 2-21
List of Figures
Figure 3.1
Community Survey Distribution Areas
3-12
Figure 3.2
Wheat Ridge Residents Annual Park Usage
3-14
Figure 3.3
Wheat Ridge Residents Park Quality Ratings
3-15
Figure 3.4
Favorite Wheat Ridge Park
3-16
Figure 3.5
Favorite Park Outside of Wheat Ridge
3-17
Figure 3.6
Parks that Need Improvement
3-19
Figure 3.7
Reason the Park Needs Improvement
3-19
Figure 3.8
Reasons for not Using Wheat Ridge Parks
3-20
Figure 3.9
Satisfaction with Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation
3-21
Figure 3.10
Respondents Use of Public School Playgrounds
3-22
Figure 3.11
Greenbelt Access
3-22
Figure 3.12
Not Enough of These Facilities in Wheat Ridge (of those with an opinion)..
3-23
Figure 3.13
Resident Support for Replacement Options of Anderson Park Pool
3-25
DRAFT City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose of the Plan
The City of Wheat Ridge is an established mixed-use suburban
community in the Denver metro area. The city is located just west of a
Denver, south of Arvada, and north of Lakewood. To the east is
unincorporated Jefferson County and beyond that, the City of Golden. Interstate-70 (I-70) runs east-west along the northern and western
areas of the city, while Youngfield Street, Kipling Street, Wadsworth
Boulevard, and Sheridan Street are major arterials that run north-south
through the city. Map 1, Regional Context, shows Wheat Ridge's
location relative to neighboring communities, public lands, and
significant natural features. rtichards-Hart estate
Aithough Wheat Ridge does not have a traditional downtown, major commercial
and industrial corridors lie along Youngfield Street, Kipling Street, Wadsworth
Boulevard, and 32nd, 381h, and 44`h Avenues. The city's residential areas include a
mix of residential housing styles that range from single family detached houses to
apartments, along with established schools, parks, recreational facilities, open
space and greenbelts, and a central trail system.
The population within the City of Wheat Ridge is expected to gradually grow over
time, primarily through in-fill and redevelopment. As the community continues to
evolve, so too will the demand placed on existing parks, trails, and recreation
facilities. With this in mind, the city retained EDAW Inc. to develop a parks and
recreation master plan that defines the 20 to 25-year vision for the community.
The specific focus of the plan is to:
• Develop a detailed inventory of all parklands and quantify the level of
service for existing and future residents.
• Assess the current condition of the city's parks, trails, and recreation
facilities, including consideration of safety conditions and ADA issues.
• Analyze and determine community needs through discussions with user
groups, trends in recreational programs in parks, a community survey, and
public meetings.
• Identify potential future redevelopment areas and changes in population to
determine future parkland and facility needs, as well as opportunities for
synergies between parklands and redevelopment projects.
• Identify existing underserved residential areas that are in need of additional
parkland.
• Define level-of-service standards, a classification system, and general
design criteria for parks.
• Identify potential funding and acquisition strategies.
0 Develop an action plan for implementation.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Masler Plan
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DRAFT
City of Wheal Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The emphasis of this plan focuses on how Wheat Ridge can upgrade and enhance
its existing parks, trails, and recreation system to better meet the needs of current
and future residents. As part of this, the plan identifies opportunities for Wheat
Ridge to increase its total parkland through the enlargement of existing parks, the
construction of new parks where feasible, and joint-use agreements with outside
partners.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan should be revisited and updated
periodically, idealiy every five years, to ensure that it accurately reflects current
and future needs, changing conditions, and to adjust priorities within the
community as appropriate.
B. Planning Process and Document Organization
The plan was developed through a series of ineetings with several groups, all of
which provided insight, advice, and guidance. The Technical Advisory Committee
(TAC), which consisted of staff from the Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and
Community Development departments, served as the primary advisory group; the
group met six times during the process. Five meetings were also held
with the Parks and Recreation Commission and iwo with City Council to F:..,
further provide insight and guidance. Three pubiic open houses were
conducted as well to gather input from the general public, and the
Wheat Ridge Planning Commission provided insight through one work
session.
The planning process was structured with a series of tasks that built
upon each other. The tasks and chapters in which they are described
are as follows: omm
38~ Street in Wheat Ridge
Chapter One - Introduction
Establish purpose of the plan and planning process. Document historical
background and existing relevant policy plans.
Chapter Two - Existing Resources
Develop ciassifications for various types of parks and standards for their locations,
sizes, and other characteristics. Conduct an inventory, and develop a detailed
database and maps of existing parklands, trails, and recreationai facilities. Identify
the service areas associated with various types of parks.
Chapter Three - Issues and Needs
, Identify issues and determine needs based on the results of the inventory; a
communitywide survey; interviews with interest groups, recreation providers, and
park and recreation staff; participation trends in organized and self-directed
recreational activities; population growth and distribution projections; and
' comparisons with other communities.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recrealion Master Plan
DR4FT
afr>act,ve,.soje
Chapter Four - Master Plan Recommendations
and usab[eparks
bolstertheir
Develop recommendations and actions for the Parks and Recreation Master Pian,
neigHborhoods,
and define the standards for acreage of parkland to provide based on total
bnt cities need a
population. Identify specifc park enhancement and upgrade projects, and
strong ecoi:aurc
bASerorx(o,.
potential locations for additional parkland, facilities, and trails.
create) [hose pnrks
in 1he frst place.
Thaleconomic
Chapter Five - Implementation
base is Hard ta
aHarn wirhour
Identify existing and potential tools for impiementation (including regulations,
middle-class
funding sources and partnerships), and specific actions with identified
taxpayers, wlio
responsibilities and costs.
oJYen ivif[no!live
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C. City of Wheat Ridge History and Government Structure
- Pehr Harnik,
Inside Citv Parks,
HIStO
ry
ULI and Trust For
Public Lands,
Wheat Ridge was founded as a community in 18591. During that year, a small
group of farmers, some coming to Colorado in search of goid and silver, founded a
rural village in this location. By the late 1800s, fertile soils and plentifui water led
to the development of a small farming community. Up until World War II, Wheat
Ridge was a major supplier of fresh produce to the greater Denver area. However,
during the 1940s and 1950s as the city evolved, carnation production became a
major growth industry. For a time, Wheat Ridge was the largest producer of
carnations throughout the world. Although commercial wheat production is a thing
of the past, the ridges upon which much of this agricultural activity occurred
remain, providing expansive views of the Front Range. Additionally, several
carnation greenhouses remain in the northwest metropolitan area. Each August,
the city celebrates this heritage with the Carnation Festival. Started in 1970, the
festival draws thousands of people to this premier civic event. The city was fully
incorporated in 1969 as a statutory city when it was faced with annexation by
surrounding cities.
As of 2005, there were approximately 32,172 people and 14,246 households, with
an average household size of 2.20 people in the City of Wheat Ridge.
Government
In 1977, residents of Wheat Ridge adopted a home rule charter. In 1996, the
charter was amended to provide for a council-manager structure of government.
The Mayor, City Clerk, and City Treasurer are elected to four-year terms, and
there are eight City Council members. The City Council, acting as the legislative
body of the city, retains aIl typical legislative powers and functions of a municipal
government. The City Council also appoints a City Manager to manage the city's
daily affairs, be responsible for implementing City Council decisions, and oversee
the administration of the city. Currently the city has a police force of approximately
68 officers and staff, and city fire protection is covered by several districts. The
' Historical information referenced al the following websites: htlp://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/aboutlhistorical
http://en.wikipedia.orglwiki/ W heat_Ridge,_Colorado
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Arvada and West Metro Districts are full-time, professional districts, while the
districts in Fairmont and Wheat Ridge are volunteer run. The Jefferson County
R-1 School District operates all public education within the city. Currently there
are six elementary schools, two middie schools, one high school, and one charter
school in Wheat Ridge. There are aiso several private schools, including Foothills
Academy, Colorado Catholic Academy, Saint Peter & Paul Elementary, and Beth
Eden Baptist School.
Parks History
Prior to incorporation as a city, the Wheat Ridge Recreation District was
responsible for the acquisition and development of several parks in Wheat Ridge.
The district identified Clear Creek, which runs through the city, as a unique
community resource and an ideal location for a system of parks and
greenbelt trails. Through time, and using the city's appropriated share
of Open Space funds, Jefferson County Open Space funds, and a Great
Outdoors Colorado Legacy Grant, Wheat Ridge was able to acquire
large tracts of land along the creek to be preserved as open space. The
value of open space and recreational opportunities has continued to be
a priority for the city. With the incorporation of the city in 1969, several
~
recreation facilities (once owned and operated by the Prospect
~ x 1 Ct,1
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Recreation District) were also acquired by the city. The Prospect
r
Recreation District continues to serve nearby residents in
Richards-Hart Estate
unincorporated Jefferson County. Wheat Ridge was the first city in
Colorado to be awarded the "Tree City USA" designation based on
extensive tree planting performed by the city in the late 1970s, as well
as the development of a tree ordinance and an arborist board. In 1982,
~
the city was also designated a"Green Survival City" by the American
Association of Nurserymen for its achievements in city arbor
management.
In November 1998, the city began construction of a 71,000-square foot
recreation center, which opened in early 2000. Today, Wheat Ridge
occupies approximately 10 square miles of area, with approximately Ye01d Fire House
140 acres of developed parklands and an additional 250 acres of open
space. Wheat Ridge is also currently home to three National Historical Sites and
one Colorado State Historical Site. The Wheat Ridge Historical Society, in
cooperation with the Colorado Historical Society and the City of Wheat Ridge, is in
the process of restoring one of the first log cabins still on the same site. This
building, known as the Baugh House, is anticipated to have restoration completed
before 2008. The Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) also makes
its home in the historic Richards-Hart Estate, owned by the City of Wheat Ridge
and operated by the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan . DRAFT
D. Relationship to Other Plans
The Wheat Ridge City Council has adopted several guiding documents over the
years that include principles and recommendations for the provision of parks and
recreation. This Parks and Recreation Master Pian will serve as the guiding
document for providing parks and recreation facilities within the City of Wheat
Ridge. It builds upon previously adopted plans, and in the case of potentially
conflicting information, supersedes the information in the previous documents
regarding parks-related topics.
Recent relevant plans include:
1991 City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The goal of this pian was to provide a short and long-term Parks and Recreation
Master Plan for the City of Wheat Ridge. The plan addressed immediate needs,
as well as future needs in response to the desire for additional types of services
and facilities and a potential increase in population. The plan documented existing
park and recreation resources at the time, described the demographics of Wheat
Ridge, identified park and recreation needs, provided recommendations, and
offered an implementation strategy. Updated and revised amendments were
added to this plan in 1999 and are included in it as an appendix.
2002 City of Wheat Ridge Open Space Management Plan
The purpose of the City of Wheat Ridge Open Space Management Plan is to
establish a framework for setting priorities and provide specific management
direction for natural, scenic and recreational resources within the Wheat Ridge
Greenbeit, Lewis Meadows, and future open space acquisitions. Implementation
of the plan is intended to assist the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation
Department in its efforts to preserve and enhance these areas for present and
future generations. This plan was meant to be a working document, which should
change and evolve with the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, Lewis Meadows, and future
open space areas over time. Broad goals are outlined in the plan that provides the
philosophical basis upon which it is based. These goals are further defined, with
specific objectives and recommended actions that formalize existing ad hoc
management practices within Wheat Ridge's open space areas, and suggest
substantive changes in long-term direction that will require more specific site plans
and design work to implement. It addresses a full host of issues, including
vegetation, riparian areas, water resources, wildlife, threatened and endangered
species, wildiife, visitor use, resource management zones, management and
maintenance, and rules and regulations.
DRAFT
City of Wheal Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
2003 City of Wheat Ridge Open Space Wildfire Management Plan
The City of Wheat Ridge Open Space Wildfire Management Plan provides a
framework for integrating fire management with other resource management
activities, as outlined in the City of Wheat Ridge Open Space Management Plan.
Implementation of the Wildfire Management Plan is intended to assist the Parks
and Recreation Department in its effort to work with adjacent landowners, land
managers, and local fire control agencies to reduce the potential impacts of wildfire
on human life, private property, and the natural resources of Wheat Ridge's open
space. It is composed of a background and general description of Wheat Ridge
open space, describes the ecological role of fire, and provides specific steps for
wiidfire management, including prevention, suppression, and mitigation.
2003 City of Wheat Ridge Weed Management Plan
The Weed Management Plan provides a framework for integrating weed
management with other resource management activities, as outlined in the City of
Wheat Ridge Open Space Management Plan. Through the Weed Management
Plan, priorities have been set for the control or elimination of weeds that have
already established in open space, according to their actual and potential impacts
on native species and communities. It is intended that the Parks and Recreation
Department will act to prevent new infestations, and will assign highest priority to
existing infestations that are the fastest growing, most disruptive, and affect the
most highly valued areas within the open space. It is composed of an introduction,
management areas descriptions, a noxious weed inventory, priorities for weed
management, and restoration principles.
2000 City of Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan
In October 1999, City Council adopted the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan.
The plan is intended to be used by the City Council, Pianning Commission, city
staff and various boards and commissions to determine annual work programs and
budgets. It is also intended to be used as a decision-making guide for issues
regarding community character, infrastructure improvements, land use, and
environmental quality. The plan outlines specific community goals for the city to
strive for. It contains five key components, including: Future Land Use;
Community Character; Community Amenities and Services; Transportation;
Sustainable Economic Development and Environs; and Regional Cooperation.
The Community Amenities and Services section addresses parks and recreation,
and provides clear direction that more land be acquired for both recreational
purposes and open space preservation, with speciai attention given to the
equitable distribution of parks and open space throughout the city. This section
also describes in detail eight goals specifically related to parks and recreation.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Masler Plan DRAFT .
2005 and 2006 Comprehensive Plan Addendums
In 2005, City Council adopted the Comprehensive Plan Addendums. The action
taken by Council was part of the annual adoption of the Comprehensive Pian for
areas outside Wheat Ridge City limits, as required by CRS 31-12-105(e)(I). The
plans contain a general discussion of areas of potential annexation, but do not
illustrate the areas on any maps or recommend any future uses in these general
areas. The addendums provide specific policies for parks and recreation in
relation to those areas outside the city limits. The addendums also provide
specific policies and design criteria for trails.
2005 Repositioning Wheat Ridge Report
In 2005, the City of Wheat Ridge worked to develop a plan to reposition Wheat
Ridge. The purpose of this plan was to identify and leverage important community
assets, such as relatively low cost housing in the Metro Denver region, infill
development opportunities, a strong sense of community, and access and location,
and most importantly, a uniquely rich tradition of small-town life with rural accents
just at the edge of Denver. The plan that was developed also recommended the
creation of non-profit corporation, with the capability to facilitate and encourage
appropriate development in Wheat Ridge. The non-profit corporation that was
developed is Wheat Ridge 2020. Repositioning Wheat Ridge mapped out the
work that WR2020 would need to undertake as the primary vehicle in Wheat Ridge
responsible for encouraging appropriate development necessary to retain and
attract strong Jefferson County and Denver Metro area households. The plan also
focuses on taking advantage of Wheat Ridge's current assets, and building on
them to create a community that will be attractive to the strong households that will
fill an important niche in the community.
2006 Wheat Ridge Strategic Plan
Each year the Wheat Ridge City Council updates the City's Strategic Plan, which
outlines a strategic planning model for the future of the city. This plan has five
basic components that encompass the city's overall vision through the year 2020;
an immediate five-year plan; the city's mission; the city's core beliefs; and an
action agenda for the current year. Parks, recreation, open space, and trails are
addressed under each component through various specific principles and
objectives. For example, a high priority item in the Action Agenda for the year
2006 is the completion of a Parks and Recreation Master Pian.
Wheat Ridge Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan
The City of Wheat Ridge has completed an inventory of all existing pedestrian and
bicycle routes within the city. After this process is completed, a community-scale
pedestrian and bicycle master plan will be developed, indicating potential future
locations for both off-street and on-street pedestrian and bicycle trails, lanes, and
routes. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan will coordinate with this plan to the
extent practicable that it is compiete.
DRAFT
Wheat Ridge Sub-Area Pians
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The City of Wheat Ridge is currently in the process of developing sub-area plans
for three distinct areas of the city - the Northwest Area, the Wadsworth Corridor,
and the Orchard District. The Northwest Sub-Area Plan was completed in June
2006. The Wadsworth Corridor Plan is currently under development, and the
Orchard District Plan will begin development in the fall of 2006. The Parks and
Recreation Master Plan will coordinate with each of these plans accordingly, and
each separate plan should independently address parks and recreation as an
integral component of the sub-area planning process.
E. Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives
As part of the process of providing insight, advice, and guidance in drafting the
Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC) and the Parks Commission developed specific goals and
objectives they felt should most appropriately guide future development of parks
and recreation within the City. These goals and objectives support the City's
vision statement as defined in the 2006 Strategic Plan as weil as the existing
Parks and Recreation Mission Statement. The vision defines the desired end state
of the community. The mission defines the Parks and Recreation DepartmenYs
role in achieving that vision. Goals and objectives provide specific direction to the
community and its governing body in support of the vision, and provide the policy
basics from which decisions can be made. Through these goals and objectives,
the City is truly making a statement about its commitment to parks, recreation, and
trails in the community.
Strategic Plan Vision 2020
Wheat Ridge is a family oriented residentiai community with a range of quality
homes, mixed use urban villages and quality retail serving our residents as unique
regional destinations. Our residents have great access to Denver and the
mountains, enjoy an active lifestyle, share small-town values and take pride in our
community.
The fut:me belongs !n
those who believe in 1lae
beauty of their dreums.
- Elcanor Roosevelt
Parks and Recreation Department Mission Statement
Embracing the community through exceptional programs and facilities that
enhance opportunities for personal growth, well being, and healthy lifestyles.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
Goals and Objectives
Goal 7. Provide a wide range of recreation, leisure, athletic, and cultural
opportunities for all residents of Wheat Ridge.
Objectives:
• Promote a balanced system of different sized parks, developed properties
and natural conservation lands, specialized recreational, cultural and arts
facilities, and varied recreational programming.
• Design parks to provide for a variety of experiences that appeal to a broad
range of interests, abilities, and ages.
• Provide 2.5 acres of Neighborhood parkiands and 4.0 acres of Community
parklands for every 1,000 residents.
• Develop new facilities/services as well as upgrade existing facilities.
• Accommodate various types of users on the trail system.
• Ensure that future demands are met through redevelopment and the
development of new facilities and services.
• Provide accessible facilities and rehabilitate existing facilities to meet the
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Keep abreast of current trends and changing demands for recreational
activities by periodically conducting a community-wide survey and updating
the Master Plan.
Goal 2. Leverage the assets provided by parks, recreational facilities, open
space, trails, and other leisure amenities to promote reinvestment in and
redevelopment of strategic areas of the city.
Objectives:
• Integrate with City of Wheat Ridge sub-area plans, Neighborhood
Revitalization Strategy, Strategic Plan, and other overall city planning
efforts.
• The Wheat Ridge Greenbelt will serve as an amenity encouraging adjacent
private redevelopment and development.
• Wheat Ridge Park and Recreation assets will help to provide the City with
notable gateways into the community.
• The ongoing maintenance of traffic islands in Wheat Ridge wili provide the
city with traffic calming and street beautification amenities.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Goal 3. Equitably distribute and conveniently locate parks, recreational
facilities and trails throughout Wheat Ridge.
Objectives:
. Locate neighborhood parks within 1/2 mile of the neighbors they are
intended to serve and in locations that are comfortably and safely
accessible by pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Develop additional lands, including joint school-park facilities, as
adequately sized Neighborhood Parks in existing underserved
neighborhoods. Where additional land is not feasible, provide safe and
convenient pedestrian and bicyclist access to the nearest neighborhood
park through construction of sidewalks, improved crossings of roadways
and grade separated crossings of barriers if feasible.
• Locate parks conveniently to neighborhoods and in areas with good
pedestrian or trail access.
• Locate Pocket Parks where larger parks or adequately-sized undeveloped
land is not availabie.
• Retain community parks, generally within 1-2 miles of residential areas and
on sites that are accessible by trails, bike lanes and major roadways.
• Centrally locate recreation/community centers and other facilities that are
heavily used by youth, adults, and seniors on sites with visual and
vehicular access from major roadways, with public transit access and with
direct trail connections.
• Locate multi-purpose practice fields for youth sports in neighborhood parks
as well as community parks. Size neighborhood parks adequately to allow
for such uses.
Goa14. Provide safe, enjoyable and comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian
connections throughout Wheat Ridge.
Objectives:
• Provide a multi-purpose community-wide core trail system that connects
major destinations (e.g., Regional and Community Parks, large
conservation lands, recreation centers, shopping districts, employment
districts, major event centers, etc.) and provides opportunities for trail loops
with areas of interest along the route.
• Connect Neighborhood Parks and neighborhood schools to a community-
wide trail system with or neighborhood connector trails (where feasible and
appropriate in the context of the neighborhood design), and on-street bike
lanes and routes.
• Identify future trail corridors along drainages, irrigation canais and publicly
owned property and easements.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreafion Master Plan DRAFT
• Locate trails to provide pleasant and safe user experiences.
• Provide both paved and non-paved trails to accommodate a variety of
users.
• Provide pedestrian and bicycle access throughout neighborhoods to
facilitate safe, enjoyable routes between homes and parks and recreational
amenities.
Goal 5. Develop and maintain parks, trails, recreational facilities and open
lands at a high level of quality that is appropriate for the location, the type of
use and nature of the facility.
Objectives:
• Incorporate historic and cultural resources and art into park designs to
celebrate the unique aspects of the community of Wheat Ridge and provide
distinctiveness between parks.
• Establish maintenance and design standards, and management plans for
the various types of parks and other properties the City maintains.
• Annually assess needed maintenance and renovation projects system-
wide, including bringing existing facilities up to ADA standards.
• Manage fields to prevent overuse and irreparable damage to playing
surfaces.
• Select durable materials that are sustainable, resource efficient and non-
toxic for construction of new facilities.
• Identify key areas with high quality native vegetation, wetlands or wildlife
habitats and manage to reduce invasive, non-native species.
• Periodically assess satisfaction levels of residents.
• Adequately staff and fund maintenance and operations to increase the
level of maintenance to acceptable standards, and adjust staffing levels to
keep pace with the addition of properties to the system.
Goal 6. Develop and maintain parks, trails and recreational facilities in an
environmentally sensitive manner.
Objectives:
• Place greater emphasis on the use of non-irrigated landscapes, native
species and low water-requiring plant materials.
• Preserve areas of high quality naturai vegetation.
• Avoid environmentally sensitive areas in locating trails and other developed
facilities.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
• Protect water quality through implementation of "Best Management
Practices" in the design of storm water conveyance and detention facilities.
• Use permeable pavements, recycled materials, locally manufactured
products, locally available materials and low energy requiring facilities and
technologies to the greatest extent practicabie.
• Provide City residents with information on the benefits of sustainable
landscapes through demonstration gardens, backyard wildlife programs
and interpretive signage.
• Implement area-specific resource management plans for open spaces that
define the appropriate levei of public use and ecosystem management
strategies.
• Seasonally close areas and trails as warranted to protect sensitive
resources.
• Provide for integrated pest management where/when necessary.
Goal 7. Develop adequate land acquisition, development, operations and
maintenance funding sources and tools to realize the Master Plan vision.
Objectives:
• Ensure that new residential development contributes its fair share for parks
and recreational facilities to the extent allowed by state law.
• Seek public-private partnerships where mutually beneficial and appropriate.
• Aggressively seek grants from available sources.
• Coordinate with other agencies and seek partnerships with these agencies
to leverage available funding.
• Support funding for additional park and recreation staff positions as the
open lands, recreation, parks and trails system grows.
• Periodically update park design standards in subdivision, zoning and other
land-use and development regulations to incorporate the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan recommendations.
• Use residential special improvement districts or other special districts for
park acquisition, development and/or maintenance where others means do
not exist.
• Clearly define developer responsibilities.
• Coordinate with public works on streetscape improvements (traffic calming
islands, etc.).
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Goal 8. Monitor, assess and adjust the existing intergovernmental and joint-
use agreements, tools, goals, policies, action plan and priorities to meet
changing or unforeseen conditions and/or needs in Wheat Ridge.
Objectives:
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of past and current tools for
providing parks, recreation programs, trails, conservation lands and
recreational facilities.
• Review and, if needed, update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for
Wheat Ridge every 5 years in concert with the City Council Strategic Plan,
and updates to transportation plans, comprehensive plans, sub-area plans
and state statutes, to reflect changing needs and opportunities,.
• Monitor annual progress towards achieving the goals.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
CHAPTER TWO - EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION
RESOURCES, STANDARDS AND LEVEL OF SERVICE
This chapter documents the parks, open space, trails, and recreational
facilities currently owned by the City of Wheat Ridge and maintained by
the City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department. It also
includes information on facilities not owned by the city, but used
regularly for recreational programming by the recreation department.
Definitions of each park type are included, as well as standards for the
desired level of service (acres per 1,000 population) and types of
facilities that should be included within the parks. Neighborhoods in
Wheat Ridge that are served by local parks are identified, as well as the
amount of parkland available to them. During this process, areas were Stites Park
identified that currently do not have adequate access to parks. The
inventory of parkland and open space is followed by a brief description of the
school district resources, speciai recreational facilities and existing trails in the
community.
A. Park and Open Space Inventory
The City of Wheat Ridge has several types of existing parklands and open space.
The classifications and a brief description of each are listed below. Detailed
definitions follow this section.
Neighborhood Parks
• Neighborhood Parks - neighborhood-scale parks that are intended to
serve residents in the neighborhoods surrounding the park.
• Pocket Parks - smaller versions of neighborhood parks with fewer
amenities, serving a smaller radius of homes.
Community Parks
• Community Parks - larger multi-purpose parks that serve the entire
community.
• Sports Complexes - parks dedicated to specialized sports that serve the
entire community, often associated with community parks.
Other Parks
• Special Purpose Parks - parks that serve a singular or focused
community need, such as an environmental education center or historical
park.
• Undeveloped Parkland - land that is owned by the city and reserved for
future park development.
Open Space
Parks are a key
e[ement in
rebuilding
neighborhoods Ymr
dnve 1o have good
sckao[s, good
libraries and good
pasks. They al[
work logelher.
- Richard Daley,
Mayor of Chicago
0 Natural Areas - lands that place emphasis on protection of natural values.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
• Regional Open Space - lands that protect large areas with natural
resource values of communitywide significance, and provide opportunities
for nature-oriented outdoor recreation.
• Visual Green Space - lands that are strategicaliy-located visual amenities
or buffers not associated with drainageways.
Parks are classified based on their existing amenities, location within the
community, size, and proximity to residential areas. Each classification of
parkland is accompanied by standards that describe their characteristics and
desired level of service. These classifications and standards provide guidance in
the development of a parkland system that offers consistent service to city
residents. Map 2 shows the locations of various parklands, open space,
recreational facilities, and traiis within the City of Wheat Ridge. Table 2.1 is a
summary of the types of parks and open space, while Table 22 is a detailed
inventory of those lands and the facilities and amenities they contain.
Table 2.1. Park and Open Space Inventory Summary
Pocket Park
8.00
7
Nei hborhood Park
4920
7
Communit Park
66.00
2
S orts Com lexes
16.00
1
S ecial Pur ose Parks
4.75
3
Natural Areas
9.00
1
Re ional O en S ace
250.00
1
Visual Green S ace
0.87
17
Undevelo ed Parkland
14.50
0
Recreation Center Pro erties
12.00
3
Total Parkland
430.32
42
Within the City of Wheat Ridge, there are a total of 42 sites that are parks, open
space, recreation centers, or areas of visual green space totaling approximately
430 acres. Of this, 7 sites are neighborhood parks (49.20 acres) and 7 sites are
pocket parks (8.0 acres). Two park sites in the city are community parks (66.0
acres). These two community parks also serve as neighborhood parks for
residents living nearby, which is generally considered within a 0.5-mile radius.
There is also 1 dedicated sports complex in the city (16.0 acres), 1 natural area
(9.0 acres), 1 open space area (250.0 acres), and 17 areas of visual green space
(0.87 acre).
DRAFT
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DRAFT
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"
6
~
t
X
$
~
l~t~~tt
g
g
y
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E
ffi
Table 2.2. Detailed Parks and Open Space Inventory (continued)
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Additionally, there are 3 undeveloped park sites within the city (14.5 acres). There
are also 12 other sites that provide recreation resources for the city, including
various schools that serve as neighborhood parks or sports complexes, Jefferson
County Open Space amenities, and the city's indoor recreational facilities: the
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, the Wheat Ridge Community Center/Senior
Center, and the Anderson Building at Anderson Park. The city also uses the Ye
Olde Firehouse and the Berbert House in Prospect Park for community meetings
and youth sports storage respectively.
Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood Parks are parks that serve a residential neighborhood, and may be
full-size neighborhood parks or pocket parks, which are smaller. They are the
backbone of the Wheat Ridge parks system, antl serve as critical elements of
heaithy neighborhoods and places that provide relief from the built environment.
They are located primarily in developed residential areas, and typically have
landscaping and walking surfaces that can withstand high levels of use. They are
spaces where neighbors can gather, children can play, and people can watch
other people as well as engage in recreational activities. Generally, Wheat
Ridge's parks are in relatively good condition, but many are in need of updated
facilities, walks and landscaping.
Fruitdale Park
I
Fruitdale Park is located at 4700 Miller Street, north of West 44t" Avenue and
Whetker they are
south of I-70. Fruitdale Park is 12 acres in size and contains a basketball court,
exr.avaga„rorjusra
playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, barbeques, horseshoe pits, drinking
fenced-in plot ofdir(,
dog parks are
fountain, off-street Parking, and soft surface walkin9 trail. The Park also has
increasittgly seen not
passive areas and areas of native vegetation with soft surface paths. All amenities
°'rux""es, b"t
in the park are in good physical condition. The park receives a high amount of use
"eCeSS'r"s.
during the day from the neighboring Foothills Academy. The park is located in
- MayaAvrasin,
Puppie-Friendly
both a low income area as well as in the Wheat Rid e motel zone. This ma
9 Y
earks, rarks ana
contribute to the high level of vandalism and vagrancy observed in the park. While
Recreation NRPA,
no physical upgrades or modifications are currently needed at Fruitdale Park, it
Dec.2003, Vo1.38,
n*umner 12.
may be necessary to address the on9oing vandalism and va9rancY issues throu9h
further activation of the park and such measures as athletic programming or
~
establishing a small dog park.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Hayward Park
Hayward Park is located at the corner of West 29`h Avenue and
Wadsworth Boulevard, adjacent to Wheat Ridge Municipal Building.
Hayward Park is 5 acres in size and contains a playground, picnic
tables, water feature, and paved walking path. Installed in 2001, the
playground is in good condition. The Park is also home to the
Veteran's Memorial Gazebo. The park also contains numerous passive
areas. While Hayward Park does not offer any athletic fields or courts,
it does provide a pleasant park experience near City Hall.
Johnson Park
Johnson Park is located at the corner of West 491h Avenue and
Wadsworth Boulevard, along the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt. Johnson
Park is 4 acres in size and contains a playground, picnic tables,
barbeques, restrooms, and a drinking fountain. The Clear Creek trail is
also located adjacent to the park. As the park
sits along the greenbelt, it offers numerous natural areas and provides
opportunities for fishing and other recreation associated with Clear
Creek. In general, the park is degraded and most park amenities are in
need of replacement. Street access to Johnson Park is very difficult Johnson Park
and only available to cars traveling south on Wadsworth Boulevard
through a right-hand turn. it is not possible to turn left into the park while traveling
north on Wadsworth Boulevard. The street entrance to the park is also difficult to
see and not visually appealing or attractive. As the park lies well below the road
level, visual access and line of sight is poor, producing safety concerns. The park
also lies entirely within a floodplain as it sits adjacent to Clear Creek.
Consideration should be given to closing street access to Johnson Park and
transitioning it from a neighborhood park to Wheat Ridge Greenbelt acreage with
pedestrian access from Wadsworth Blvd.
Panorama Park
Panorama Park is located at the corner of West 35`h Avenue and Fenton Street.
Panorama Park is 9 acres in size and contains 4 tennis courts, 1 basketball courts,
2 baseball/softball fields, 2 soccer/lacrosse fields, a playground, horseshoe pits,
picnic shelter, restrooms, barbeques, and drinking fountains. The outfields
softball/baseball fields also serve as a football field in the fall. Panorama Park has
good street access and offers 3 off-street parking lots. Ample passive area is also
provided. Panorama Park is very popular and the tennis courts are heavily
utilized. In general, the park is in good condition; however, some upgrades and
improvements are needed. Paved walks are needed throughout the park as well
as ADA access to the ballfield backstops and picnic shelters. The existing public
art sculpture is severely deteriorated and needs refurbished or replaced. New
benches are also needed in the ballfield dugouts; the play equipment is beginning
to age and should be replaced in the future.
,
~ ~ hdards, Level of Servic~ Ea
y'~.3d~ ~,a~d~~;-?~,
4,.`
Ci
2;9
Hayward Park I
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Paramount Park
Paramount Park is located at the corner of West 29l" Avenue and
Kipling Street, across the street from Crown Hill Regional Park.
Paramount Park is 9 acres in size and contains 2 soccer/lacrosse
fields, a softball/baseball field, basketball court, playground, horseshoe
pits, picnic sheiter, restrooms, barbeques, and drinking fountain.
Paramount Park was originally constructed on top of a former Iandfili
and was subsequently refurbished in 1989. As part of Paramount Park
the triangular-shaped parcei across Oak Street is maintained as park
property. The park is currently home to the Wheat Ridge High School Girls
Softball team and the fields are heavily used. Overall, the park is in good physical
condition; however, a few improvements are needed. ADA access needs to be
provided to the ballfield backstops and new benches are needed near the play
areas. The basketball court also needs to be resurfaced. The restrooms and play
equipment are in good condition.
Randall Park
Randall Park is located at the corner of West 43ro Avenue and Gray Street.
Randall Park is 5 acres in size and contains 2 softbail/basebali fields, 2 basketbail
courts, an all purpose court, piayground, picnic shelter, barbeques, restrooms, and
drinking fountain. There are also 2 off-street parking lots located at the park.
Randall Park is also home to one of the few lighted ball fields residing in a
residential neighborhood; the balifields are in good condition. The playground and
picnic shelter are beginning to age and should be considered for replacement in
the future. Overall, the parking layout on the east side of the park is poor with
more asphalt paving than necessary. Additionally, access to the park from the
south parking lot is prohibited by a large chain-link fence along the third baseline of
one of the ballfieids. Patrons utilizing this parking lot must walk through the east
parking lot to gain access to the park area.
Pocket Parks
Apel-Bacher Park
Apel-Bacher Park is located at the corner of West 45t' Avenue and Vance Street.
Apel-Bacher Park is 2 acres in size and contains 3 tennis courts, a playground,
picnic shelter, barbeque, and drinking fountain. All park amenities are in good
condition, and there is adequate ADA access throughout the park and to the tennis
courts.
Bonnie's Park
Bonnie's Park is located at the corner of West 37Ih Avenue and Upham
Street. Bonnie's Park is 0.25 acre in size and contains a playground,
picnic tables, and horseshoe pit; all are in good condition. There are no
restroom facilities and all parking is on-street. While not a very large
park, Bonnie's does provide nearby residents with needed park space
in which to relax and children space to play.
Paramount' ParC
Bonnie's Park
DRAFT
City ofWheatRidge Parks and Recreafion Master Plan
Boyd's Crossing
Boyd's Crossing is located at the corner of West 45`h Avenue and Everett Street.
Boyd's Crossing is 1 acre in size and contains a playground, picnic tables, and
concrete footpath bisecting the park north and south. There are no benches,
restroom, or drinking fountain, and the playground is old and in need of
replacement. The park sits in a low income area of the city and there is a high
occurrence of vandalism there.
Happiness Gardens
Happiness Gardens is located at 4226 Ammons Street, adjacent to the rear of
Wiimore Davis Elementary School; it is 1 acre in size. Happiness Gardens is the
city's community garden area and is well used by the public. Residents can rent a
10' x 20' garden plot for $20 for the season. The parks department tills the soil in
the spring and fall and provides on-site water for irrigation. Other than one picnic
table, Happiness Gardens contains no traditional park facilities or amenities. The
gardens are separated from the rear turf areas and filled space of the elementary
school by a split rail fence. There is ample opportunity to partner with the school
to provide well needed turf area to the south for a more traditional neighborhood
park in this underserved area.
Stites Park
Stites Park is located at the corner of West 29'h Avenue and Newland Street.
Stites Park is 2 acres in size and contains a baseball/softball field, basketball
court, playground, and picnic tables. The playground and other park amenities are
in good physical condition and there is good street access to the park; however,
ADA access throughout the park is poor. The swing-set is old and needs replaced
with a more current model. There is also a need for new bleachers as they are not
currently safety compliant. Due to its limited size, Stites Park does not function
well as a full neighborhood park.
Town Center Park
Town Center Park is located in a shopping plaza parking area at 4084 Wadsworth
Boulevard and is 0.75 acre in size. The park contains park benches and a water
feature. As the park is located in the middle of a shopping plaza, there is poor
access and poor visibility from the street leaving the park difficult to locate.
Although the water feature was recently refurbished, the park is underutilized by
the general public. A high levei of vagrancy exists at the park, requiring high levels
of maintenance from the parks division.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Neighborhood Park Standards
DRAFT
Neighborhood parks should be adequately sized to provide space for a variety of
activities, and are ideally a minimum of 3 acres. They should be centrally located
within the residential area they serve, and are often located adjacent to an
elementary or middle school. Programmed sports activities in neighborhood parks
should normally be limited to practices, as the need to be compatible with
surrounding residential land uses limits the intensity of use. Exceptions may be
necessary if no other facilities exist, or if the use is not detrimental to the
neighborhood.
While pocket parks supplement the neighborhood park system and provide visuai
relief within the urban landscape, they are not substitutes for adequately-sized
neighborhood parks. In Wheat Ridge, pocket parks are typically 1 to 2 acres in
size, which often makes them more of an amenity to the immediate neighbors
rather than the larger neighborhood. They are similar to neighborhood parks,
except they offer only a few neighborhood park amenities due to their limited size.
Since the parceis are small, they have limited use for larger neighborhood
gatherings, youth sports practices, self-directed activities such as kite-flying, and
other activities that require larger open areas. Table 2.3 lists the specific
standards for neighborhood parks.
DRAFT
Table 2.3 Neighborhood Park Standards
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Reaeation Master Plan
Classification
PARKS
I Desirable
Acreage
purpose/Function
Site Characteristics
Level of
Service
Neighborhood
3-10 acres;
Provides nearby recreation and
Locate adjacent to
2 to 3 acres /
Park
slightly
leisure opportunities within walking
greenway, open space,
1,000 pop.
smaller size
distance (one-half mile) of
elementary or junior high
may be
residential areas. Should serve as
schools when possible.
acceptable if
a common area for neighbors of all
adjacent to
ages to gather, socialize and play.
Centrally locate within
other
area served.
parkland/
Typically would include a paved,
natural areas
multi-purpose area for court
Accessible via walkway
or greenway
games/in-line skating or two tennis
or urban trail.
parks while
courts, a multi-purpose play field
accommo-
with backstop, play equipment,
Portions of the site
dating larger
ADA accessible trails and shaded
should be relatively flat to
neighbor-
areas for picnics and sitting within
accommodate fields and
hood park
a landscaped setting that is a
facility development.
purposes/
blend of full irrigation for active
functions.
uses and xeriscape. Features
At least Y. of the park,
such as interpretive signs, water
two sides, shall be
bodies, and areas of natural
bordered by a street in
vegetation may also be included
order to provide easy
where appropriate. In most cases,
public access, visual
programmed sports activities
surveillance and parking.
should be limited to practices. On-
Surrounding the site with
street parking is typically
the back property lines of
adequate, and separate parking
houses is strongly
lots are discouraged.
discouraged.
School/Park facilities include many
of the same neighborhood
standards, except that
school/parks should include: game
fields (preferably two), off-street
parking that is situated for school
and park purposes, and a
playground designed for age
groups not served by school
playgrounds.
Pocket Park
2 acres or
Serves a neighborhood where
Same as those required
Not applicable.
less
opportunities for a larger park site
for Neighborhood Park.
Part of
are unavailable. Typically
neighborhood
considered to serve residents
park
within one-quarter mile of the park.
standards.
Due to limited size, may only
contain a few of the elements
typical of a standard neighborhood
park.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Neighborhood Park Level of Service
DRAFT
Wheat Ridge has a total of 14 neighborhood parks, 7 of which are small pocket
parks. Combined, these parks total more than 57 acres and provide a level of
service of 1.8 acres per 1,000 population based on a population of 32,172.
Anderson and Prospect parks also serve neighborhood park functions for the
neighborhoods within a 0.5-mile radius. When 10 acres of each of these parks is
included in the average, the effective level of service rises to 2.4 acres per 1,000
population (See Table 2.4). All of the neighborhood parks meet the 3-acre
desirable minimum standard.
Map 3 shows the 0.5-mile and 025-mile service areas and level of service (acres
of parkland per 1,000 population) associated with each developed neighborhood
and pocket park. Service areas around community parks that can be considered to
function as the adjacent residences' neighborhood park are also shown. Ten
acres of each community park were considered as "Neighborhood Park" for the
purposes of determining the level of service for the surrounding neighborhoods.
The service areas on Map 3 represent the immediate neighborhood that has
access to that park without crossing an arterial roadway, active rail line, river or
other barrier, which prevents easy access via waiking or by bicycie. The extent of
existing residential development is also generally shown.
Table 2.4. Existing Neighborhood Park Level of Service
Population*
32,172
Existing Developed Neighborhood/Pocket
Parkland (acres) 57.20
Level of Service
1.8 ac/1,000 pop. I
Effective Level of Service*'* 2.4ac/1,000 pop.
' 2005 Population: 32,172 (DRCOG 2006)
" Includes 10 acres each of Anderson and Prospect Parks, which serve neighborhood park functions to
residenGs within %z-mile radius.
DRAFT
Map 3. Neighborhood / Pocket Park Service Areas
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
'4 s
Q.
i O
d
N'
4 s
~ o',
Cily of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Although Wheat Ridge is relatively well covered by the distribution of
neighborhood parks, there are a few residential areas that are currently not served
by neighborhood or pocket parks. These are particularly notable in the following
neighborhoods: the area around 44'h Avenue and Kendall Street; the area
immediately east of Stevens Elementary Schooi; the area north of 44'h Avenue and
west of Wadsworth Boulevard; the area east of the Einarsen property; the area
east of Everitt Middle School; the area surrounding Lutheran Hospital; the area to
the south, east, and west of Prospect Valley Elementary School; and the area east
of Kullerstrand Elementary School.
A few existing developed areas of Wheat Ridge may be undergoing
redevelopment and infill in the future, with new residential units being constructed
in key strategic locations throughout the city. This future increase in population
presents chalienges for providing adequate parkland because the City of Wheat
Ridge is primarily surrounded by developed communities. Retrofitting and
nrr.o~r;~e, safe and
redesigning existing neighborhood parkland has the potential, in some instances,
usab[enarks bo[ster
to enhance the level of service to existing neighborhoods. The development and
their neigh6orhoods,
but cities need ¢ slrong
redesign of school lands might increase levei of service in these areas as well.
economicbasetofix
Access to existing neighborhood parks in underserved areas could alsobe
(or ceeale) thoseparks
improved by enhancing pedestrian and bicyclist connections across existing
;i,rnefrslplace. THat
barriers. This may be accomplished through constructing arterial roadway and
economic base is hrsrd
10Q(lIIIMW(1{fOGf
railroad grade underpasses, enhancing crosswalks, and installing trail bridges at
„aeare-cras, raxpaye.s,
strategic locations across arterial roadways and rivers.
ivho nften will not [ive
somewhere that [acks
decentparks.
COIl1RlUlllt)/ PBCkS
- Peter Harnik,tnside
Ciri Parks. [1LI and
Community parks are larger parks that serve the entire community. They should
Trus[ for Public
be equitably distributed throughout the city and easily accessible by ail residents.
Lanas, zooo.
Ideally, they should also be connected via the core commuter off-street trail
system to reduce the need to drive to the park. Sports complexes are also often
associated with community parks. These are typically parks or areas of community
parks that have dedicated sport facilities available for use to the entire community.
While many community parks contain sports complexes, not ail sports complexes
are a part of a community park or contain park-like facilities. In Wheat Ridge, both
existing community parks have a different character. For example, Anderson Park
is the showpiece of the Wheat Ridge park system with a variety of facilities,
amenities, and terrain, including the citys only outdoor pooi. Anderson Park is
also home to the city's annual Carnation Festival held each August, and home to a
community center, some park offices, and a skatepark. Prospect Park has many
similar features to Anderson Park, however, it is slightiy larger and is divided into
two distinct sections.
Anderson Park
Anderson Park is located on the south side of 44`h Avenue at Field Street
intersection and is 27 acres in size. The park contains 2 baseball/softball fieids,
2 soccer/lacrosse fields, 2 basketball courts, a skate park, in-line hockey rink,
playground, picnic shelters, restrooms, barbeques, seasonal concessions, and
drinking fountains. Anderson Park is also home to the Anderson Pool, the city's
only outdoor swimming facility, and the Anderson Building, which is programmed
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreafion Master Plan
for selected indoor fitness programs. Anderson Park is located along the Wheat
Ridge Greenbelt and the Clear Creek trail, offering visitors numerous options for
natural resource-based recreation, such as walking, hiking, wiidlife viewing, and
bicycling. The park is also home to communitywide events, such as the annual
Carnation Festival held each August and hosted by the Carnation Festival
Committee. The Parks, Forestry, and Open Space Division offices and
maintenance shop are also located at Anderson Park
Many of the facilities at Anderson Park are in good physical condition,
including the restrooms, playgrounds, and rental shelters. However,
many other facilities are beginning to deteriorate. The outdoor pool :
needs replaced or refurbished. and an evaluation and feasibility study
was conducted for this purpose in 2004. The in-line hockey rink is not
currently regulation size and needs resurfaced. The skate park is also
somewhat undersized and should be relocated to a more centralized
location outside of the park. Other elements of the park also need
addressed, including the aging irrigation system, erosion of the bank Anderson Park
along Clear Creek and adjacent ditches, and the overall layout of
parking. Lastly, the Anderson Building should be remodeled or replaced in
another location. It is currently programmed for overflow fitness activities that
cannot be accommodated in the main Recreation Center. However, it is
undersized, the amenities are outdated and deteriorating and, as such, it does not
adequately serve users.
In general, Anderson Park would greatly benefit from an individual master plan that
addresses the overall purpose and function of the park relative to other city parks
and facilities; the location and desirability of a new or upgraded pool and skate
park; and the overall layout of recreational facilities and parking within the park
itself.
Prospect Park "
Prospect Park is located at the corner of West 44`" Avenue and Robb
Street and is approximately 39 acres in size. The park contains 2
baseball/softball fields, 1 footbali field, 1 basketball court, 1 tennis court,
playgrounds, picnic shelters, 2 restrooms, seasonal concessions,
barbeques, drinking fountains, horseshoe pits, and an amphitheater.
Prospect Park is also located along the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt and
Clear Creek trail, offering numerous opportunities for natural resource-
based recreation. These opportunities include walking, hiking, biking, '
and wildlife viewing. Prospect Lake, located at the rear of the park, Prospect ParM
divides the park into two units. Across the lake is the Prospect Park
annex, which offers a Habitat Garden, soft surface traii, playground and picnic
sheiter. Fishing is also available along the banks of Prospect Lake. The Parks and
Recreation Department also maintains the Berbert House, which is located in front
of the park along West 44Ih Avenue. Currently, the residence is only used for
storage.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Overali, many of the park amenities are in good physical condition,
including the playgrounds, picnic shelter, and restrooms, and there is
adequate ADA access throughout. Lighting upgrades have been added
at the ballfields, and the tennis court located here is the only city-owned
and maintained court west of Kipiing Street. The pedestrian crossing
across 44`h Avenue leading to the park needs enhanced as it is not
adequately marked for such a busy thoroughfare. Currently, the park is
not organized well to handle large citywide events. A master plan
should be created for the park illustrating how Prospect Park may
become a new community festival and culturai focal point within Wheat Ridge. The
park should also be integrated into the larger Orchard District Sub-area Plan that is
currently being developed.
Community Sports Complexes
Creekside Park
Creekside Park is located at the corner of West 49th Avenue and Marshall Street
and is 16 acres in size. Creekside Park contains 2 baseball/softball fields (1 of
which is a Colorado Rockies field), a football field, playground, picnic shelter,
portable toilets, and ample passive space. Creekside is also located adjacent to
4he Wheat Ridge Greenbelt and the Clear Creek trail. While the existing facilities
rhe sc;e,:ce rs crear.
Thefundaiirental
at Creekside Park are heavily programmed and in good condition, the park oniy
reasoi: ourchildren
functions in a limited capacity as a sports complex. There is no ADA access to the
are overweight is
balifield backstops and throughout the park itself. Additionally, the park sits in a
this - loon:any
childrers are ea(ing
floodplain that receives drainage runoff from I-70, and often the water
too ninch and
compromises the integrity of the sports and recreational amenities within the park.
„rovr„g roo rrrne.
The Parks and Recreation Department would like to install permanent restrooms
Kids i:eedto spend
and some type of concession or vending area for visitors during games. In
niore tiine on 1he
p/aygrounAand [ess
addition to addressing the more immediate drainage issues at Creekside, there is
o„ rrie rraysrarron.
also an opportunity to improve the quality of native vegetation in unusable areas,
- cvcnarax.
such as steep banks. Community Park Standards
Carmona, U.S.
Surgeon General
Vice Admiral,
Community Parks should be adequatelY sized to accommodate a variety of diverse
NRPA Congress, zs
activities, including passive uses. They are idealiy 25 to 100 acres in size, and
ocroner zoos.
often combine developed parkland for self-directed or programmed activities
(festivals, performances, fitness trails, sports fields and courts, picnic shelters,
etc.) with natural areas or other interesting elements (water features, forests or
gardens). They should be centrally located and accessible to everyone in the
community. An off-street trail system should also be connected to community
parks, allowing for access not reliant on automobiles. Table 2.5 lists the specific
standards for community parks.
Creekside Park
DRAFT
Table 2.5 Community Park Standards
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recrea6on Master Plan
Classification
PARKS
Desirable
Acreage
purpose/Punction
Site Characteristics
Level of
Service
Community
25-100
Provides opportunities for
Portions of the site should
3 to 5
Park
acres
community wide activities and
be relatively flat to
acres /
facilities. Should maintain a
accommodate fields and
1,000
balance between programmed
facility development if the
pop.
sports facilities and other
park site allows. Special
community activity areas such as
site features such as
urban forests, gardens, historic
streams, lakes, forests, rock
features, waterfeatures,
outcrops, historic or
performance areas, festival
archaeological sites and
spaces, plazas, etc. and have
other interesting elements
features that appeal to the
may add to the unique
broader community.
character of the park.
Sports complexes are not
Ideally, will have good
complete community parks as
access from a collector or
they are very special-purpose.
aRerial street.
However, they contribute to the
overall level of service for
Direct access to primary
community parks. See definition
community trail system
below.
desirable.
Community Parks should
generally be located so as to
provide all residents access to a
community park within 1- 2 miles
of their home. Community Parks
may also serve as the local
neighborhood park for residential
areas within mile.
Sports
Varies
Provides opportunities for
Majority of site should be
Part of
Complex
community-wide programmed
relatively flat to
communit
and self-directed sports such as:
accommodate sports fields.
y park
baseball, softball, soccer, tennis,
level of
in-line hockey, and skateboarding
Locate away from residential
service
in higher intensity use facilities.
areas to avoid traffc, light
standard.
Limited areas for passive
and noise conflicts.
recreation uses and other
features that appeal to the
broader community. Strategically
locate to fill service gaps for
specialized sports facilities.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Community Park Level of Service
DRAFT
Wheat Ridge has a total of 2 communiry parks and 1 sports complex. Combined,
these parks totai approximately 82 acres and provide a level of service of 2.6
acres per 1,000 population based on a population of 32,172 (See Table 2.6). The
two community parks within Wheat Ridge meet the 25-acre desirable minimum
standard. Creekside Park is oniy 16 acres in size; however, since it does not
function as a true community park but rather a sports complex, this amount of
acreage is appropriate given its existing facilities and intended purpose. Map 4
shows a 1-mile service area for each developed community park, which illustrates
their relatively even distribution throughout the city. This map also shows
community parks outside the city limits that are in close proximity to Wheat Ridge
and serve residents within a 1-mile radius. Community parks are often destination
parks. It is not uncommon for residents of other cities to use them, or for residents
of Wheat Ridge to use community parks outside of their own community. The two
parks shown on Map 4 are Inspiration Point Park and Sloan's Lake Park, both City
of Denver community parks. Because community parks are considered citywide
destinations, the service areas span arterial roadways and other barriers.
However, providing easy pedestrian and bicycle access is strongly encouraged,
and the City of Wheat Ridge should work to provide better on street trail links to
community parks.
Table 2.6. Existing Community Park Level of Service
Population* 32,172
Existing Developed Communiry
Parkland (acres)** 82.00
Level of Service 2.6 ac11,000 pop.
' 2005 Population: 32,172 (DRCOG 2006)
" Includes acreage for Creekside Park.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recrealion Master Plan
N.
a~
' ~W ~Z
• o
sa-Q C ~
E
~
40 V
: a '
~ t J ~ t' ' vWaY
TYM ~~~:i ~ )T u ` !x~ A
'itiilartls, Level of Servic~ ~
~~sr11~~ i .
Map 4. Community Park Service Areas
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Special Purpose Parks
DRAFT
Special purpose parks are those that tend to serve a singular or very focused
purpose or community need. Examples of special purpose parks include
environmental education centers, horticulture centers, working farms, performance
areas, festival areas, fairgrounds, urban plazas, equestrian centers, or other parks
that serve a specific purpose or need within a community. As these parks vary
greatiy in nature, they do not have typical characteristics. Additionally, they do not
have a specific level of service uniess they specifically contribute to meeting
neighborhood or community park needs.
Historical Park
Historical Park is located at West 46th Avenue and Robb Street. Historical Park is
1 acre in size and does not contain any typical or traditional park amenities, except
for picnic tables. The park does contain a variety of historical features
and amenities relative to the City of Wheat Ridge, including the Wheat
Ridge Sod House, a museum dedicated to the history of Wheat Ridge;
the Coulehan-Johnson Cabin (originaliy relocated from Johnson Park),
Wheat Ridge's first post office; and a variety of other historical features,
~ including traditional farm equipment located in an adjoining storage
building. In 1973, the Sod House was listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. The park recently had a new irrigation system instailed.
It is also home to the Wheat Ridge Historical Society and is often a
Historicai Panc favorite field trip destination for local schools. The Baugh House,
another historical property owned by the city, is separated from Historical Park by
two private lots to the south. The city hopes to one day acquire these lots and
combine the two into one large park area.
Richards-Hart Estate
The Richards-Hart Estate is located at West 28" Avenue and Benton Street and
totals 3.5 acres in size. This ornate residence was buiit in 1869 by James
Richards, a local farmer and successful businessman. It was originally
constructed in the Italianate style and later added onto in the Queen Anne Cottage
style. The property only saw two other owners, the Manby family and the Patrick
F. Hart family, before being bought by the City of Wheat Ridge in 1976. The
property has since been transferred to the control of the Wheat Ridge Parks and
Recreation Department, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. The facility provides a popular public resource as a community meeting
center and rental facility, namely for weddings and receptions. The structure's
design causes the interior plaster to deteriorate due to moisture, which wiil be an
ongoing maintenance issue. The 3.5 acres of grounds offer a picnic area,
playground, benches, and a sizeable amount of weil landscaped passive area with
23 species of trees and plants. There is also a Iarge Demonstration Gardens
located at the Estate. While the property is in excellent condition and weli used, a
historic management plan would be advisable.
Ye Olde Firehouse
Ye Olde Firehouse is located at 3232 Depew Street and covers approximately
0.25 acre. The Firehouse is one of fhe original garages that housed fire engines
in the City of Wheat Ridge and is now available to the public for use as a meeting
space. The Firehouse is currently in excellent condition.
ORAFT
Open Space Areas
City of Wheal Ridge Parks and RecreaUon Master Plan
Open space areas and corridors protect naturai values on various sized parcels of
land and provide opportunities for trail and habitat connections. The degree to
which each area is "natural" depends upon its size, configuration, location, and
level of use, all of which influence its ability to function in a native state. Open
space areas and corridors are frequentiy located along stream or river corridors
and provide opportunities for nature-oriented outdoor recreation, which often
contain a multi-purpose trail or segment of a trail system. Table 2.7 lists standards
and characteristics of open space.
Table 2.7. Open Space Standards
Classification
Desirable
Acreage
purpose/Function
Site Characteristics
Level of
Service
Regiona
l •
Regional Open
100 acres
Protects large areas with natural
Emphasis on achieving
No LOS
Space
or greater
resource values of community-
an appropriate balance
standard.
wide significance. Provides
between resource
opportunities for nature-oriented
protection and public
outdoor recreation.
use.
Natural Area/
Varies,
Protects natural values on smaller
Emphasis on resource
No LOS
mmm
Natural Corridor
but
parcels. Often located along
protection or preservation
standard.
typically
stream corridors. Provides
with some public access
10 acres
opportunities for nature-oriented,
provided.
or greater
outdoor recreation, which may
include multi-purpose trails.
Limited site area can be
dedicated to park-like
uses, such as roads,
parking areas, trails,
environmental
educatio n/i nterpretive
areas, picnic sites, and
visitor support facilities.
Visual Green
Varies
Strategically located and highly
May be part of a larger
No LOS
Spaces
visible natural or manicured lands
public project (e.g.
standard.
that contribute significantly to the
arterial streetscape or
visual quality of the community.
public building
May have little or no public access
landscape). Community
or recreational activities.
should be very selective
in accepting maintenance
responsibilities for these
types of spaces.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Masier Plan
DRAFT
Regional open spaces are typically 100 acres or greater in size, and protect large
areas with natural resource values of communitywide significance. Regional open
spaces also provide opportunities for nature-oriented outdoor recreation. They
typicaily have an emphasis on achieving an appropriate balance between resource
protection and public use. As regional open space never has identical
characteristics in two locations, there are no set standards for level of service.
Natural areas are another type of open space with management emphasis placed
on habitat and natural resource protection, with some public access. These
properties may be in a narrow corridor configuration or exist as larger pieces of
land. There are no set site characteristics of natural areas and corridors; however,
limited areas of the site can be dedicated to park-like uses and contain park-like
amenities such as trails, benches, picnic sites, and environmental interpretation
and education areas. As natural areas and corridors are usually provided for when
available, and do not specifically serve park functions, there is no set level of
service.
Wheat Ridge Greenbelt
The Wheat Ridge Greenbelt is located adjacent to and along Clear Creek, running
from Youngfield Street at the west side of the city, past Harlan Street near
Creekside Park on the east side of the city. The Wheat Ridge Greenbelt is a
valuable, regionally-known resource for the city and is heavily used by both
residents and non-residents alike of all ages. The greenbelt is a total of 250 acres
and contains the Clear Creek trail, restrooms, drinking fountains, fishing access,
and several lakes. Originally owned by Coors Brewing Company, the City of
Wheat Ridge took ownership of the land in 2003. The Colorado Division of Wildiife
recognizes the greenbeit as one of the most significant wildlife habitats along
Colorado's Front Range. The presence of the creek corridor and the diverse
riparian vegetation provide valuable habitat for a wide range of songbirds,
waterfowl, and both small and large mammals.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Overall, the greenbelt is in good condition and well maintained. Much of the day-
to-day management is addressed under the 2002 Wheat Ridge Open Space
Management Plan, 2003 Wheat Ridge Weed Management Plan, and 2003 Wheat
Ridge Wildfire Management Plan. The Clear Creek trail is also in excellent
condition, having been resurfaced and reconstructed over the past four years. The
only exception is that a vital connection is missing between the Miiler trailhead and
the trailhead located on Kipling Street at 43`' Avenue. Currentiy, trail users
heading east must exit the trail at the Miller trailhead, cross under Kipling Street
near the Recreation Center, and re-enter the trail at the terminus of Independence
Street.
Lewis Meadows Open Space
Lewis Meadows is located in a residential area at the corner of West
33rd Avenue and Union Street. Lewis Meadows is 9 acres in size and
contains no park amenities, except for a crusher fine trail that meanders
through the park. Lewis Meadows is managed as open space and is
transected by Lena Gulch Lewis Meadows is in excellent condition;
however, it would greatly benefit from a trail connecting this park to
others throughout the city, preferably along Lena Gulch.
Visual Green Spaces
Lewis Meadows Open Space
Visual green spaces are park areas that form vegetative islands, which break up
the atmosphere of congestion in densely urban areas and provide a space for
compatible forms of quiet recreation. Their primary purpose is to enhance
community aesthetics and, as such, should be located in visualiy accessible areas.
No level of seroice for visual green space areas has been calculated nor is it
desired, because these types of areas are dependent upon the neighborhood
character and do not often provide for typical park functions.
The City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department currentiy maintains
several areas of visual green space for a total of 0.87 acre. These include the 38th
Avenue streetscape, the Harlan Street Walk, and numerous (72) small traffic
islands located throughout the city.
Undeveloped Parkland
The City of Wheat Ridge currently owns 3 properties that are tentatively
reserved for future park development. The first of these is a 2J-acre I
parcel located on 44'~ Avenue at Kendail Street. This parcel, although
small, has excellent street and visual access and will provide needed
park space in a currently underserved area. The second undeveloped
parkland is an 8.3-acre parcel called the Einarsen Property, located at
3700 Kipling Street near the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center. This
parcel has excellent street and visual access, and would provide aau9n House
needed neighborhood parkland in a currently underserved area of the
city. The final piece of undeveloped parkland is the Baugh House and property
located at West 44`h Avenue Robb Street, near the Historical Park. This property
contains a historic cabin with a Victorian house built around it. Currently, the
Wheat Ridge Historical Society is performing historical renovations on the house in
order to salvage the original historic cabin.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
The Baugh property is separated from the Historical Park by two private
properties, and it is hoped that one day the iwo properties can be joined to
establish one large park.
Parks Outside of Wheat Ridge
As the City of Wheat Ridge is surrounded by developed communities, residents
often rely on parks outside the city limits to accommodate their needs. There are
numerous parks and recreation resources within a short distance of the City of
Wheat Ridge. As such, it is important to recognize the parks that residents of
Thereisrtothing
Wheat Ridge utilize on a regular basis.
more pmetica[ in
the end tl:an rhe
Chester-Portsmouth Park
preservatiott of
anythingt7+at
Chester-Portsmouth Park is located at the southwest corner of Wheat Ridge along
aPpears m eie
West 27'" Avenue near I-70. Chester-Portsmouth is a City of Lakewood park,
higherenio(iowsof
13 acres in size, and contains a piayground, paved path, multi-purpose playfield,
",°"k'"°.
and substantial passive space. Due to its close proximity to Wheat Ridge city limits
-Theodore
Roosevelt
and the fact that manY Wheat Rid9e residents utilize the Park, the CitY of Wheat
Ridge provided $40,000 for upgrades of the playground in 2001. Wheat Ridge
I
Parks and Recreation does not program any activities at this park.
Crown Hill Regional Park
Crown Hill Park is located along the southern boundary of Wheat Ridge along
Kipling Street West 32nd Avenue, and West 28`h Avenue, and is a very important
park/open space resource to the community. Crown Hill was purchased by the
City of Wheat Ridge, the City of Lakewood and Jefferson County Open Space. It
is administered and maintained by Jefferson County Open Space and totals 242
acres. Crown Hill contains restrooms, drinking fountains, 6.5 miles of paved and
soft surface traiis, picnic shelters, a fitness course, and fishing access on Crown
Hill Lake and Kestrel Pond. Created in 1979, Crown Hill Park is an outstanding
resource that provides both an excellent wildlife habitat area as well as active and
passive recreation opportunities. Common wildlife at the park includes waterfowl,
migratory birds, coyote, and fox.
Other Park and Recreation Resources
Anderson Building
The Anderson Building, located at Anderson Park, was the former recreation
center for the City of Wheat Ridge prior to the construction of the current facility in
2000. The facility contains a full-sized basketball court and fitness room, as well
as restrooms and locker rooms. The buiiding is currently used to house select
fitness and sports programs for the Recreation Department that cannot be
accommodated in the new Recreation Center due to the space available for the
quantity and type of programs needed. In generai, the building is in deteriorating
condition and undersized to accommodate its current uses. Any future plans for
this building should be addressed under a master pian for Anderson Park.
DRAFT
City of Wheal Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
The Wheat Ridge Recreation Center is located at 4005 Kipling Street on an
11-acre site; it was constructed in 2000. The center is a 70,000-square foot facility
containing leisure and lap pools; steam room, sauna, and whirlpool; men's,
women's and family locker rooms; a game room; children's pavilion; fitness floor;
climbing wall; open gymnasium; racquetbail courts; and event rental facilities,
including community rooms. The facility is currently at capacity in its ability to
accommodate recreation program functions. Strong consideration shouid be given
to the feasibility of expanding the Recreation Center in order to accommodate
additionai programming, and to combine the programming currently at the
Anderson Building.
Wheat Ridge Senior Community Center ~
The Wheat Ridge Senior Community Center is located at 6363 West
35th Avenue on a 1-acre site. The Senior CommunitY Center is a
muiti-use facility accommodating many of the senior-specific
programming in Wheat Ridge. Originally constructed as a church, the
Senior Community Center is adjacent to both private open space and
the rear of Founder's Park. The center is a valuable and well used
resource within the community, providing a range of amenities
including meeting rooms, rental space, computer lab, lobby with
reading material, arts and crafts room, and a lunch facility. Programs Wheat Ridge Senior Community Center
available to seniors include day trips, extended travel trips, arts and
crafts programs, computer classes, fitness classes, reduced costs lunches,
dances, a walking group, and volunteer opportunities.
B. Existing School District Recreation Facilities
The city Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGA) with various Jefferson County R-1
schools to share use of facilities for certain sports programs and activities. Priority
for use of schooi facilities is given first to school needs, then to the Parks and
Recreation Department. The following schools have specific facilities that are
maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department:
Kullerstrand Elementary School
Kullerstrand Elementary is located at 12225 West 38th Avenue. The Parks and
Recreation Department is responsible for the following maintenance activities:
irrigation, mowing, and field marking for spring soccer; fertilization & weed control
for boys basebail; and field marking for fall soccer. There is also a Joint Use
Agreement in place that states that the Parks and Recreation Department will be
responsible for fencing, aeration, re-seeding, re-sodding, and landscaping at the
site. The school is responsible for all other maintenance. The Wheat Ridge
Greenbelt borders the rear of the park, providing ample open space. Although a
joint-use agreement is in place for these facilities, they do not function as a true
neighborhood park. There are portable restrooms provided on a seasonal basis,
but no, benches, or picnic areas, and the playgrounds are not included in the
agreement for park use. There is a need to improve the function of this facility so it
operates as a neighborhood park in an area that is currently underserved.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Martensen Elementary School
DRAFT
Martensen Elementary School is located at West 45`h Place and Pierce Street.
The Parks and Recreation Department programs 1.2 acres, including
1 baseball/softball field after school hours. The school district is responsible for
maintenance of the fields except for field dragging which is the responsibility of the
Parks and recreation Department. This area does not function as a true
neighborhood park. There are no restrooms, benches, or picnic areas, and the
playgrounds are not included in the agreement for park use. There is a need to
improve the function of this facility so it operates as a neighborhood park in an
area that is currently underserved.
Pennington Elementary School
Pennington Elementary School is located at West 46`h Avenue and Independence
Street. The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for field dragging for
boys baseball and field marking for fall soccer. All other maintenance is the
responsibility of the school district. This area does not function as a true
neighborhood park. There are no restrooms, benches, or picnic areas, and the
playgrounds are not included in the agreement for park use. There is a need to
improve the function of this facility so it operates as a neighborhood park in an
area that is currently underserved.
Prospect Valley Elementary School
Prospect Vailey Elementary School is located at 3400 Pierce Street.
The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for field dragging
for girls softball and field marking for fall soccer. The school district is
responsible for all other maintenance. This area does not function as a
true nei9hborhood Park. There are no restrooms, benches, or Pcnic
areas, and the playgrounds are not included in the agreement for park
use. Private open space exists at the rear of the school as well as
Prospect Valley Elementary School ample open space associated with the Baptist Church next door. There
I is a need to improve the function of this facility so it operates as a
neighborhood park in an area that is currently underserved.
Wheat Ridge Middle School
Wheat Ridge Middle School is located at West 38t" Avenue and High Court. The
Parks and Recreation Department is responsibie for field marking and dragging.
There is aiso a Joint Use Agreement in place that states that the Parks and
Recreation Department will be responsible for all ballfield lighting (maintenance
and utility costs), fencing, restroom and bleacher maintenance. There is also a
drinking fountain and portable toilet available for use. The Parks and Recreation
Department should pursue any opportunities to share use of future facility
upgrades that may occur.
DRAFT
Stevens Elementary School
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Masler Plan
Stevens Elementary Schooi is located at West 401h Avenue and Reed
Street. The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for field
marking for spring soccer. The school district is responsible for all
other maintenance. The fields at Stevens are in good condition;
however, the facility does not function as a true neighborhood park.
There are no restrooms, benches, or picnic areas, and the playgrounds
are not included in the agreement for park use. Stevens is adjacent to
Wheat Ridge Middle School and separated only by split-rail fence in
many locations. There is ample opportunity to establish a designated
neighborhood park between Stevens Elementary and Wheat Ridge Middle School
to provide parkland in an underserved area.
Wilmore Davis Elementary School
Wilmore Davis Elementary School is located at West 41st Avenue and Allison
Street. The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for field marking for
spring soccer and weed control for giris softball. All other maintenance is the
responsibility of the school district. The fields at Wilmore Davis are in good
condition; however, the facility does not function as a true neighborhood park.
There are no restrooms, benches, or picnic areas, and the playgrounds are not
included in the agreement for park use. As the school fields and passive space
are located adjacent to Happiness Gardens, there is an opportunity to establish a
designated neighborhood park in an underserved area.
C. Trails
The City of Wheat Ridge has not adopted specific standards for trails; however, it
is currently in the process of developing a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan that
recognizes the need for a system of continuous connections beiween parks,
recreationai facilities, naturai open spaces, as weli as urban centers, schools, and
transportation links.
Regional trails are those that cross several municipal boundaries, serve the
greater Denver Metropolitan Area including Wheat Ridge, and are maintained by
several jurisdictional authorities. Local trails are those that exist primarily within
the City of Wheat Ridge parks and are intended primarily for use by Wheat Ridge
residents. Both regional and locai trails exist within the City of Wheat Ridge, and
have been primarily developed along water and drainageways and within existing
parks and open space areas.
Stevens Elementary School
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Regional Trails
DRAFT
Clear Creek Tiail
The Clear Creek Trail is a regional trail corridor that is planned to be a10-foot wide
concrete trail extending from the intersection with the South Platte River trail near
I-25 and 74th Avenue in west Commerce City, to near the intersection of
Washington Street and Colorado State Highway 93 in Golden. The trail is not
complete through Wheat Ridge, with a gap in the vicinity of Kipling Street. On its
continuous sections, it receives heavy use from bikers, hikers, and runners, and is
used by both Wheat Ridge and regional residents. Equestrian use is also
permitted; there are soft surfaced trail spurs along the western portion of the trail
for equestrian use only. There is also sporadic use of the trail in the winter for
Nordic skiing.
There are 8 traiiheads within Wheat Ridge along the Clear Creek Trail,
including: Creekside Park; at the northern terminus of Otis Street;
Johnson Park; Anderson Park; Kipling Trailhead at Kipling Street just
south of 43`d Avenue; Miller trailhead at 415t Avenue; Prospect Park; just
west of I-70 adjacent to the Cabela's property; and the Youngfield
trailhead. Signage to the trailheads could be improved.
Johnson ParkTrailhead
I Local Trails
Ciown Hill Park Trails
Crown Hill Park contains approximately 6.5 miles of trail, 3.5 miles of which are
paved. Horse trails are also available, mainly at the southwest corner of the park.
The nature preserve includes 0.7 mile of trail that is ADA accessible. There is also
a 1-mile long fitness course within the park.
DR.4FT
City of Wheat Podge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
CHAPTER THREE - ISSUES AND NEEDS ANALYSIS
This chapter documents the issues and needs that influence the types and number
, of parks and recreational facilities that are needed in the community. The needs
assessment phase of a parks and recreation master plan documents the demand
for services from current and future residents and, in association with the inventory
' of existing facilities, highlights potential areas of shortfall or oversupply, which in
turn will give direction to future master plan recommendations. Identifying levels of
satisfae4ion, perceptions, use patterns, and priorities for recreational programs and
, facilities through contact with the user public is an important part of this process.
Accurately assessing the current and future needs of residents requires a diverse
approach, using many different techniques to gather information. Collectively, the
data from these various sources creates a picture of what is needed within Wheat
Ridge, and can serve as the basis from which to develop a list of projects, priorities
and actions, which will be the next step in this planning process. Each technique
used in this process provides valuable information, but the data from any one
technique should not be viewed in isolation and without comparing the needs to
the Vision, Goals and Objectives of the community.
Areas of the community that do not have convenient, safe access to neighborhood
and community parks were identified in Chapter Two. This chapter includes
population and growth projections, demographic characteristics, and locations of
planned residential growth, which may affect the locations and quantities of
additional parklands, amenities, and sports facilities. Peer communities were also
surveyed to determine the levels of service they provide for parkland and common
recreational facilities. This database serves as a benchmark when determining the
levels of service that are appropriate for Wheat Ridge.
Recreational preferences and the level of demand for additionai parks and
recreational opportunities are also addressed in this chapter. Pertinent information
from national databases on recreation participation levels and data from the
Colorado SCORP 2003-2007 have been considered. In March and April of 2006,
a formal communitywide mail-back survey was conducted in Wheat Ridge by Left
Brain Concepts, Inc., a Denver based research and consulting firm, to measure
satisfaction levels, identify what people do in parks, and determine what facilities
or amenities they believe there should be more of in parks. Additionaliy, interviews
were conducted with representatives of other public and non-profit recreation
providers in Wheat Ridge to assess any specific needs their organizations may
have.
The results of this analysis are summarized at the end of the chapter.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
A. Population and Demographic Characteristics
In 2005, the City of Wheat Ridge had a population of 32,172' and 14,246
households with a negative growth rate of -0.5% annually. By comparison,
Jefferson County, in which Wheat Ridge lies, had a modest growth rate of 0.4%
annually. The average household size for the City of Wheat Ridge was 2.20
people, which is somewhat lower than the Jefferson County average of 2.52.
Approximately 21 % of the population is under the age of 18, with 12% age 5 to 14
- the predominant age of children who are most active in programmed recreational
sports leagues. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of households have children under
the age of 18. Nineteen percent (19%) of the total population in Wheat Ridge is
age 65 or older. Nineteen percent (19%) are age 20 to 34, and 39% are age 35 to
64. Table 3.1 iilustrates these numbers in detail.
The population of Wheat Ridge is also aging. The median age in Wheat Ridge is
40 years, and approximately 19% of the population is age 65 or older. The city's
senior population is roughly double that of the rest of Jefferson County at 10%. By
the year 2030, there will be more Americans over age 65 (20% of the total
population) than under age 18. Programs and facilities in parks will need to adjust
to meet the needs of an active, yet less mobile and athletic clientele. Being
physically active is key in maintaining independence and a high quality of life. In
general, people become less physically active as they get older; nearly 40% of
people over the age of 55 nationally report no leisure-time physical activity.
Challenging exercises and physical activities, done regularly, can help many older
adults improve their health, even when done at a moderate IevelZ.
The ethnic makeup of Wheat Ridge is somewhat less diverse than state and
regional averages, with whites comprising 89.2% of the population. Approximately
13.5% of the population report some level of Latino decent, while 1.9% report
American Indian decent and 1.8% report Asian decent; 1.2% of the total population
in Wheat Ridge is African American. Changes in diversity shouid be monitored
over time to determine if changes in culturally-related programs or facility design
based on ethnic preferences and culture should be made.
The median income for a household in the city is $38,983. The overall per capita
income for the city was $22,636; 8.9% of the population and 5.9% of families were
below the poverty line, while 11.5% of those under the age 18 and 8.2% of those
65 and older were living below the poverty line3.
1 Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), July 31, 2006.
2 National Institute on Aging - Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging, 2001.
3 DRCOG, 2006.
Table 3.1 Wheat Ridge Age Distribution
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Annual employment growth for Wheat Ridge in 2005 was 1.6%; 41 % of the
empioyment base is in services, 21% retail trade, 8% manufacturing, 7%
construction, 7% miscellaneous, 4% wholesale trade, 4% public administration,
4°/a finance, insurance, and real estate, 2% agriculture and mining, and 2% in
transportation, communication, and public utilities. Some of the larger businesses
within Wheat Ridge include Exempla Lutheran Medical Center, Coors Glass Plant,
and Star Guide Corporation.
B. Development Patterns
Since Wheat Ridge is more or less surrounded by fully developed communities,
most of the city's growth is occurring as infill or redevelopment in existing areas.
Recently, Wheat Ridge annexed a portion of unincorporated Jefferson County
(located south of Hwy. 58, west of I-70 and north of W. 32nd Avenue) for the
construction of a Cabela's retail facility. The facility will involve the construction of
a 185,000-square foot flagship store with an additional 270,000 square feet of
associated retail space. No residential development is planned as part of this
annexation. Future residential development may occur in the vicinity of a planned
Light Rail transit stop, which is targeted north of I-70 in the northwest portion of
Wheat Ridge.
Potential new residential developments that are currently in the planning stages
are listed below, with information provided by the City of Wheat Ridge Community
Development Department.
• 52nd Avenue and Quail Street: Proposed development for 25 single family
residential housing units.
• 33rd Avenue and Parfet Street: Proposed development for 13 single family
residential housing units.
• 33rd Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard: Proposed development for 5
duplex lots containing 10 residential housing units.
C. Peer Community Comparisons
A detailed community comparison analysis was conducted among various
communities along the Colorado Front Range, documenting theirlevel of service
for certain recreational facilities and parkland. They were then contacted to solicit
information regarding the acres of parks and numbers of recreational sports
facilities they provide to their residents. This database serves as a benchmark
when determining levels of service that are appropriate for Wheat Ridge.
Communities that were compared were identified by the Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC) and City Council included: Westminster (pop. 105,177), Arvada
(pop.103,004), Englewood (pop. 32,491), Broomfield (pop. 47,500), Lakewood
(pop. 143,611), Golden (pop. 17, 731), Thornton (pop. 101,763), Boulder (pop.
97,367), Longmont (pop. 80,612), and Denver (pop. 556,855).
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Table 3.2 lists the average number of facilities provided by the 10 other
communities, and indicates the amount of developed parkland they provide as well
as the parkland standard they have adopted when available (refer to the appendix
for the complete table). In general, Wheat Ridge's level of service for all
recreationai facilities is higher than the average of the 10 communities compared,
with the exception of ice rinks. This is not surprising, since most cities do not have
an ice rink until they reach a population approaching 100,000. There are ice rinks
in other nearby communities available for use by Wheat Ridge residents. As such,
consideration of constructing an ice rink in the city should be weighed carefully
against other, more pressing needs within the community.
Table 3.2. Summary of Community Comparisons
Facility .
.
.
.
Soccer Fields/Po ulation
1:5,058
1:1,609
Football Fields/Po ulation
1:11,715
1:70,724
Basebali/Softball Fields/Po ulation
1:3,508
1:1,462
Outdoor Basketball Courts/Po ulation
1:5,809
1:3,217
Tennis Courts/Po ulation
7:3,808
1:3,575
Pools/Po ulation
1:77,674
7:76,086
Ice Rinks/Po ulation
1:89,040
032,772
Skateboard Parks/Po ulation
1:51,846
7:32,172
Full-Size G mnasium/PO ulation
1:31,498
7:76,086
In-Line Hocke Rinks/Po ulation
1:47,046
7:32,772
Community Park
Developed
291 acres
82 acres
Developed Park/Population
2.1 acres/1000
2.6 acres/7000
Parkland Standard
4.4 acres/1000
Neighborhood Park
Developed
275 acres
57 acres
Developed Park/Population
2.4 acres/7000
1.8 acres/1000'
Parkland Standard
2.5 acresN 000
Area Maintained
(grounds and facilities maintained by the
Parks and Recreation De artment
556 acres
454 acres
Annual Park Operation & Maintenance
Budget
(for parks, streetscapes, public grounds and
facilities maintained by Park Department)
$3,159,426
$7,748,475
Average Cost Per Acre For Maintenance
$5,682 per acre
$3,857 per acre
Maintenance Bud et Per Ci Resident
$47.66 per resident
$54.35 per resident
*Level of service is 2.4 when 10 acres each of Prospect and Anderson Parks are included.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Wheat Ridge is most like the communities of Golden, Broomfield, and Englewood
in terms of overall recreational levels of service. If Wheat Ridge desires to
maintain this high level of service, existing facilities will need to be maintained and
additional facilities constructed if infill development or redevelopment increases the
number of city residents. For example, if the city increases in density by 10% to
20%, this may add another 3,000 to 6,000 people, who wouid then need additionai
recreational facilities to meet their needs.
The average level of service in Wheat Ridge for community parkland (including
sports complexes) is slightly higher than that of other communities. The level of
service for community parks in Wheat Ridge is 2.6 acres for every 1,000 people
compared to 2.1 acres for every 1,000 people in other communities. The level of
service for neighborhood parkland in Wheat Ridge is slightly lower than the
average, with 1.8 acres for every 1,000 people compared to 2.4 acres for every
1,000 people in other communities. However when 10 acres each of Anderson
and Prospect Parks are included in the calculation (because these parks serve
neighborhood park functions for residents within a 0.5 mile radius), the
neighborhood park level of service rises to 2.4 acres for every 1,000 people.
It is often difficult to directly compare the maintenance budgets of other
communities. The Parks Maintenance divisions of various communities
are responsible for different functions, and therefore their budgets may
be organized differentiy and include different items. For example, the
Parks Maintenance division in one community may be responsible for
forestry duties, while in another community they may not be. However,
in comparing general park maintenance budgets with this in mind, it
appears that Wheat Ridge has a somewhat smaller overall per capita
park maintenance budget than other communities, which is due in
large part to Wheat Ridge's smaller population and smaller system. It Randall Park
also appears that Wheat Ridge spends less money per acre and slightly more
money per resident on parkland maintenance than the average of the other
communities surveyed. It is worth noting that virtually all communities report that
they do not have adequate funds for maintaining their parks systems to the level of
quality that they prefer.
Generaliy speaking, developed parks that have large turfgrass areas and trees are
less expensive to maintain per acre than pocket parks and visual green spaces,
which require maintenance equipment to be moved from site to site, hand
weeding, and mowing by hand or with smaller riding mowers that are less efficient.
It is estimated that pocket parks cost approximately 30% more than larger parks to
maintain.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
D. National Recreation Participation Trends
DRAFT
The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) has commissioned an
annual mail survey of American households to determine what activities they
participate in at least one time per year. Approximately 15,000 compieted mail
surveys are received and responses are balanced to reflect U.S. Census
parameters for age, gender, race, household income, and geographic region. The
responses reflect peopie age 6 and above. The last few SGMA surveys have
been more comprehensive than previous years, therefore benchmark data is not
available for many of the categories.
As shown in Table 3.3, the most popular activity is recreational swimming, followed
by walking, free weights, biking, fishing, hiking, and runningfjogging. Many
activities have seen a decline in total numbers over the past 12 years, inciuding
many of the organized team sports. However, three relatively new activities have
made large gains in popularity - in-line roiler skating, free weight use, and
mountain biking. Data was not available by region, but it is likely that mountain
biking involves a larger percentage of the population in this region than nationally.
Table 3.3 Total National Participants by Activity - All Ages
Activity
Recreational Swimmin
C
II
• Na
ii.
I11
95,268
Recreational Walkin
Na
92,677
Free Wei hts
+ 131%
52,056
Recreational Bic clin
Na
52,021
Fishin
-18%
47,906
Fitness Walkin
+qg%
40,299
Da Hikin
Na
39,334
Runnin /Jo in
0%
37,310
Basketball
-4°/a
34,223
Golf
- 2%
25,723
Volle ball
- 38%
22,216
Tennis
- 13%
18,346
In-Line Roller Skatin
+ 270%
17,348
Football
Na
16,436
Softball
-24%
16,324
Soccer
+ 3%
15,900
Horseback Ridin
Na
14,695
Yo a
Na
12,414
Skateboardin
- 3%
10,592
Baseball
-36%
9,694
Artificial Wall Climbin
Na
7,659
Mountain Bikin
+ 253%
5,334
Sports Participalion Trends 2004, Sports Research Partnership, April 2005.
DRAFT
City of Wheal Ridge Parks and Reaeation Master Plan
According to a 1997 SGMA reports", the most popular sports for youth based on
"frequenY" participation are (Table 3.4):
Table 3.4 Total National "Frequent" Youth Participants
Basketball
25+ da s/ ear
Number
12,803
Soccer
25+ da s/ ear
6,971
Baseball
25+ da s/ ear
5,229
In-line Skatin
52+ da s/ ear
3,591
Touch Football
25+ da s/ ear
3,590
Volle ball
25+da s/ ear
3,022
Runnin /Jo in
100+da s/ ear
2,824
Slow-PitchSoftball
25+da s/ ear
2,717
Tackle Football
52+ da s/ ear
2,079
Fishin
2,021
Seven of the 10 most popular activities are team oriented; 8 of the 10 require
specialized outdoor facilities. More recent data is not publicly available from this
organization; but since 1997 when this study was conducted, it is well known in the
parks and recreation industry that interest in in-line skating, skateboarding, and
rock climbing has increased dramatically, and lacrosse and bmx/hill jump biking is
emerging in popularity.
E. State of Colorado Recreation Trends and Issues
According to the Colorado SCORP 2003-2007, 94% of the population in Colorado
engages in some form of outdoor recreation. Table 3.5 shows both the percentage
and actual numbers of participants for a variety of activity types among Colorado
residents.
Table 3.5. Participation by Type of Outdoor Activity Among
Colorado Residents
ity
Type
Outdoor Recreation Partici ant
Percent
.
003
94.38
Millions o
2003
3.13
Trail/StreeHRoad Activities
87.35
2.90
Individual S orts
33.41
1.11
Team S orts
24.52
0.81
S ectator Activities
75.06
2.49
Viewin /Learnin Activities
87.62
2.91
Snow/Ice Activities
37.41
1.24
Cam in
4521
1.50
Huntin
10.55
0.35
Fishin
3521
1.17
Boatin
32.67
1.08
Swimmin
41.01
1.36
Outdoor Adventure Activities
61.79
2.05
Social Activities
87.34
2.90
NSRE, 2000-2003. Versions 1-14, N=1,001, Inlerview dates: 7/99 to 3103. From
Colorado SCORP 2003.
4 Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association, study conduc[ed annually by American Sports Data, Inc. 1997.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DR4FT
The SCORP also states that "Colorado's proactive open space protection efforts
provide the venues where the full range of Colorado's outdoor recreation
attractions are enabled to flourish for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.
Yet today Colorado faces a substantial challenge in satisfying the outdoor
recreation demands of a rapidly expanding population, while meeting the
responsibiliry to conserve the world class outdoors resources for which Colorado is
renowned. Millions of visitors to Colorado continue to enjoy a wide diversity of
outdoor recreation activities, yet recreation management agencies across the
community, state and federal spectrum report difficuity keeping up with public
expectations for quality outdoors experiences."
As such, there are several social, economic, and environmental trends and
influences that have shaped the strategic action elements of the SCORP that
should be considered, many of which are relevant in Wheat Ridge. These include
trends in the way Coloradoans choose to recreate, demographic trends of
population growth, strong statewide open space protection efforts, recreation
access; and unprecedented environmental conditions and stresses, such as
drought. The SCORP has identified six issues of statewide significance that
Colorado must address to most effectively meet the challenge of satisfying the
outdoor recreation demands of a rapidly expanding population, while meeting the
responsibility to conserve the special outdoors resources for which Colorado is
renowned. Many of these issues pertain directly to Wheat Ridge and inciude:
1. Colorado's citizens and visitors need more effective ways to access the
wide array of information about recreation sites and their host communities,
and outdoor recreation providers need to better integrate outdoor
recreation marketing and management to sustain Colorado's outstanding
recreation attractions, its economic vitality, and resulting quality of life.
2. Communities must invest in outdoor infrastructure through well planned,
ongoing commitments to meeting a growing population's expectations for a
wide range of safe, up-to-date sites at which to enjoy the outdoors.
3. Public recreation agencies faced with tight budgets yet increasing demand
for recreation services are considering increased reliance on fees and
creative public/private partnerships to enhance pubiic services.
4. The sustainability of natural and cultural landscapes and our capability to
be stewards of those resources must be considered when agencies and
communities plan for and manage the location and scope of outdoor
recreation activities.
5. Public access to outdoor sites and management of travel on public lands is
challenged by the capacity of our statewide transportation infrastructure
and of our natural resources to accommodate the volume of demand.
6. Recreation agencies can more effectively engage Colorado's citizens and
visitors in resource stewardship responsibilities through youth outreach and
volunteer programs.
DRAFT City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
F. City of Wheat Ridge Community Survey
The City of Wheat Ridge commissioned a survey of Wheat Ridge residents as part
of the formulation of the city's parks and recreation needs assessment and master
plan. The objective was to heip the city better serve residents by understanding
their satisfaction with Wheat Ridge parks, their preferences concerning park and
facility usage, and their level of participation in various recreation and athletic
activities. Often, parks and recreation departments hear from user groups and
politically active citizens, but do not have access to people who do not participate
in the public meeting process. A random survey of residents provides objective
data and is a way to identify opinions of a representative cross-section of the
community.
Methodology
The survey was conducted via US Postal Service in March and April 2006. A total
of 2,500 surveys were mailed to a random sample of households in Wheat Ridge.
A total of 275 surveys were completed for a response rate of 11 The maximum
margin of error for this sample size at the 95% confidence level is + 5.9%.
Study Goals and Objectives
The objective of the survey was to learn the opinions of a representative cross-
section of Wheat Ridge residents. The survey focused on:
. The degree to which Wheat Ridge residents participate in a variety of
athletic and leisure activities;
• Whether people participate in these activities in Wheat Ridge or if they go
eisewhere;
. The degree to which residents use existing parks, open space, trails, and
recreational facilities in Wheat Ridge;
• ResidenYs level of satisfaction with the parks, open space, trails, and
recreational facilities in Wheat Ridge;
. Determining why residents like some parks, trails, and recreational facilities
more than others;
. If people feel additional, or aiternative, parks, open space, trails, and
recreational facilities are needed in Wheat Ridge.
Key Findings
. The parks Wheat Ridge residents cited as being closest to their homes
were Anderson, Crown Hill, Prospect and Panorama. More than 4 out of 5
(87%) of the respondents visit these parks at least once annually.
o Four out of five (84%) rated these parks as exceilent or good.
o People value parks that are well maintained, those that are kept clean,
and ones that have paths or walking trails. People who rated these
parks as fair or poor indicated that the parks are small, are not well
maintained, and/or have poor or unsafe playground equipment.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
• Wheat Ridge residents cited a number of parks as their favorites, including
the greenbelt/Clear Creek Trail, Crown Hill, Prospect and Anderson Park.
o Respondents gave a number of reasons for preferring the parks,
including liking those that are weil maintained, parks that have waiking
trails, those that are large, and parks that have natural, undeveloped
areas.
• People feel Wheat Ridge parks can be improved with better maintenance,
more attractive landscape designs, a stronger police presence, and newer
THeearlieracity
orsafer playground equipment.
develops a vision for
ilsparksandnpen
. Wheat Ridge residents' 4 favorite parks outside of Wheat Ridge are Crown
space, theensierand
Hiil, Berkley, Washington Park and Sloan's Lake. Peopie like these parks
less erpensive it is to
because of the walking trails, natural areas, the range of available
impleiwent 1Ge p[an,
activities, and visuai appeal.
before land uses are
set, buildings
. The main reasons people do not use Wheat Ridge parks or use them more
co„so-«crec,
frequently are safety concems, access to the parks, lack of restrooms, poot
waferways altered
maintenance, and a lack of parking.
and opportnnities
re.sc
. In rough order of participation, adults in Wheat Ridge:
- Peter Harnik,
Insiae aty rark5,
1. Attend concerts and festivals.
ULI and 1'rust for
2. Engage in outdoor activities such as walking or biking.
Public Lands, 2000.
3. Enroll in classes or other programs.
4. Participate in self-directed sports such as jogging.
5. Take part in team sports.
• The top 6 facilities that people feel are lacking in Wheat Ridge are:
1. Natural open space.
2. Large multi-purpose community parks.
3. Outdoor education/nature centers.
4. Natural surface pedestrian trails.
5. Picnic shelters.
6. Off-leash areas.
. More people are satisfied than dissatisfied with the quality of Wheat Ridge
parks (71 the number of parks in the city (61 park maintenance
(60%), access to parks and trails (68%), and the recreational programs
(59%) and facilities (63%). However, people are less satisfied with the
distribution of parks throughout Wheat Ridge (48%), the amount of
protected lands in the city (45%), and with the Wheat Ridge trail system
(49%).
• Use of Wheat Ridge parks by residents is high compared to other similar
Front Range communities; 87% have used a Wheat Ridge park at least
once a year; one-third (36%) use them 21+ times a year.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Masier Plan
. Numerous survey respondents expressed an awareness that something
needs to be done to improve Anderson Pool; 69% support some type of
improvement to the existing facility. Many provided written suggestions
supporting the construction of a water park and refurbished pool capable of
holding state-level swim meets.
• Only 4% of Wheat Ridge residents' recreational activity is spent on
playgrounds at public schools.
• Three-quarters of respondents feel that the greenbelt in Wheat Ridge is
easily accessible.
. About three-quarters reported they own a bicycie. People spend most of
their cycling activity to exercise and for pleasure.
Conclusions
• Use of Wheat Ridge parks is high; 87% have used a Wheat Ridge park at
least once a year. More than one-third (36%) use them 21+ times a year.
Also, satisfaction with Wheat Ridge parks is high; 60% or more are
satisfied with the quality of the parks, the maintenance of the parks, and
the number of parks in Wheat Ridge.
. Wheat Ridge residents' satisfaction with the city's parks can be improved
with better maintenance, and by improving the landscaping and the
playground equipment. An increased police presence would also help to
improve satisfaction.
. Wheat Ridge residents' satisfaction with the city's park system could further
beimproved by adding naturalopen space areas,large parks,nature
centers, trails, and dog parks.
Survey Areas in Wheat Ridge
A total of 2,500 househoids were sampled throughout Wheat Ridge. Figure 3.1
illustrates the distribution of responses for the three areas of Wheat Ridge that
were sampled: 1) east of Wadsworth Boulevard, 2) east of Kipling Street and west
of Wadsworth Boulevard, and 3) west of Kipling Street. Figure 3.1 shows the
actual distribution of households in Wheat Ridge and the distribution of responses
to the survey by home residence. For example, there are 4,119 households west
of Kipling Street, which represents 29% of the total households in Wheat Ridge.
There were a total of 91 responses from people in this geographic area, which
represents 33% of the total responses to the survey.
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DRAFT
Responses by Question
City of Wheal Ridge Parks and Reaeation Master Plan
Name/Locafion of Nearest Park
Residents were asked to identify the name of the park nearest to their home. This
information was also used by respondents to help answer follow-up questions
regarding frequency of usage and quality of parks.
The most frequently mentioned Wheat Ridge parks are Anderson, Prospect, and
Panorama. Crown Hill Regional Park was also mentioned by 15% of respondents.
People who live east of Wadsworth were more likely to mention Panorama Park.
Those who live east of Kipling and west of Wadsworth were more likely than
others to mention Anderson Park. Those living west of Kipling were more likely to
mention Prospect Park.
Table 3.6 Name/Location of Nearest Park
Anderson Park
. •
20%
' o
•8%,
.
-
48%•
_
3%
,
Crown Hill Park
15%
7°/a
20°/a
18%
Pros ectPark
11%
4%
6%
24°/a
Panorama Park
10%
30°/a
10/0
Greenbelt
6%
4%
5%
9%
ParamountPark
5%
1%
3%
11%
Founder's Park
3%
10%
-
-
Randall Park
3%
8%
-
1%
NOTE: The total sample does not equal 100% because a number of other parks and locations were mentioned
outside of Wheat Ridge; however, none by more than 2%.
Frequency of Park Usage
Respondents were asked to indicate how often they use the park that they
mentioned as closest to their home.
Almost all of the respondents (87°/a) visit the Wheat Ridge park nearest their
homes at least once annually. Only 13% of the respondents reported they never
visit the closest Wheat Ridge park. People who live east of Wadsworth reported
less frequent park usage than other Wheat Ridge residents; however, only by a
small margin. As would be expected, people who have children in their homes
reported greater park usage than those who do not have children.
Table 3.7. Frequency of Wheat Ridge Park Usage
.
.
.
Never
Sample
130
180
Wadsworth
110
11%
1-10 times/ ear
38%
40%
39%
36%
11-20times/ ear
13%
13%
13%
11%
21 +times/ ear
36%
29%
37°/a
42%
TOt81
100%
100%
700%
100%
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Quality of the Parks
The overall quality of Wheat Ridge parks was measured. Respondents were
asked to rate the quality of the park that was indicated as nearest their home.
Four out of 5(81 respondents rated the parks closest to their homes as
excellent or good. People who live east of Santa Fe and south of Hampden were
more likely than respondents in other parts of Wheat Ridge to rate the park ciosest
to their homes as excellent.
As part of rating the quality of the Wheat Ridge park nearest their home,
respondents were asked to give a reason why they rated that park the way they
did. As the following table illustrates, people value parks that are well maintained,
those that are clean, and those that have playground equipment. In contrast,
peopie rate parks as fair or poor largely when they feel the parks have poor or
unsafe playground equipment, are not well maintained, and/or are too small.
Table 3.8. Quality of Wheat Ridge Parks
.
.
Excellent
Sample
190
.
17%
Wadsworth
170
22%
Good
65°/a
64°/a .
72%
64%
Fair
12%
14%
10%
9%
Poor
4%
5%
1%
5%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
DRAFT
Table 3.9. Reasons for Wheat Ridge Park Ratings
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recrealion Master Plan
ExcellentlGood
Well maintained
38%
Clean no trash, swe t u, etc.
36%
Paths, trails walkin aths
24%
Location - eas to et to, close
16%
Attractive, scenic, landsca ed, Flowers
11%
Picnicareas, rills
11%
Pla round is ood, safe, ade uate
9%
Natural, undevelo ed
9%
Restrooms, fountain, o en ear-round
9%
S ortin areas - ballfields,tennis, olf
8°/a
Lar e, o en, lots of room
8%
The wildlife
It is a nice ark in eneral
8%
It is safe
8%
Natural - creek, lake, ond, trees, shade
7%
Variet , ear-round activities
6%
Lots of activities
5%
Sense of communi , lots of eo le there
4%
•
FeidPoor'
!
Small/not much to do
19%
Poor maintenance trees, rass, etc.
16%
Not clean, trash, broken lass
16%
Pla round e ui ment not safe, oor condition
16%
Grass in bad sha e, weeds, ath over rown
13%
No/inade uate arkin , no eas access
13°/a
Do 00 /leash law not enforced
9%
Not much of interest in the ark
9%
Needs u radin , u datin , com letion
9%
No trails, oorl maintained trails
6%
Poor landsca e desi n, not attractive
Teen han ouUbums/ raffti/need olice
6%
6%
No restrooms, di , not o en ear-round
3%
Figure 3.3. Wheat Ridge Residents Park Quality Ratings
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DR4FT
Favorite Wheat Ridge Parks
Survey respondents were asked to identify their favorite park or recreation area
within Wheat Ridge and the reasons why they rated it as such. Most people
responded that the Wheat Ridge greenbeit was their favorite park or recreation
area. People's list of other favorite Wheat Ridge parks closely followed their
responses about the parks closest to their homes, with Anderson, Crown Hill, and
Prospect parks being listed as favorites.
Table 3.10. Favorite Wheat Ridge Park
.
.
.
GreenbelUClear Creek Trail
290
230
Wadsworth
280
370
Crown Hill Park
27%
29%
33%
19%
Pros ect Park
16%
8%
16°/a
25%
Anderson Park
11%
10%
17%
3%
Panorama Park
5%
13%
2%
Recreation Center on Ki lin
2%
3%
3%
Founder's Park
2%
4%
2%
-
NOTE: The columns do not equal 100% because a few other parks and locations were menlioned; however, none
by more ihan 1
Figure 3.4 Favorite Wheat Ridge Park
Pavorite Wheat Ridge Park
42
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,
m
30/
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20%
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~
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ORAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Respondents were also asked to give a reason why they favor certain parks in
Wheat Ridge. The reasons most often cited are the parks have a lot of paths and
trails, they are in a convenient location, and because of the natural features
present.
Table 3.11. Reasons the Wheat Ridge Park is a Favorite
East .
. .
•
Paths, trails, walkin aths
39%
35%
.
43%
40%
Location - eas to et to, close
27%
24%
31%
24%
Natural - creek, lake, ond, trees, shade
21 %
24%
18%
22%
Natural, undevelo ed
20%
26%
20%
16%
Lar e, o en, lots of room
17%
20%
12%
20%
The wildlife
16%
17%
16%
16%
Biketrails
11%
9%
8%
18°/a
Attractive, scenic, landsca ed, Flowers
10%
4%
10%
16°/a
Picnic areas, rills
9%
13°/a
2%
13%
Well maintained
8%
1100
8°/a
4%
Pleasant, uiet, eaceful, calm
8%
7%
6%
11%
Beautiful view
8%
4%
12°/a
7%
Clean no trash, swe t u, etc.
7%
7%
8%
7%
S ortin areas - ballfields, tennis, olf
7°/a
6% .
9%
Pla round is ood, safe, ade uate
6%
2%
4%
13%
Varie , ear-round activities, lots of activities
6%
6%
8%
4%
Do -friendl , do ark
5%
11°/a
2%
2%
Restrooms, fountain, o en ear-round
5%
4°/a
2%
9%
Sense of communit , lots of eo le there
3%
qoa
2%
2%
Favorite Park Outside of Wheat Ridge
In order to get an idea of the park amenities residents of Wheat Ridge enjoy the
most and are willing to travel to use, respondents were asked to identify their
favorite park outside of the City of Wheat Ridge and the reasons why
. Wheat
Ridge residents' favorite parks outside of Wheat Ridge are primarily Crown Hill
Park and Berkley Park. People like these parks for a number of reasons, including
the paths for running, the natural features, the large open space, and
the dog-
friendly nature.
Figure 3.5 Favorite Park Outside of Wheat Ridge
Favorite Parks Outsida af Wheat Ridge
z/
3%
10%
Cmvm Hill in Golden
■
3%
■ Berkley Park
o Washington Parlc
3%
a SIwnS Lake
■Apex Complex
m Belmar Patlc in Lakawooe
3%
7%
■ Deroer CitY Park
$
?
O W hite Ranch Psek
r~
y2;:::
3%
■TanglewootlPark
rf
■GearCreekPadcinGdden
q% y<~
❑TheGOItlenPark
5%
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
A number of other parks were given, but none by more than 2% of the
respondents.
Table 3.12. Reasons the Park Outside of Wheat Ridge is a Favorite
DRAFT
aths, trails, walkin aths
7%
Eastof
.
23%
Wadsworth
32%
4%
Natural -creek, lake, ond, trees, shade
24%
31%
19%
21%
Lar e, o en, lots of room
22%
26%
22%
17%
Do -friendl , do ark
15%
11%
19%
14%
Natural, undevelo ed
13%
9%
14%
17%
Lots of activities
12%
14%
8%
14%
Children activities, la area for kids
12%
6%
22%
7%
Location - eas to et to, close
11 %
17%
S%
7%
Variet , ear-round activities
11%
20%
5%
7%
Attractive, scenic, landsca ed, Flowers
10%
9%
8%
14%
Well maintained
9%
-
19%
7°/a
S ortin areas - ballfields, tennis, olf
9%
3%
14%
10%
Pla roundis ood,safe,ade uate
7%
11%
10%
Beautifulview
6%
1.1%
7%
Picnic areas, rills
6%
9%
-
10%
Clean no trash, swe t u, etc.
5%
3°/a
5°/a
7%
Thewildlife
5%
11%
3°/a
-
It is a nice ark in eneral
5%
3%
17%
It iS SafO
5%
3°/a
-
140/6
Sense of communit , lots of eo le there
5%
9%
3%
3%
Ice skatin rink
5°/a
6%
8%
-
Pool, 'acuzzi
4%
3%
5%
3%
Bike trails
3%
3%
7%
Wheat Ridge Parks that Need Improvement
Respondents were asked to identify if there is a park in Wheat Ridge that needs
improvement and list the reasons why. Two-thirds (65%) could not name a park
that they feel should be improved. A low percentage of the total respondents
mentioned any one specific park. But, among those who voiced an opinion,
Anderson, Crown Hill and Johnson were mentioned most frequently.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
NOTE: A number of other parks and locations were mentioned, but none by more lhan 2% of lhe respondents.
The percentages in Figure 3.7 are based on the 35% of the people in Figure 3.6
who identified one or more Wheat Ridge parks that they feel needs improvement.
The things that people feel need to be improved in parks was consistent with
feedback on previous questions; maintenance and unsafe playground equipment.
Respondents also mentioned undesirable park users and poor landscape design.
rigure s.r rceason cne rarK rveeas
Reasons the Park Needs Improvement
. e Poor mainlenance (trees, grass,
4% 4% 1A0/
7o
11%
■ Not clean, trash, broken glass
❑ Needs upgrading, updating,
completion
❑ Teen hangouUbums/graffiti/need
police
■ Poor landscape design, not attract
s No/inadequate parking, no easy
access
■ Playground equipment not safe, poor
condition
El Grass in bad shape, weeds, paths
o%,ergrown
■ No restrooms, dirly, not open year
round
s No frails, poorly maintained trails
❑ Small/not much to do
iR Duck poop/bird poop
■ No pool, pool not operational
NOTE: A number of other reasons were mentioned, but none by more lhan 4% of the respondenls.
13% 1//0
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Reasons for Nof Using Wheat Ridge Parks
Respondents were asked to indicate the reasons that might have prevented them
from using Wheat Ridge parks and trails. The primary reason indicated for not
using Wheat Ridge parks, or use them more frequently, is safety concerns, difficult
access, a lack of restrooms, poor maintenance and a lack of parking. Other
deterrents are the distance between the parks and people's homes, overcrowding,
and design issues.
Other interesting information gathered from this question are:
• Women were more likely than men to cite safety concerns, lack of
restrooms, and poor facility design as reasons for not using a Wheat Ridge
park; and
• People who live east of Wadsworth were more likely than those who live
west of Wadsworth to cite distance from home as a reason for not using
the parks more.
Figure 3.8 Reasons for not Using Wheat Ridge Parks
NOTE: The columns do not equal 100 % due to repetition of responses.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Satisfaction wifh Wheat Ridge Parks
In summary, more people are satisfied than dissatisfied with each of the issues
queried. However, people are less satisfied with the amount of protected lands in
the city and with Wheat Ridge's trail system.
Other interesting results from this question (divided by category) include the
foliowing:
. Quality/maintenance/number of parks:
✓ Satisfied with the overail quality of the city's parks (71
✓ Satisfied with the number of the city's parks (61
✓ Satisfied with the level of maintenance in the city's parks (60%)
• Recreation facilities and programs:
✓ Satisfied with the types of recreation facilities (63%)
✓ Satisfied with the city's recreation programs (59%)
• Park access/distribution of parks/trailslopen space/access:
✓ City parks and trails are easily accessible from my home (68%)
✓ The city's trail system provides good connections (49%)
✓ Parks are equitably distributed throughout the city (48%)
✓ Satisfied with the amount of protected open lands in and around the city
(45%)
Figure 3.9 Satisfaction with Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Use of Public Schoo/ Playgrounds
Residents of Wheat Ridge were asked to indicate how much time they choose to
take their children to public school playgrounds to recreate. Many of these school
recreation facilities are operated as Intergovernmental Agreements with the parks
and recreation department. Overali, use of these facilities is currently very low.
J.IV R65NVIIUBIILJ VSC VI rUY114J411VV1 r1qyljIVY11YD
% ofTime Respondents Use SchoolPlaygrounds
%of Respondents
None 7%-25% 26%-50% 51%-75% 765/6-100°h
%ofTime
Greenbelt Access
Residents were asked to indicate whether or not they felt that the Wheat Ridge
greenbelt was easily accessible to them. Three-quarters (74%) of the respondents
feel that the greenbelt in Wheat Ridge is easily accessible. People who live east
of Wadsworth were less likely than those who live west of Wadsworth to report that
the greenbelt is easily accessible.
Finuro 3 4 i f:rnnnhnl} Aernee
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Facilifies in Wheat Ridge
Survey respondents were given a list of available recreation facilities and park and
open space features. They were then asked to indicate whether there are too
many, enough, not enough, or that they had no opinion of each type of facility
and/or feature in Wheat Ridge to meet the needs of them and their family.
When the data was analyzed to exclude those who did not have an opinion, which
focuses on those people who are assumed to know enough about the facilities to
have an opinion, the results show that the top 6 facilities that people feel are
lacking in Wheat Ridge are: 1) natural open space areas, 2) large multi-purpose
community parks, 3) outdoor education/nature centers, 4) natural surface
pedestrian trails, 5) picnic sheiters and 6) off-leash areas in parks.
Figure 3.12. Not Enough of These Facilities in Wheat Ridge - Of Those With an
Opinion
Natural open space areas .
Large, multi-purpose community
.
OutOoor educatioNnature centers
Natural surface pedesirian trails Picnic shelters
OiF leash areas in padcs
Do9 paAcs
Teen recreation center
T2ils
Ice hockey nnks
Exemise equipment
Outdoor recreational pool
~ Indoor wartn water recreational pool
~ Perfortnance areas
v Areas for community ewnts
E Outdoorlap/compelitiw pool
a Public gyms ■ Not Enough
~ Climbing walls
- Playgrounds
~ Indoorlap/competitiw pool
LL Golfcourses
Ezercise/dance rooms
Outdoor basketball courts
Tennis cauRs
Inline hockey nnks
Aris and crafts rooms
BMXbike area
Soccerfields
Indoor community rooms
SkateboaN/skate park
Senior recreation center
Lacrosse fields
Football fields
Baseball fields
Softball fields
% of Respondents
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recrealion Master Plan DR4FT Other interesting results from this question include the following:
• People under the age of 55 were more likely than those 55 or older to
indicate that there are not enough:
✓ Naturai open space areas
✓ Naturai surface pedestrian trails
✓ Trails
✓ Dog parks
✓ Of-leash areas in parks
✓ Outdoor recreationai pools
✓ Public gyms
✓ Outdoor lap/competitive pools
✓ Exercise/dance rooms
• People who have children in their households were more likely than
those who do not have children to indicate that there are not enough:
✓ Natural surface pedestrian
✓ Trails
✓ Off-leash areas in parks
✓ Teen recreation centers
✓ Outdoor recreational pools
✓ Pubiic gyms
✓ Playgrounds
✓ Soccer fieids
✓ Skateboard areas/skate parks
✓ BMX bike areas
✓ Inline hockey rinks
✓ Lacrosse fields
. Respondents with two or more adults in their households were more
likely than those in one adult households to state that there are not
enough:
✓ Natural open space areas
✓ Natural surface pedestrian trails
✓ Trails
✓ Outdoor recreational pools
✓ Tennis courts
. Men were more likely than women to indicate there are not enough:
✓ Ice hockey rinks
✓ Climbing walls
✓ Softball fieids
DRAFT
Ciry of Wheal Ridge Parks and Recrea6on Master Plan
Anderson Park Pool
Residents were asked to provide their opinion as to the future of the pool at
Anderson Park. The pool is in need of repair and the city wanted to gauge citizen
opinion on the type of facility that should replace the current pool. Respondents
were split between favoring seeing the pool repaired so it can hold state-level
swim meets (30%), and reconfiguring the pool so it is both a water park and
competitive pool (29%). One in five (20%) did not have an opinion.
Figure 3.13 Resident Support for Replacement Options of Anderson Park Poal
Anderson Park Pool
5%
4%
■ Repaidmake capable state-lewl
meets
■ Reconfigure/make water park &
competitiNe pool
❑ Reconfigure and make water
park
p Remo%e pool and do not replace
It
■ Not sure
■ Other
29%
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Bicycling within Wheat Ridge
The city is currentiy creating a master bicycle and pedestrian master plan. As
such, residents were asked a series of questions regarding their use of bicycles,
where they ride, and the type of destinations they ride to. Some interesting results
of these questions include the following:
• Almost three-quarters (71 of the respondents reported they own a
bicycle.
• People who are more likely to own bicycles are:
✓ Aged under 55
✓ Have coliege educations
✓ Have household incomes of $75,000 or more
✓ Have two adults in their households
✓ Have children in their households
✓ Own their residences
. About half (55%) of the respondents reported they ride their bicycles off
road or on trails. The others ride their bikes on the roads or streets (37%)
or on sidewalks (8%).
• About half (44%) of the respondents indicated they would be willing to ride
their bicycles one to three miles for commuting. The remaining 56%
reported they would ride their bikes more than three miles.
. One in five (18%) of the respondents reported they would ride their bicycles
one to three miles for recreation. The remaining 82% indicated they would
ride their bikes more than three miles.
. As the following table illustrates, people ride their bicycies mostly to
exercise and for pleasure. They make less use of their bikes to get to
work, to go shopping, or to visit friends and family.
Table 3.13 Bicycling Activities
To o to work
920
30
a
2%
To osho in
84°/a
14%
1%
1%
To visit friends and famil
68%
28°/a
2°/a
2%
To exercise
16°/a
57%
17%
10%
For leasure
13%
62%
16°/a
9°/a
. Two-thirds (64%) of the respondents reported they do not ride their
bicycles more because they do not have the time. About half (48%) said
there are conflicts with traffic, and one-third (36%) cited a lack of sidewalks,
paths, or bicycle lanes.
DR4FT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Masler Plan
Family Participation in Activities
Survey respondents were also asked to indicate the number of times in the past 12
months that a family member has participated in each of the following activities -
whether it was in Wheat Ridge or another community. n rough order of
involvement, families in Wheat Ridge partake in: 1) concerts/festivals, 2) outdoor
activities, 3) classes/facilities, 4) other sports, 5) team sports. Other interesting
results include:
• People under the age of 55 were more likely than those 55 or older to
report that they participate in:
✓
Volleybail
✓
Soccer
✓
Basketball
✓
Tennis
✓
Outdoor swimming
✓
Jogging/running
✓
Cycling
✓
Indoor swimming
✓
Water aerobics
• Wheat Ridge residents aged 55 or over were more likely than those
under 55 to report that they participate in:
✓ Senior center trips
✓ Senior center activities
• People who have children in their households were more likely than
those who do not have children to report that they participate in:
✓
Volleyball
✓
Soccer
✓
Basketball
✓
Skateboarding
✓
Use a climbing wail
✓
Ice skating
✓
Fishing
✓
Outdoor swimming
✓
Jogging/running
✓
Cyding
✓
Indoor swimming
• Women were more likely than men to report that they participate in:
✓ Indoor exercise programs
• Respondents with two or more adults in their households were more
likely than those in one adult households to report that they
participate in:
✓ Dance classes
✓ Water aerobics
✓ Guided nature walks
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
✓ Nature observation, walking, use of open space
✓ Walking or other general park activity
Table 3.14 Pamily Participation in Activities
DRAFT
TEAM5
PORTS
1-5
6-20
21+
Never
Lacrosse
3%
1%
2%
94°/a
In-Line Hocke
5%
1%
2%
92%
ice Hocke
6%
1%
3%
90%
Baseball
9%
4%
5%
82%
Football
11%
5%
3%
81%
Volle ball
14%
3%
6%
77%
Soccer
8%
7%
8%
77%
Softball
12°/a
60
70
0
75°/a
Basketball
15%
11%
6%
68
OTHER;
SPORTS
1-5
6-20
21+
Never
Disc olf
6%
1%
93%
Handball
6%
2%
1%
91°/a
BMX BiC Clin
6%
3%
4%
87%
In-Line Skatin
8%
6%
3%
83%
Skateboardin
9%
3%
6%
82°/a
Use of Climbin Wall
15%
3%
3%
79%
Horseshoes
19°/a
4°/a
2%
75°/a
Ice Skatin
20°/a
4%
2%
74°/a
Tennis
19°/a
7%
5%
69%
GOIf
17%
9%
9%
65%
Fishin
24%
9%
9%
58%
OutdoorSwimmin
24%
16%
12%
48%
Jo in /Runnin
16%
16%
28%
40%
C clin
17%
19%
26%
38%
IndoorSwimmin
28°/a
19°/a
27°/a
32%
` CLASSES/
EACILITIES
1-5
6-20
21+
Never
G mnastics
3%
4%
2%
91%
Senior Center Tri s
8%
5%
4%
83%
Dance Classes
11%
4%
2%
83%
WaterAerobics
S%
7%
6%
79%
Use of Arts & Crafts Facilities
13%
7%
2%
78%
Swim Lessons
S%
10%
5%
77%
Senior Center Activities
12°/a
6%
8%
74%
Indoor Exercise Pro rams
18°/a
18°/a
19%
45%
Wei hts/Cardiovascular
15%
14%
26°/a
45%
OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES
1-5
6-20
27+
Never
Guided Nature Walk
12%
4%
2%
82%
Picnic in a Park
52%
20%
9%
19%
Nature Observation - walk, use open
s ace
20%
25%
40%
15%
Walkin or Hikin on Trail S stem
21%
26°/a
40%
13%
Walkin or Other General Park Activi
16%
29%
49%
6%
`CONCERTS/FESTI VAL&
1-5
6-20
27+
Never
Attend OutdoorConcerts/Perform
50%
13%
6%
31%
Attend Communi Fairs/Festivals
59%
13%
9%
19%
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Reaeation Master Plan
G. Recreational Program Participa4ion and Needs
Many of the large, intensively used facilities in a parks and recreation system are
used by participants of organized recreation programs. Understanding program
participation rates and trends allows the city to identify specific activities that may
be underserved by facilities. Programs that have waiting lists may indicate a need
for either more facilities or program staff. In addition, different age groups,
abilities, and skills often require different types and sizes of facilities.
Understanding the differences in these user groups will help the city more
specifically determine what needs to be provided in the system.
To determine program usage, Wheat Ridge Park and Recreation personnel, as
well as local interest groups who provide recreational activities, were interviewed
to determine how many participants they have enrolled in various programs. The
interest groups interviewed were also asked for information regarding the quality of
facilities, need for additional facilities, percentage of participants who are city
residents, and facilities used for each program. The parks and recreation
department offers a variety of organized sports and activities to the community.
Additionally, a number of other programmed sports are available from non-profit or
private organizations in Wheat Ridge, including the Rocky Mountain Thunder swim
team (USS), Men's Senior Baseball League (Denver Senior league), Wheat Ridge
Piranhas summer swim club, Wheat Ridge Youth Basketball Association
(WRYBA), Wheat Ridge Area Baseball Association (WRABA), Wheat Ridge Girls
Softball Association (WRGSA), Wheat Ridge Avalanche Soccer Association
(WRASA), Wheat Ridge Area Midget Footbail (WRAMF), and the Jefferson County
R-1 School District. Severai other private and non-profit organizations and interest
groups provide non-athletic oriented recreational activities within Wheat Ridge as
well. These groups were also interviewed to assess how they use the parks and
recreation system and to gauge their individual needs. These groups include the
Wheat Ridge Historical Society, Wheat Ridge Rotary Civic Service, Wheat Ridge
Senior Center Advisory Committee, Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission, Prospect
Recreation District, Wheat Ridge Arts Council, and Wheat Ridge Art League.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Athletic/Sport Recreation Program Activity
Table 3.15 provides a summary of all athletic/sport recreation program
participation in the City of Wheat Ridge.
Table 3.75 Summary of Athletic/Sport Recreation Program Activity
DRAFT
Sports
Approximate
.
Wheat Ridge P&R Men's and Coed Softball
participants
384
Steady
Men's Senior Baseball
50
Steady or
rowin
Wheat Ridge Area Baseball Association (WRABA)
240
Steady or
rowin
Wheat Ridge Girls Soflball Association (WRGSA)
260
Steady or
rowin
Wheat Ridge Youth Basketball Association (WRYBA)
126
Steady or
declining
Wheat Ridge P&R Women's and Coed Volleyball
100
Steady or
rowin
Wheat Ridge Avalanche Soccer Association (WRASA)
210
Steady or
rowin
Wheat Ridge Area Midget Football Association (WRAMF)
208
Steady
Wheat Ridge Piranhas Summer Swim Club
120
Steady
Rocky Mountain Thunder Swim Team
150
Steady or
rowin
Wheat Ridge High School Swim Team
60
Steady
Wheat Ridge P&R Coed Kickball
100
Steady
Baseball/Softball Programs
There has been steady demand for organized youth baseball and softball, as well
as adult softball within Wheat Ridge. The overall number of individuai baseball
players from Wheat Ridge participating in all programs was estimated at
approximately 290 for 2005, and according to the providers, is either steady or
growing. The overall number of individual girls softball players from Wheat Ridge
participating in all programs was estimated to be approximately 260 for 2005, and
according to providers, is either steady or growing as well. The overall number of
individual adult softball players from Wheat Ridge participating in all programs was
estimated to be approximately 384 for 2005.
The Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department operates three separate adult
softball leagues in both the spring and fall seasons. There is a recreational men's
league, a recreational co-ed league, and a competitive co-ed league, for a total of
32 teams during both seasons with approximately 380 players. The teams utilize
the south field at Randall Park, Manwaring Field at Creekside Park, and the north
field at Prospect Park.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) is affiliated with the Denver Men's
Senior Baseball League. MSBL competes in different age divisions: the 18 and
over league, the 28 and over league, the 38 and over league, and the 45 and over
league. There are approximately 50 players from the City of Wheat Ridge in this
league. MSBL primarily utilizes the baseball field at Anderson Park for both
games and practices.
The Wheat Ridge Area Baseball Association (WRABA) consists of 8 divisions
including: T-Ball, 8 yrs, 9 yrs, 10 yrs, 11 yrs, 12 yrs, 13 yrs, and 14 yrs. There are
typically 17 to 20 teams in the league with approximately 12 players per team.
WRABA typically utilizes the east field at Panorama Park, the north and south
fields at Randall Park, Manwaring Field at Creekside Park, the ballfield at Stites
Park, the north and south fields at Prospect Park, the field at Martensen, the east
field at Wheat Ridge Middle School, and the field at Pennington for both games
and practices.
The Wheat Ridge Giris Softball Association (WRGSA) described their organization
as consisting of 7 divisions. They listed these divisions as: T-Ball, 15` Midget, 2
Midget, 15l Junior, 2nd Junior, Intermediate, Senior, and Competitive. There are
typically 17 to 20 teams in the league with an average of 14 players per team.
WRGSA utilizes the west field at Panorama Park, the north and south fields at
Randall Park, the east field at Creekside Park, the ballifeld at Stites Park, the
softball field at Paramount Park, and the west field at Wheat Ridge Middle School.
Providers report that all fields are in excellent condition, and they have an
excellent relationship with the parks and recreation department. Most providers
feel that there is a need for more field space, as they often encounter scheduling
conflicts. Dedicated fields for the younger divisions and T-Ball would be heipful as
weil. This would free up valuable field space for the older division teams. Men's
Senior Baseball reports the need for a warning track and practice mounds at
Anderson Park field, as well as a green tarp on the top one-third of the backstop to
assist in following foul balls in the bright sun.
Baskefball Programs
There is a fairly steady demand for organized basketball in Wheat Ridge, although
enrollment has declined somewhat over the last few years. The total number of
individuai basketball players for all programs was estimated to be 126 for 2005.
The Wheat Ridge Youth Basketball Association (WRYBA) is affiliated with the
Jefferson County youth basketball league. WRYBA reports a very good
relationship with the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department. They
typically use school gym facilities; however, the costs have gotten very high and
this must be passed along to the kids. This may explain, in part, the declining
enrollment in this program. Additionaily, the school can cancel out their reserved
time if they decide they need to use the facility. The parks and recreation
department has been very helpful in that they conduct walk-in registration for the
league. They aiso opened up Anderson Gym last year for use at a much lower
cost. As such, the league will try to use the Anderson Building for all needs next
year, and hopefully be able to reduce the player fees.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Soccer Programs
Competitive youth soccer in Wheat Ridge is operated by the Wheat Ridge
Avalanche Soccer Association (WRASA), and interest is growing steadily.
WRASA hosts 8 separate age brackets: the under 11 bracket through the under
18 bracket, in 6oth the spring and fall seasons. In 2005, there were 14 teams with
210 players involved in the program. Avalanche Soccer utilizes fields at Anderson
Park, Paramount Park, Kulierstrand Elementary, and the field at Kipling adjacent to
the recreation center.
Wheat Ridge Avalanche Soccer reports an excellent relationship with the parks
and recreation department. They state that the department is very
accommodating to their needs, and continually tries to improve the soccer program
in Wheat Ridge by addressing any requests they may have. They also report the
fields they use at Anderson Park, Paramount Park, Kullerstrand Elementary
School, and Kipling Field at the recreation center are all in good condition.
Overall, they report no pressing needs, although they state that it would be nice to
have a synthetic field with lights available for use.
Recreational youth soccer is operated by the parks and recreation department.
The Wheat Ridge Youth Soccer program has remained steady with enrollments
over the past few years. In 2005, there were 330 players in the spring and 311
enrolled for the fall season. Normally there are between 30 and 35 teams per
season.
The parks and recreation department currently utilizes four different areas as
game fields: Anderson, Kipling, Kullerstrand East and Kullerstrand West. This is
one more field than in past seasons and is necessary due to additional competitive
teams playing this fall. Due to the loss of Pennington Elementary School's game
field, the department was able to make improvements to Kullerstrand West to
make it playable as a game field. Practices occur at 12 additional fields at
Panorama Park, Wilmore-Davis, Prospect Valiey, WRMS, and Paramount Park,
where each location has multiple fieids. Additionally, some open space at
Anderson Park has been configured as an additional micro-soccer field, and some
use has been secured at Slater Elementary, a Lakewood school located just south
of Wheat Ridge. The department reports that all fields are in excellent condition
as of August 2005.
The department knows that the need for field space is directly linked to the size of
not only their program, but the local Avalanche competitive program as well. In
years where the parks and recreation department program tops out at the upper
enrollment range, finding enough field space for teams to practice can be difficult.
This is complicated further during seasons where the Avalanche is also fielding
more teams. As such, they feel it is important to add at least two more potential
practice/game sites that can be configured for a variety of field sizes (micro,
intermediate and full-sized). Not only would this ensure that they have the
necessary space to continue with a quality program, but the extra fields could also
be scheduled into normal park and recreation department field rotations, thereby
improving the overall health of all soccer fields in the city.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Football Programs
Recreational football in Wheat Ridge is hosted by Wheat Ridge Area Midget
Football (WRAMF) and interest appears to be steady. There are 7 age divisions
(age 7 through 14), and in 2005 there were a totai of 208 piayers across the 7
divisions. All practice and games occur during the fall, and they utilize the fields at
Prospect Park, Randall Park, Panorama Park, Creekside Park, Stevens
Elementary School, and Martensen Elementary School. WRAMF reports that fields
are in good condition, and they have a great working relationship with the parks
and recreation department. They state that they have plenty of practice space;
however, they do indicate that it would be nice to have two additional games fields:
one 100-yard field and one 60-yard field for the younger divisions.
Swim Programs
There is strong and active participation in various swim programs throughout
Wheat Ridge. Rocky Mountain Thunder (RMT) is a co-ed, competitive United
States Swimming (USS) registered swim team that is based in Wheat Ridge. RMT
competes year-round and utilizes both the Anderson Park pool in the summer as
weil as the pool at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center. There are 5 youth
divisions, including the under 8, ages 9-10, ages 11-12, ages 13-14, and ages
15+. There is also a master's bracket for swimmers ages 19 through 55. In 2005,
there were a total of 150 swimmers across all divisions. RMT reports an excellent
relationship with the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department. They state
that the facility at the recreation center is a superior facility; however, there is a
need for a timing system to be instailed. They feel strongly that if the city decides
to replace the Anderson Park Pool, it should be done so with a facility capabie of
holding state-level swim meets. It is their opinion that a 50-meter pool would
provide the ability for state-level meets to be held there, and would thus provide a
financial benefit to both the city and community, attracting teams and participants
from throughout the state. They state that these tournaments typically charge
large fees for participants and contribute largely to local economies. They also
state that at the very least, the pool at Anderson Park needs new blocks and lanes
because the current ones are worn out.
The Wheat Ridge Piranhas summer swim club is affiliated with the City of Wheat
Ridge and Foothills Summer Swim Association. They have a totai of 6 age
brackets, including: under 8, ages 9-10, ages 11-12, ages 13-14, ages 15-16, and
ages 17-18. In 2005, there were a total of 120 participants, and they compete at
the 25-meter or 25-yard level. The team competes from May until August,
practices at Anderson Park, and hosts home meets at the recreation center. The
first year for the team to host home meets at the recreation center was 2005;
however, they can only host 2 to 3 meets per season due to scheduling conflicts.
They can no longer utilize the pool at Anderson Park because the movable
bulkhead is broken, and thus they cannot compete at the 25-meter or 25-yard
level. They feel the team needs access to an outdoor facility, either a 50-meter
pool with a movable bulkhead or a dedicated 25-meter pool. Having this type of
facility would allow them to host leagues, meets, invitational and state
competitions. They feel this would be beneficial because the team could then
raise money from concessions, t-shirt sales, etc. They state that the Summer
Swim Club is a wonderfui program for kid's seif-esteem, as they reward all
competitors, not just the winners.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
The Wheat Ridge High School swim team uses the recreation center pool Monday
through Friday from 3-5 pm. They have a total of 40 female swimmers and 20
male swimmers, and compete in the winter and spring. Overall, they report an
excellent relationship with the parks and recreation department and currently have
no needs.
Volleyball Programs
The Wheat Ridge Park and Recreation Department offers a volleyball program for
adults, which includes spring and fali leagues with both a co-ed recreation division
and a women's competitive division. In 2005, there were a total of 10 teams with
approximately 100 players in all divisions. Most practices and games occur at the
gym in the Anderson Building.
Kickball Programs
The City of Wheat Ridge offers an adult co-ed kickball league in the spring and fall
for players ages 16 and up. The spring season plays for 10 weeks, beginning in
mid-April. The spring kickball league plays at Prospect Park, while the fall kickball
league plays at Manwaring Fieid at Creekside Park. In 2005, there were a total of
10 teams in both leagues with approximately 100 players.
Non-Athletic/Sport Recreation Program Activity
Wheat Ridge Art League
The Wheat Ridge Art League was organized in 1974, and originally affiliated with
the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department. Their purpose is to promote
the creation and appreciation of art to the residents of Wheat Ridge. Certain
members of the Wheat Ridge Art League report a less than amicable relationship
with the parks and recreation department. They state that at one time, they were
fully funded by the city; however, in the last 10 years, there has been no financial
support. They now have to pay for the use of ineeting space at the Wheat Ridge
Senior Center as well as for space for their workshops, which are a critical element
of what they do. Since many members are seniors on a fixed income, this has
become very difficult financially for them. Also, the Art League has had to hold
workshops outside the city because it is cheaper to rent meeting space through
Lutheran Holy Cross Church. The only support they currently receive from the city
is use of a copy machine for production of their monthly newsletter. The Art
League displays their work at local businesses throughout the city, and has signs
associated with each piece that states "Supported by Wheat Ridge Parks and
Recreation Department." They feel they are not getting adequate support and the
city is lacking in their commitment to their organization.
Wheat Ridge Hisforical Society
The Wheat Ridge Historical Society helps to promote the history of Wheat Ridge
and maintain its historical facilities, including the Historical Park, the Baugh House,
and the Richards-Hart Estate. Overall, the Wheat Ridge Historical Society reports
a good working relationship with the parks and recreation department. Currently,
the Historical Society office is only open on Fridays with two volunteers. There is
too much work for existing volunteers to handle, and they would like to see one
additional person hired to work approximately 20 hours per week, as was the case
in the past. Most volunteers are seniors, and they feel it will be important to have
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Reaeation Master Plan
someone to pass the information along to when they step down. The city provides
a person to regularly clean, but the Historical Society reports that it is only done
sporadically. They would like to see someone come on a regular basis, ideally
one hour per week. They also report they need a flagstone walk from the front
door to the front gate, and would also like a drip system for the perennial flowers.
Lastiy, they would like to see more interest and invoivement from the city in the
Historical Society, as it is a very important element to the culture of Wheat Ridge.
Wheat Ridge Rotary Civic Service
The main objective of the Wheat Ridge Rotary is service. The Rotary consists of
professional men and women who work as volunteers to improve the quality of life
in their home and community. Club membership represents a cross-section of
locai business and professional leaders. The Rotary club reports an excellent
relationship with the parks and recreation department. They meet weekly in the
community room at the recreation center, for which they donated $30,000 to help
construct. They also donate $1,000 per year for upgrades to the room, including
AV equipment, podium, etc. They currently have $5,000 earmarked for the
recreation center this year. Last year, the Wheat Ridge Rotary took over beer
sales at the Carnation Festival, and it is now their largest fundraiser. The only
needs they report are more parking, electrical hook-ups, restrooms, lighting, and
covered areas available for the Carnation Festivai.
Senior Advisory Committee
This group advises the parks and recreation department on the operation of the
senior center. Generally, they report a very good relationship. They feel that as
the senior population in Wheat Ridge continues to grow, an expansion of the
senior center will be needed (as they are already tight on space). They would like
to see the city purchase the land adjacent to the center for expansion, which would
aiso provide a direct connection to Founders' Park. The Senior Advisory
Committee also feels there needs to be better distribution of park and recreation
information, such as simpiified maps and/or brochures available around the city as
well as more patrols along the greenbelt.
Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission
The Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission was created to promote culture and the
arts in the city, and foster cuitural enrichment and education opportunities for the
citizens of Wheat Ridge. In addition, the commission helps provide revenue for
these activities by encouraging production of exhibitions, fairs, and similar events.
The Cultural Commission reports a very good relationship with the parks and
recreation department. In general, they feel more attention needs to be given to
cultural programs in Wheat Ridge. The commission feels thatjoint use agreements
for culturai facilities between the schools and the city would provide needed
venues for cultural programming that does not currently exist. The commission
also feels that the culture within a community contains three components: the
cultural community, the city government, and the business community. It is their
opinion that if the city would provide support and resources for cultural events to
be held near business areas, everyone would benefit. They report that this model
has been highiy successful in other communities.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Wheaf Ridge Arts Council
The purpose of the Wheat Ridge Art Council is to promote the creation and
appreciation of art to the residents of Wheat Ridge. In general, the Wheat Ridge
Arts Council reports a good relationship with the parks and recreation department.
They host an annuai Taste of the Arts fundraiser; they would like to hold the event
at the recreation center, but cannot because the rental fee is too high. Ideally,
they would like to see parks and recreation reduce or waive this fee altogether, as
the council directly supports the community.
Prospect Recreation District
Prospect Recreation District serves residents who live outside of Wheat Ridge in
unincorporated Jefferson County. Many of their residents use Wheat Ridge
recreation facilities, but must pay non-resident fees. Additionaily, some Wheat
Ridge athletic teams use Prospect Recreation facilities; they must pay a flat fee as
do ali JeffCo teams that use these facilities. Overall, they report a good
relationship with the parks and recreation department and try to be good
neighbors.
Jefierson County R-1 School District
The Jefferson County R-1 School District reports an exceilent relationship with the
parks and recreation department. They currently have several intergovernmental
agreements with the department for use of facilities at several elementary and
middle schools within the city. Of all the joint-use arrangements they have in the
county, they report that the one with Wheat Ridge is by far the best. They also
report that the parks and recreation department is an excellent partner, and no
problems or issues have arisen in 5 years. They are currentiy working on potential
joint-use arrangements for several new facilities in Wheat Ridge if a proposed
bond issue passes. These facilities may include a baseball compiex, giris lacrosse
field, and locker room facilities at Wheat Ridge Middle School; a boys lacrosse
field and softball complex at Pennington Elementary School; and tennis courts,
baseball and softball fields, a multi-purpose athletic field, weight room, locker
rooms, gymnasium, wrestling room, team room, all-weather track, and a football
field at Wheat Ridge High School.
H. Existing and Future Recreation Facilities Needs
Tabie 3.16 lists the current level of service for various active recreational facilities
that groups and individuals in Wheat Ridge use, as weli as the average level of
service for other communities in the Rocky Mountain West. Based on these levels
of service, both current and future needs and deficits are given. These numbers
also assume ongoing partnerships with the JeffCo R-1 Schooi District, and that
use of the current facilities by Wheat Ridge residents continues.
According to this analysis, which uses a standard based on the average of other
communities, there is currently not a need for additional recreational facilities in
Wheat Ridge. There may, in fact, be a need for additional facilities in the future
due to possible future growth. However at the moment, Wheat Ridge is not
experiencing any growth (-0.5% growth rate in 2005). Additionally, no definite
growth buildout number has been established by the city.
DRAFT
City of Wheal Ridge Parks and Recreafion Master Plan
As such, a target level of service that is based on averages in other communities
has been applied to determine current recreation facility needs. If Wheat Ridge
targeted a level of service that was average for peer communities along the
Colorado Front Range, the City would not need any additional recreational
facilities based on its current population. This does not take into account
differences in the age, quality, accessibility or other design characteristics of the
facilities.
Table 3.16 Recreational Facility Needs
2006
Current ii
.
.
,
2006
,
d.
.
.e
Soccer/Lacrosse
20'*
1:1,590
1:6,200
5
0
Fields
Football Fields
3
1:10,620
1:11,720
3
0
Softball/Baseball
22••=
1:1,450
1:4,020
8
0
Fields
OutdoorBasketball
10
73,190
1:6,520
5
0
Courts
Tennis Courts
9
1:3,540
1:3,860
S
0
Swimming Paols
2
1:15,930
1:18,440
2
0
Ice Rink
0
0732,172
1789,040
0
0
Gymnasium
2
1:15,940
1:31,490
1
0
Skateboard Parks
1
131,869
1:51,850
1
0
Inline Hackey Rink
1
1:31,569
1:47,050
1
0
* Pop. 32,172 Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), July 31, 2006.
12 flelds at school facilities
"*10 fields at school facilities
These numbers differ somewhat from the recreation provider interviews and the
community survey. The Wheat Ridge Area Baseball Association and the Wheat
Ridge Girls Softball Association both state that at least two more fields as well as a
dedicated T-Ball field are needed to relieve current scheduling conflicts. However,
the community comparison analysis reveals there is an abundance of fields. Even
if the fields located at schoois are removed from the comparison, Wheat Ridge
would still have a high level of service (1:2,681) than the average of Front Range
communities. As such, it is not recommended that construction of additional fields
is needed at this time. Wheat Ridge Avalanche Soccer expressed a desire for
access to a synthetic turf field with lights. While it is not recommended that the
parks and recreation department construct one, access may be available through
JeffCo R-1 School District if they are successful in the construction of new facilities
at the various schools within Wheat Ridge. Wheat Ridge Area Midget Football
also expressed a need for one additional 100-yard and one additional 60-yard
field. The City of Wheat Ridge is only slightly better than the average of Front
Range communities for football fields. If there is available space to construct one
additional multi-purpose field at an existing park, it is recommended that it be done
sometime in the near future. Both the Rocky Mountain Thunder and Wheat Ridge
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Piranhas swim teams have expressed need for a new competition level outdoor
pool at Anderson Park. The current pool is quickly deteriorating and is no longer
adequate to serve their needs. It is recommended that a new 50-meter
competitive pool with a movable bulkhead be built in place of the current pool.
As there is no organized ice hockey program in Wheat Ridge, there was no
expressed need for an ice rink within the city. Approximately 45% of survey
respondents did, however, say that there is not enough of that type of facility within
the city. The construction of an ice rink requires a large capital investment and
they are typically a regional attraction in nature. As such, construction of such a
facility within the next 10 years is not recommended and resources should be
devoted to more pressing needs.
Other notable amenities and facilities that respondents of the community survey
said there were not enough of (that the City of Wheat Ridge does not currently
provide) include a dog park, a teen recreation center, and more trails. Aithough
there are no specific standards for these types of facilities, the community clearly
desires them. Dog parks are quickly becoming one of the most popular
recreational amenities in communities, both regionally and nationally. The addition
of such a facility could be accomplished at a relatively low cost and would provide
a high amount of satisfaction in the community. Teen recreation centers are
provided in many communities along the Front Range, as well as regionally and
nationally. The construction or incorporation of one into an intergeneration facility
should be considered, as it offers a needed and well respected resource for teens
within the community, much like a senior center. Additionaily, many teen-specific
amenities (such as climbing walls or skate features) could be incorporated into
such a facility.
1. Existing and Future Parkland Needs
The community survey indicated that people are relatively content with the overall
quantity of parkland in Wheat Ridge. Currently, the level of service for
neighborhood parks in Wheat Ridge is 1.8 acres/1,000 population. When 10 acres
each of Anderson Park and Prospect Park are included in that average, which
serve neighborhood functions to those residents within 0.5 mile, the level of
service rises to 2.4 acres/1,000 population. This level of service is comparable to
that of many communities along the Front Range, which averages 2.4 acres/1,000
population (see Tabie 3.2 for parkland comparisons). Wheat Ridge may want to
continue to monitor satisfaction levels of residents and develop existing
undeveloped parklands as needed. The city may also want to expand existing
parks and be proactive with developers of infill and redevelopment projects to
ensure that adequate resources are being placed on the provision of parks and
recreational services within the city.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Map 3, Neighborhood Park Service Areas, in Chapter Two shows the areas within
Wheat Ridge that are underserved by neighborhood parks. In areas where a
service radius does not exist, it is either because there is no available
neighborhood park or access to a park is prohibited by a barrier, such as a major
roadway. Although the overall level of service for neighborhood parkland is
comparable to the Front Range average, careful consideration should be given to
the provision of parklands to those areas of the city that are currently underserved.
Many of these underserved areas could be accommodated through the
enhancement of existing joint-use school park facilities. Many of these facilities do
not adequately serve as neighborhood parks and thus cannot be considered as
such. However, minor improvements in access, visual appeal, and amenities
would greatly improve their function and provide nearby residents with needed
parkland.
Currently, the level of service for community parks in Wheat Ridge is 2.6
acres/1,000 population. This level of service is somewhat greater than the average
of other communities along the Front Range, which average 2.1 acres/1,000
population (see Table 3.2 for parkland comparisons). While there does not appear
to be a need for additional community parkland, there is strong community support
for a large multi-purpose community park and performance areas. Strong
consideration should be given to the role that both Anderson Park and Prospect
Park serve within the community. It is recommended that a master plan for each
park be developed so that each park can best serve the existing and future needs
of the community.
J. Trail Needs
Time and again when Colorado residents are surveyed, the most frequent
activities in city parks, traiis, and open space systems are waiking, nature
observation, bicycling, picnicking, and jogging 5 For example, in Arvada, 80% of
residents surveyed walked/hiked on a trail system, 79% observed nature or walked
in an open space area, and 66% bicycled on a trail system. Comparatively, 20 to
25% of residents played soccer, golf, softball, outdoor basketball, or tennis.
Colorado Springs and Fort Collins survey resuits show similar trends. Similariy,
more than 60% of Wheat Ridge residents feel there are not enough natural surface
bike/pedestrian trails and paved trails. Additionally, only 49% are satisfied that the
city's trail system provides good connections to parks and other important
destinations.
Based on community survey results as well as a comparison with other
communities along the Front Range, there is a strong need for additional primary-
level trails and trail connections within the city. Currentiy, there is somewhat
limited opportunity for residents to easily and safely travel or commute throughout
Wheat Ridge via alternative transportation, such as biking, skating, or walking.
The Ciear Creek Trail provides a tremendous east-west travel route. The only
5 EDAW. Inc.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
exception is that a vital connection is missing beiween the Miller Traiihead and the
trailhead located on Kipling Street at 43rd Avenue. Currently, trail users heading
east must exit the trail at the Miller Trailhead, cross under Kipling Street near the
recreation center, and re-enter the trail at the terminus of Independence Street.
Additionally, there are no north-south connections for residents to access Ciear
Creek Trail. Also, there is little ability to travei between park and recreation
destinations within Wheat Ridge via either an off-road system or an on-road route
network. There have been initial efforts to create a pedestrian and bicycle master
plan for the City of Wheat Ridge, however it has yet to be accomplished. This
shouid become a high priority for the city so that a blueprint for an extended future
trail network can begin.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
CHAPTER FOUR - RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
MASTER PLAN
This chapter includes a master plan map and specific project
recommendations that are needed to meet existing and future urban
recreational, park, open space, and trail needs in the City of Wheat
Ridge. These recommendations include ways to address existing
deficiencies, projected needs, and changes in recreationai habits, and
other issues identified through the inventory and needs assessment.
As the City of Wheat Ridge moves forward with future citywide planning
efforts, such as the Neighborhood Revitalization Study Strategies, _
Wheat Ridge 2020, and individual sub-area plans, it is imperative that Apel-BacherPark
the Parks and Recreation Master Plan be coordinated with these
efforts. City leaders have taken progressive steps to outline a vision
for the future of the city and how it will look. These planning efforts encompass all
elements of the city, including traffic, housing, employment, neighborhood design,
and commercial districts. Likewise, they should also fully incorporate and integrate
parks and recreation. There is broad consensus within the community that the
parks and recreation system is both the backbone as weli as the face of the city; it
is the largest publicly visible and used component - the public realm. Residents
and civic leaders alike agree that unique resources, such as the greenbelt and
recreation center, help to differentiate Wheat Ridge from other communities in the
area. It is these resources that will help continue to make Wheat Ridge a
desirable place for new families to want to relocate to in the future.
While other communities desperately search for ways in which to acquire
additional park and open space land to promote redevelopment and economic
development in their community, Wheat Ridge is far ahead in the possession of
these resources. However, simply possessing these resources may not be
enough. These resources should be celebrated and endorsed through integration
into all future planning efforts. The greenbelt corridor and associated park and
recreation facilities should be established as anchors from which future mixed-use
redevelopment should focus. This type of interconnected green infrastructure is
becoming an increasingly important and valuable component of community
planning. In order to encourage thriving natural and human communities, green
infrastructure planning treats open spaces as a necessary and beneficial aspect of
urban and suburban environments. By incorporating green space networks into
communities, both quality of life as well as the health of the natural world is
improved. Plans for green infrastructure help communities decide how to grow in
the best possible manner while directly adding an economic benefit to the
community; The draw of people who desire to be close to and recreate in areas
such as the greenbelt, is a powerful incentive for businesses to locate here.
Wheat Ridge has an unprecedented opportunity to capitalize on their current
resources to successfully revitalize areas that will produce positive economic,
residential, and aesthetic benefits. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the
City of Wheat Ridge fully integrate this Parks and Recreation Master Plan into all
citywide planning efforts.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
A. Park Projects
DRAFT
Although Wheat Ridge is not currently deficient in parkland compared to other
Front Range communities, there are areas within the city that are underserved by
neighborhood parks. The community survey supports this, as oniy 48% of
respondents feit that parks are equitably distributed within Wheat Ridge. Other
indicators related to park needs uncovered in the community survey relate to park
and recreation facilities and amenities, traiis, and trail connections throughout the
city. According to the survey, one primary reason people in Wheat Ridge do not
use parks, or use them more frequently, is because they lack facilities or features
they are looking for. Some of the features people feel are lacking in Wheat Ridge
include: large, multi-purpose community parks; outdoor education and nature
centers; natural surface pedestrian traiis; picnic sheiters; off-leash areas in parks;
dog parks; teen recreation centers; and trails. An analysis of traiis within Wheat
Ridge also reveals that while the Clear Creek Trail provides an excellent off-street
east-west route, there is no safe, off-street aiternative in which to travel north-
south. There are also no identified routes or trails that link other park, recreation,
Byperjonniy:gal[
and school destinations within the city. This is supported by the fact that only 49%
the neiracrr[ous
functions that
of respondents feei that the city's trail system provides good connections.
people appreciate -
cleaningthe air,
In order to meet the needs of existing and future residents, several proactive steps
giving cool sHade,
will need to be taken by the city that ensure an increase in resident satisfaction
peovidingspacefor
recreation and
and imProvements in the geo9raPhic service of parks within the community. As
play, offerr.,g
Wheat Ridge is not generally lacking in overall neighborhood or community
an.acrrve v;sms,
parkland, it is not recommended that the city immediately pursue acquisition of
andfurnishing
or,rdoo.
ro e for arkland develo ment unless an exce tional and uni ue o ortunit
P P rtY P P P 9 PP Y
environmenta[
arises. As such, current undeveloped parklands should be developed into
classrooms-parks
neighborhood parks, and other efforts should be made to improve the function of
improvethe gualiry
existing parks. Additionally, enhancements can be made to joint school-parks to
oflife in a ciry.
-PeterHarnik,
help them function more appropriately as neighborhood parks. These actions will
rnsiae ch rark5,
help to solve existing needs and deficiencies in underserved areas. A number of
[1LI and Trust Sor
trail upgrades and developments should also be made to improve the overall
Public Lands,
system, and improve access and connectivity to parks and recreation resources.
zooo.
Develop Existing Park Sites
The City of Wheat Ridge currently owns three parcels of land for development of
neighborhood parks. Careful foresight and planning on the part of the Parks and
Recreation Department has allowed them to acquire and "bank" these two parcels
and designatethem forfuture park purposes.
44th and Kendall Street
This parcel is 2 acres in size and located near the intersection of 441h Avenue and
Kendall Street. Although somewhat smail in size for a full neighborhood park,
development of this site wiil provide well needed parkland in an underserved area
of the city. The parcel has road frontage on 44`h Avenue, which will provide good
access, both physically and visually. As the land is already owned by the City,
costs of park development will be lower than if the land wouid need to be
purchased. This park should provide basic park amenities, including a playground,
picnic shelter, restroom, shade structures, and a multi-purpose playfield if the site
is large enough to accommodate this use.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Einarsen Property
The second undeveloped park property is 8.3 acres in size and located along
Kipling Street between 38`h Avenue and 35`" Avenue. This site is adequately sized
for a full neighborhood park and has excellent access, both visually and physically,
along Kipling Street. Development of this park wili not only provide a
neighborhood park in an underserved area, but also provides an outstanding
opportunity for other needed park features in a centralized location
within the city. It is recommended that consideration be given to
providing a dog park at this location as well as skateboarding features,
in addition to other traditional neighborhood park amenities such as a
playground, picnic sheiter, restroom, and shade structures. This is an
ideal location for a dog park due to its centralized location, easy access,
and proximity to other park and recreation amenities, such as the
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, which is located approximately one
biock away. As skateboarding and in-line skating have become
increasingly popular, the addition of elements designed specifically for Einarsen Property
these activities would be ideal in this location as well. By co-locating a
dog park near the skate features, the park will be activated in a manner that
provides for self-policing of the skate area by dog park users as well as other park
users. There would also be good line-of-site from Kipling Street as the parcel is
narrow in shape. Since the site slopes somewhat steeply from south to north, the
inclusion of a multi-purpose turf field may not be possible without major retaining
walls. An attractive, low, transparent fence should be provided along Kipling,
allowing visibility into and surveillance of the park, while preventing inadvertent
conflicts between park users and traffic.
Baugh House
The final piece of undeveloped parkland is the Baugh House and property located
at West 44`h Avenue Robb Street, near the Historical Park. This property is 3.5
acres in size and contains a historic cabin with a Victorian house buiit around it.
As the Historical Park and Baugh House are located in the Orchard District area of
the city, they should both be incorporated into the forthcoming sub-area plan.
Acquisition of the properties that divide the two parklands should be pursued to
allow for one continuous park property, which could then be developed into a
neighborhood/pocket park with amenities such as a playground, picnic tables, and
restrooms. This area also provides an excellent opportunity to establish a cultural
interpretation/ living history site related to the agricultural history of Wheat Ridge,
and would be a nice accompaniment to nearby Prospect Park.
New Parkland and/or Amenities
Map 3, Neighborhood and Pocket Park Service Areas, located in Chapter Two,
iilustrates portions of Wheat Ridge that are currently underserved by such parks.
In an effort to address these deficiencies, the city should consider strategies that
will provide residents with either adequate facilities and amenities within 0.5 mile,
or improved access to existing neighborhood park amenities. Although one option
may be to improve joint school-park upgrades, there are locations that do not
currently have joint school-parks. In these areas, the acquisition of land and
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
construction of new parks may be in order. Map 5, Proposed Master Plan, shows
conceptual locations for new parkland, which will help to enhance service to
current and future residential areas that are underserved. Following is a
description ot each location and suggested park developments.
Between 32nd - 3H«, west of Wadsworth
Currently, there is no neighborhood park, nor adequate access to one, for
residents in the area south of 38t' Avenue and north of 32nd Avenue, west of
Wadsworth Boulevard. In an effort to address this problem, the city should
aggressively pursue acquisition of property in order to provide these residents with
the needed facilities. If acquisition of property is not possible, then other options
should be pursued. One possibility might be a partnership with Exempla Health
Systems at the Lutheran Hospital located along Lutheran Parkway. Any park
provided should contain all typical neighborhood amenities, including a
playground, picnic shelter, restroom, shade structures, and a multi-purpose
playfield. Another benefit of providing a park at this location would be its
adjacency to the proposed Rocky Mountain Ditch trail, which would meander
through this location.
Northwest Sub-Area
As part of the Northwest Sub-Area Plan currently being developed, a new high
density residential development project is being considered in conjunction with the
anticipated RTD Light Rail Station. If this new residential project comes to fruition,
a neighborhood park will be needed in this area to serve these future residents. It
is recommended that any new park constructed in this area be done so as part of
the overall redevelopment project. This park should contain typical neighborhood
park amenities, including a playground, picnic shelter, restroom, shade structures,
and a multi-purpose playfield.
Major Park/Facility Redesign
In order to improve overail service to residents, some parks and recreation
facilities will need major redesign. Map 5, Proposed Master Plan, identifies
parkiands and recreational facilities proposed for major redesign, which will helK
them function more efficiently and better serve residents in the provision of
parkiand and recreational amenities. Following is a description of each location
and suggested park developments.
Anderson Park
" Anderson Park is widely considered one of the crown jewels of the
Wheat Ridge park system. It is centrally located, easily accessible, and
recognized by residents as one of the most important assets in the city.
The lack of consistency in which amenities have been added to the park
over time have left the park with a sense of no clear organization or
central core. Although highly popular, park elements are not visually
~ ~ appealing, and vehicular roads and parking interrupt park elements.
Pedestrian flow through the site appears secondary to vehicular fiow.
Anderson Park The maintenance buiiding along the street frontage prevents visibility
i into the site, where a front door to the park should exist. The Anderson Building
DR4FT CiTy of Wheat Ridge Parks and Reaeation Master Plan
and associated parking are located in the middle of the park, between the to the
maintenance building and the park area next to Clear Creek. Several changes greenbelt
and enhancements could be made to this park to make it function more effectively.
It is strongly suggested that the city begin with the creation of a renovation master
plan for Anderson Park. The development of such a plan will illustrate ways in
which the park could be redesigned to improve its overall effectiveness and
efficiency, in addition to its general relation to the city as a whole.
Although the Carnation Festival is currently held here, it is
recommended that this function eventualiy be transferred to Prospect
Park, which may be better positioned in the future to accommodate
such events. As this happens, Anderson Park could evoive into more
of a multi-generational family activity park. To accomplish this, much
would have to be done in terms of facility relocation and redesign. This
may include the removal of the Anderson Building and transferring
those activities to the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center. All pavilions will
need to be updated and circulation throughout the park improved. The Anderson Park
relationship with and visibility from 44`h Avenue wili need to be
improved through such measures as the removal of the maintenance buiiding, as
well as a redesigned entryway and parking areas. Other improvements in the park
should include a relocated and redesigned skate park and in-line hockey rink,
improved trailhead designation, and replacement of the irrigation
system. Eii
Lastly, the pool is in immediate need of repair and replacement. The
current pool should eventually be removed and the entire area
redesigned to be more of an all-inclusive aquatic facility. The pool
should be replaced with a competition level, 50-meter pool with a NewPavilionStrudure 6cample
movable bulkhead, which would provide the capacity for the city to
host state level swim meets. A splash park with multiple water features should
also be added to provide residents with a desired summer outdoor aquatic facility.
Aithough it is not recommended that a full-scale water park be constructed, there
is clearly a desire and demand for some type of modern aquatic facility beyond a
simple pool. These types of facilities are becoming very popular in other
communities and would provide a unique element to one of Wheat Ridge's most
popular parks. The master plan process could determine the extent of water play
elements, and whether or not the splash park components are open to the public
for free, or if a fee should be chargetl for their use.
Johnson Park
Johnson Park is uniquely located adjacent to the Wheat Ridge
greenbelt and Clear Creek Trail. Physical access to the park, however,
is extremely difficult, and can only be achieved while traveling south on
Wadsworth Boulevard or from the Clear Creek Trail itself. Visual
access to the park from the street is also prohibited as it sits well below
street level. There are no sidewalks along Wadsworth Boulevard
adjacent to the park, preventing safe access to the park from nearby
neighborhoods. As such, it is recommended that vehicle access to the ku`t
Park be closed (except for service and emer9encY) and the Park be
removed from park inventory. The park acreage should be transitioned Johnson Park
Ciry of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
The restroom should be upgraded as a trail amenity and the playground removed.
An oversized walk/trail connection should be added to Wadsworth in this area, and
a trail connection provided to the Clear Creek Trail, which is well below street
level.
ProspectPark
Prospect Park is anotherjewel of the Wheat Ridge park system and
widely popular with residents. It too is centrally located, highly
identifiable, and easily accessible in the Orchard District area of the city.
The city wiil soon be creating a sub-area plan for the Orchard District as
one of the objectives of the Neighborhood Revitalization Study
strategies and Wheat Ridge 2020 initiative to help the city identify how it
should grow and redevelop in the future. Part of this initiative is to
capitalize on current assets and resources that residents identify with
and are proud of. The greenbelt and park system are continually
identified as some of these top resources. As the city currently lacks a dedicated
community festival and culturai focal point to develop around, it is recommended
that Prospect Park evolve into this function. Mixed-use development should be
encouraged around the park and greenbelt in this area.
Prospect Park should be fully integrated into the Orchard District Sub-
Area Plan. In advance of this land use pianning process, a site master
plan should be developed for the park and historic properties across
44l" Avenue to define the area's potential, with the goal of transition into
the community festival and cultural focal point the city needs and
desires. Events such as the Carnation Festival could then be relocated
here. Additional lands may be required adjacent to the park to improve
access and provide adequate area for various functions. Other
FestivalAreaAdlacenttoRiverExample upgrades and enhancements that should be considered include
improved trailhead designation for the Clear Creek Trail and an
enhanced pedestrian crossing at 44`h Avenue. Strong consideration should also
be given to removal of the Berbert House and garage if they do not possess any
historical significance to the community. These structures are currently used for
storage for youth organizations, and other accommodations would need to be
made to ensure adequate storage is available.
ProspectPark
Civic Green Amphitheater Example
DR,4FT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Senior Center
In recent years, the number of senior aged residents in Wheat Ridge has steadily
grown. As this has occurred, there has been added pressure on the senior center
in terms of a lack of available space for needed programming. There is a strong
desire from many residents within the community for the senior center to be
expanded to add more meeting space, a fitness room, and a larger community
room. However, there has been a national trend for communities to develop
intergenerational facilities as opposed to dedicated senior centers. These types of
facilities might include teen center components as well as other community space.
As such, it is recommended that Wheat Ridge conduct a feasibility study to best
address how to accommodate the growing needs of the senior population. If it is
determined that an intergenerational facility is not conducive to the needs of the
community, then consideration shouid be given to expansion of the current facility.
This might include working with adjacent land owners to utilize private open space.
This would allow the city to expand the facility without relocating it, and then form a
continuous link of park and recreation land between the senior center and
Founder's Park.
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
Although constructed in 2000, the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center is already
operating at fuil capacity for its programming needs. Several programs are
currently scheduled at the Anderson Building in Anderson Park, which is a
deteriorated facility and no longer adequate to handle such intensive
programming. The recreation center is considered by many to be an outstanding
facility and focal point within the city. Therefore, it is recommended that as part of
the master plan process for Anderson Park and the feasibility study for the senior
center, strong consideration be given to expanding the current recreation center.
This expansion would allow for programming at Anderson Park to be relocated
here in addition to added programming in the future. It may also allow for the
construction of an intergenerational facility if it is determined that one is needed in
this location. There is ample room on the 12-acre site for such an expansion;
however, the soccer field would have to be relocated (potentialiy to Anderson
Park) and the parking lot would need to be reconfigured.
Facility Additions or Enhancements
Most of the parks in the Wheat Ridge system are in good condition; however,
some may need minor improvements to help modernize them. Map 5, Proposed
Master Pian, identifies parks and park areas that are proposed for minor
enhancements and facility additions to help them function more effectively and
serve nearby residents more efficiently. Following is a description of each location
and suggested park developments. -
Boyd's Crossing
There are no benches, restroom, or drinking fountain at the park, and
the playground is old and in need of replacement. The park is located
in a low income area of the city and there is a high occurrence of
vandalism. As such, the piayground should be replaced and new
benches and picnic tables added to the park. New lighting should also
Boyd's Crossing
City of Wheal Ridge Parks and Recreation Masler Plan
ORAFT
be installed to help minimize the amount of vandalism occurring at Boyd's
Crossing. It is not recommended that a permanent restroom be added; however,
consideration may be given to the addition of portable toilets.
Creekside Park
Creekside Park is the only dedicated sports complex in Wheat Ridge,
but it is lacking some fundamental features. Permanent restrooms are
needed as well as a building to house a concession or vending area
during games. ADA access is also needed to the backstop area of the
ballfields. Improvements to the quality of the native vegetation around
the park and trailhead signage for Clear Creek Trail shouid also be
considered. Lastly, as the park lies in a floodplain and receives high
amounts of runoff from area streets, there are continual drainage issues
that compromise the integrity of the park features and amenities. This should be
addressed as soon as possible to prevent future damage.
Fruitdale Park
Overall, Fruitdale Park is in good physical condition except for occasional
vandalism, which couid be reduced through further activation of the park with uses.
As there is an expressed need for at least one additional 100-yard football field,
this would be an ideal location. There is ample turf space to accommodate such a
facility and placement would help to activate the park, bringing more people here
and hopefully reducing the incidences of vandalism. Fruitdale could also be
another potential location for a future dog park, although it is not quite as desirable
a location as the Einarsen property, which is more centraliy located in the City.
Historical ParWBaugh House
As the Historical Park and Baugh House are located in the Orchard District area of
the city, they should both be incorporated into the forthcoming sub-area plan.
Acquisition of the properties that divide the two parklands should be pursued to
allow for one continuous park property, which could then be developed into a
neighborhood/pocket park with amenities such as a playground, picnic tables, and
restrooms. This area also provides an excellent opportunity to establish a cultural
interpretation/ living history site related to the agricultural history of Wheat Ridge,
and would be a nice accompaniment to nearby Prospect Park.
Panorama Park
Overail, Panorama Park is in excellent condition; however, some
upgrades and improvements are needed. Paved walks should be
constructed throughout the park in addition to ADA access serving the
ballfield backstops and picnic shelters. The existing public art sculpture
is a much appreciated amenity, but it is severely deteriorated and
needs to be refurbished or replaced. There is a need for new benches
in the ballfield dugouts. Likewise, the play equipment is beginning to
age and consideration should be given to replacing it in the near future.
Panorama Park
Creekside ParC
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Paramount Park
Paramount Park is in good condition, except for a few minor enhancements. ADA
access should be provided to the backstop areas of the ballfields, and new
benches installed in and around the playground areas. The existing half basketball
court is crumbling along the edges and needs to be resurfaced. The parks and
recreation department also maintains a triangular parcel across 27th Street from
the park. This is an ideal space to establish landscaping and provide public art in
conjunction with the Wheat Ridge Art League, Wheat Ridge Arts Council, and/or
the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission
Randall Park
While Randall Park is generally in good condition, there are some design flaws
that need to be addressed. The parking lot on the east side of the park is deeper
than necessary. Portions of the asphalt paving should be removed and replaced
with landscaping. Access from the south parking lot to the park area is aiso very
difficult. Acquisition and development of the adjacent corner property as additional
parkiand would greatly improve this situation. Lastly, the playground and picnic
shelter at the park are beginning to age and should be replaced.
Stites Park
While small, Stites Park is a well used amenity in this area of the city,
but it does not function weil as a neighborhood park. This could be
addressed by providing neighborhood park amenities, such as a picnic
shelter and restrooms. Due to its limited size, the addition of amenities
may be difficult, so consideration should be given to the acquisition to
property for park expansion. Although there is ADA access to the
playground and basketball court, there is need for access and concrete
walks to the backstop area of the balifield. Lastly, the swing set is old
and should be replaced with a more modern model. srtesPark
Town Center Park
While Town Center Park is rather new and in good condition, it sits in an
obstructed location behind a fast-food restaurant and adjacent to a shopping plaza
parking lot. As such, the park should be redesigned in conjunction with future
redevelopment plans of the surrounding properties.
Joint Use School-Park Upgrades
The City of Wheat Ridge has agreements with many JeffCo schools in the city for
joint use of some of their facilities, such as ballfields. While this agreement helps
provide residents with needed athletic space, most of the school facilities that the
parks and recreation department utilizes do not act as true neighborhood parks.
Many of these schools are located in areas of the city that are underserved by
neighborhood parks. As such, full utilization of these facilities would help to
provide needed parkland in underserved areas. Map 5, Proposed Master Plan,
identifies joint school-park facilities that are in need of an upgrade to make them
function as more traditional neighborhood parks and serve nearby residents more
efficiently. Following is a description of each location and suggested
improvements.
By preservixg open
space we joshion a
richer, greener, more
complex rnfrastructure
that makes rities more
appea[ing places to
live. This, in nirn, ivi[[
rednre !he pressure to
bulldoze economically
vaGmble fasmland and
valural areas on the
urban fringe.
- William Morrish,
Director, Design
Center for the
American Urban
Landscape, University
of Minnesota
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Masier Plan
DRAFT
Kullersfrand Elementary
Although there is a joint use agreement at Kulierstrand for use of 2
softball/basebail fieids and 2 soccer fields, the area does not feel like or function
as a neighborhood park. Fencing prohibits easy neighborhood access and no
ciear entry exists. Park signage should be included as well as amenities such as
walks, benches, picnic areas, a park playground, and restrooms. The area makes
an ideal location for a park, as this area is presently underserved. Additionally,
Kullerstrand Elementary backs up to the Wheat Ridge greenbelt, thereby providing
ample natural habitat beyond the school-park. Although access to the greenbelt
was closed in the past to protect wetlands, options should be explored to re-open
access from the school-park while being mindful of environmental considerations.
This would provide much needed southern access to the greenbelt through an
existing school-park facility.
New Park Playground Ezample
Pennington Elemenfary
A joint use agreement is in place for the parks and recreation departmenYs usage
of 1 softball/basebail field and 1 soccer field; however, the area does not function
as a neighborhood park. It is recommended that a sign be added, indicating this is
a joint school-park. Other needed additions inciude walks, benches, picnic areas,
restrooms, and a playground dedicated for park use. This area of the city is
currently underserved, so this upgrade wouid be a great benefit neighbors.
Prospect Valley Elementary
There is currently a joint use agreement for the use of 2 softball/baseball fields and
2 soccer fields by the parks and recreation department. The property does not,
however, function as an adequate neighborhood park in an area of the city that is
underserved by parks. Desirable amenities include waiks, picnic areas, benches,
restrooms, and playgrounds for park use. There also needs to be signage
indicating that this is a joint school-park. Lena Guich runs through private open
space that lies adjacent to the rear of the school, providing a great opportunity to
connect to the future Lena Gulch trail.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recrealion Master Plan
Stevens Elementary
This is a good opportunity to establish a neighborhood park in
conjunction with adjacent schools. Although a joint use agreement
allows for the use of 1 soccer field by the parks and recreation
department, the property does not function well as a neighborhood park
in a portion of the city that is underserved. Stevens Elementary lies
adjacent to Wheat Ridge Junior High School and, as such, there are
large portions of unused turf space that could be utilized for
neighborhood park purposes after school hours. Desirable amenities
include walks, restrooms, a picnic shelter, benches, and a park Stevens Elemenlary
playground.
Wilmore Davis Elemenfary/Happiness Gardens
Wilmore Davis Elementary school sits immediately adjacent to Happiness
Gardens, the official public community gardens for the City of Wheat Ridge.
Happiness Gardens is a very popular and well used facility, but it does not function
as a neighborhood park. There is an opportunity to combine the functions of
Happiness Gardens and the rear turf areas of the school to provide a
neighborhood park in an underserved portion of the city. In order to do this,
certain amenities would need to be added, including a park playground, picnic
shelter, and restrooms. The construction of concrete park walks would also be a
nice addition.
Everitt Middle Schoo/
A joint use agreement should be pursued with Everitt Middle School to provide a
neighborhood park in an area of the city that is currently underserved. Typical
amenities, such as a playground, picnic areas, benches, and a restroom should be
provided. The ability to utilize forthcoming athletic field upgrades would also be
beneficial.
Wheat Ridge High School
As planned athletic field upgrades occur at Wheat Ridge High School, the parks
and recreation department should pursue joint use agreements for these facilities
to augment their own field inventory. The use of a synthetic field, in particular,
would be welcomed by many athletic organizations, including the Wheat Ridge
Avalanche Soccer Association and Wheat Ridge Midget Football.
B. Trail Projects
As illustrated in Chapters Two and Three, there is a need for improved access to
the Clear Creek Trail, particularly from areas of the city south of the trail. Overall
pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to parks and recreation facilities needs to be
improved as well. Ideally, this should be addressed through both a network of off-
street trails as well as on-street bike lanes and street crossing enhancements.
This master plan addresses off-street trail projects as they relate to parks and
recreation within the City of Wheat Ridge. Future on-street bike routes and
pedestrian connections should be addressed under a separate plan through the
departments of Public Works and Community Planning. Map 5, Proposed Master
Plan, shows the location of new proposed off-street trails and trail connections.
The following is a description of these proposed trail projects.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Clear Creek Trail Improvements
DRAFT
Clear Creek Trail Connection
A critical connection is needed along the Clear Creek Traii between the Miller
Trailhead and the trailhead located on Kipling Street at 43rtl Avenue, which is
approximately 0.5 mile. Currently, trail users heading east must exit the trail at the
Miller Trailhead, cross under Kipling Street near the recreation center, and re-enter
the trail at the terminus of Independence Street. Construction of this vital link
would provide for uninterrupted travel along the entire length of Clear Creek Trail,
from the South Platte River trail near I-25 and 74th Avenue in Commerce City to
near the intersection of Washington Street and Colorado State Highway 93 in
Golden.
Additionaliy, there are no designated north-south connections for
residents to access Clear Creek Trail. There is also little ability to travel
beiween park and recreation destinations within Wheat Ridge via either
an off-road system or an on-road route network. There have been initial
efforts to create a pedestrian and bicycle master plan for the City of
Wheat Ridge, however it has yet to be accomplished. This should
become a high priority for the city so that a blueprint for an extended
future trail network can begin.
Founders' Park Trail Miller Trailhead
Miller Trailhead has the potential to be an outstanding, centralized trailhead and
access point for Clear Creek Trail. Several improvements are needed to make the
approximate 1-acre trailhead more accessible and visually appealing, including
signage along Kipling Street, a paved entry drive and parking lot, permanent
restrooms, and interpretive signage. Efforts to acquire the former wastewater
treatment facility to the east of the land on which the trailhead is located should
continue, as this land wouid make an ideal addition to both the traiihead and the
greenbelt. It would also provide additional space for maintenance storage, and is
an alternative location for a dog park.
Otis Trailhead
The Otis Trailhead is in a strategic location serving the northeast area of
the city; however, due to its obscure location, it is hard to locate. Much
> -
could be done to make the approximate 1-acre trailhead more
• ' ' - ° • % accessible and visually attractive. Suggested improvements include
better signage indicating the location of the trailhead, directionai
signage to the trailhead on Wadsworth Avenue, a paved parking lot,
permanent restrooms, and interpretive signage. The site is owned by
CDOT, so a joint use agreement needs to be secured with this agency,
Otis Trail head or the City should pursue its acquisition.
Addifional Clear Creek Trail Enhancements
Various enhancements are needed along the length of Clear Creek Trail within
Wheat Ridge. One major part of these enhancements includes the upgrade of
signage along portions of the trail. A citywide sign initiative has been in place for
some time, and many signs need to be replaced to conform to the new sign
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
guidelines. Additionally, more signage could be added throughout the city to guide
users to trailheads. Another necessary enhancement along the trail is the Harlan
Street entryway. Portions of the trail surface along this section of trail are
deteriorating and need to be repaired in the immediate future. Lastly, access from
the south side of the city to the Clear Creek Trail needs to be improved, including
providing wide pedestrian walks along Wadsworth and trail connections at former
Johnson Park from Wadsworth to the trail below the street level.
Lena Gulch Trail
In an effort to improve access to Clear Creek Trail from the south and to improve
overall connectivity within Wheat Ridge, it is recommended that a trail be
constructed along Lena Gulch. This trail should begin in Chester-Portsmouth Park
just south of Wheat Ridge, and follow Lena Gulch to the Wheat Ridge Recreation
Center, approximately 2.5 miles. From the recreation center, an improved trail
connection could be made to both the Miller Trailhead and the Kipling Street
Trailhead. Lena Gulch provides a natural drainage and associated open space,
which makes an ideal corridor in which to place an off-street trail. Additionally, this
alignment would traverse through Lewis Meadows open space and come near
Prospect Valley Elementary School, providing both a valuable connection between
recreational and school amenities as well as an integral north-south trail route to
Clear Creek Trail. Immediate efforts should be made to begin any necessary
acquisition of trail easements along the gulch that would aid in the construction of
the trail. Additionally, immediate pursuit of partnerships should be made with
entities such as Jefferson County Open Space and Great Outdoors Colorado
(GOCO) to leverage funding for the acquisition and construction of the trail.
Rocky Mountain Ditch Trail
In an effort to improve access to Ciear Creek Trail from the south and
overall connectivity within Wheat Ridge, it is recommended that a trail
be constructed along Rocky Mountain Ditch. The ditch meanders in a
north-south manner between 32nd Avenue and 38`h Avenue. One
point of the trail should begin near the intersection of 32ntl Avenue and
Morningside Drive, just west of Kipling Street. It would then travel
northeast to a point near 38W' Avenue, where it again begins traveling
in a southeast fashion to a point where it would end near the Creekside Park
intersection of 32nd Avenue and Teller Street. At the point where the
trail bends at 38th Avenue and Dudley Street, a spur trail could then continue
northwest along an existing ditch, where it would connect with Clear Creek Trail.
The entire trail would be approximately 2.7 miles in length. Rocky Mountain Ditch
provides a natural drainage and a good corridor in which to place an off-street trail.
This alignment would also traverse near Wheat Ridge High School as well as the
Exempla Hospital complex, where a neighborhood park is needed. It would
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
ORAFT
provide both a valuable connection between recreational and school amenities as
well as an integral north-south trail route to Clear Creek Trail. Immediate efforts
should be made to begin the necessary acquisition of trail easements along the
gulch that would aid in construction of the trail. Additionally, immediate pursuit of
partnerships should be made with entities such as Jefferson County Open Space
and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to leverage funding for the acquisition and
construction of the trail.
DRAFT City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
CHAPTER FIVE - IMPLEMENTATION I
This chapter lists prioritization considerations, costs, and implementation actions
that will help to achieve the vision of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
A. Project Prioritization Considerations
Since future park, recreation, and trail projects will compete for funding, it is helpful
to define criteria that can guide the identification of highest priority actions.
Chapter 4 identified specific projects based on the outcome of the inventory and
needs assessment process, and the community survey revealed that citizens of
Wheat Ridge have interests and needs that range from neighborhood scale to
community scale. Large, high profile projects that affect a large number of people
and contribute to current goals of redevelopment may generate great public
support, but should be carefully balanced with projects that provide Allill
connections and park amenities to currently underserved residents.
Ongoing upgrades of existing facilities and the addition of smaller scale ~
amenities to enhance existing parks should also be considered.
This plan is intended to be flexible and fluid, so that as opportunities for
land acquisition or easements and park development become
available, the city can immediately capitalize on these opportunities ~
without being committed to a pre-determined project that was identified
in an action plan seniorcenter
The following list presents criteria that should be carefully considered when
attempting to prioritize projects. There should not be a numeric weighting of these
criteria, as the importance of each varies with each situation, availabie funding,
need, and opportunity. Projects that address immediate issues of public health and
safety should certainly take precedence over other choices.
Project Prioritization Considerations
Health, Safety, Welfare, and Code Compliance
• Does the project involve upgrades that will bring a park into compliance
with codes, and ensure the health, safety, and welfare of park users?
Ease of implementation
• Does the project capitalize on opportunities that are easily implemented
(i.e., low cost project with large gains, ready impiementers, available
property, etc.)?
Economy of Sca/e
• Does implementing severai projects or portions of projects simultaneously
save money or time (e.g., bulk purchase of materials, more efficient project
management, etc.)?
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
urbarc parks kave
Community Significance
tremeiidons va[rte-
• Does the project provide benefits to a large number of people within the
hard ecoiromic value -
and cities that
community?
.ecog»rZernefacrao
. Does the project contribute to a larger city vision and community goals?
better than those thot
do not Althongh the
fiscalbenefits
Community Balance
generally do notshow
. Does the project contribute to the balance of needs across the community
upqrariirtanleo.
(i.e., neighborhood parks, community parks, trails, open space,
ticket booth, they are
reJlected in real estate
underserved neighborhoods)?
value... re(ai[nnd
resra„ra„r varue...
partnerships for Funding
a„ain m,,.,sin vai„e.
a Does the project leverage available partnership opportunities for funding
- PeterHarnik,insiae
(i.e., urban drainages, GOCO, CDOW, private, Wheat Ridge School
c~n~ ra~ks, ULI and
District
adjacent cities
etc.)?
Trust for Public
,
,
Lands, 2000.
Satisfies Urgent Need
• Does the project satisfy urgent park and recreation needs within the
community?
• Does the project serve underserved neighborhoods?
• Does the project help to fiil a recreation facility/amenity shortage?
Comp/etes Phasing of Current Projects
• Does the project help to complete ongoing phases of current projects that
have yet to be finished?
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
• Are the future ongoing maintenance costs proportionate to the money
invested in the construction of the project and benefit that the community
receives?
Although there are a myriad of large-scale projects that could be
addressed, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Wheat
Ridge Parks and Recreation Commission have expressed a need and
desire to see that a few select projects be addressed first. The greatest
of these is the need to address the deteriorating Anderson Pool, which
requires the overall redesign and eventual redevelopment of Anderson
Park. Due to the scale of this project and its direct connection to other
projects (such as the recreation center expansion), it is recommended
that this be conducted in three phases. The first phase would include
Anderson Park repairing the pool so it will be functional for another 3 to 5 years in its current
location. In conjunction with this, a site-specific master plan should be developed
for Anderson Park. The second phase would involve expanding the Wheat Ridge
Recreation Center so that programming at the Anderson Building could be
refocated there. The third, final, and largest phase would invoive redesigning and
redeveloping Anderson Park, including either a new pool and/or additional aquatic
facilities.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Another large-scale project that was identified as important to the
community is the redesign and redevelopment of Prospect Park in
support of the redevelopment goals for the Orchard District Sub-Area.
As this area redevelops, Prospect Park should become the community
gathering area and cultural focal point of the city, as well as the primary
urban park experience along the greenbelt and Clear Creek trail.
Lastly, there is strong support in the community for completion of the .
Clear Creek Trail system and enhancements, and acquisition of land
and easements for future construction of an off-street trail along Lena Prospect ParC
Gulch. This new trail corridor would provide the community with a much needed
north-south connection to the greenbelt and additional opportunities for enjoyment
of the outdoor environment.
In the near term, it is recommended that the city select a few small projects that
can be easily implemented across the community, while funding the planning and
design of larger-scale projects. Smaller projects may include upgrades to
playground equipment, shelter additions, and signage replacements. Discussions
should also begin immediately with JeffCo R-1 School District for select joint
school-park upgrades. These upgrade projects are somewhat smaller in scale,
require a lower capital investment from the city to accomplish, and serve a dual
purpose of providing underserved areas with needed parkland and amenities while
at the same time being highiy visible to the public. This visibility is valuabie in that
it shows that progress is being made on the park system, thus generating further
support for future larger-scale projects. Another easy-to-implement, low cost, and
high visibility project includes the closure of Johnson Park and transition to
greenbelt acreage.
While progress is being made on these smaller projects, site master planning can
begin on select larger projects, which will require a greater investment of capital
and take a longer, often multi-year timeframe to accomplish. This long-range
pianning may also involve the establishment of a perpetual fund or "land bank" to
strategically acquire parcels for projects (such as trail development) that may
become available in the future.
0. Estimated Costs for Parks, Recreation Facilities, and
Trails
The cost for trail and park construction varies widely, depending on the specific
elements to be included in each project, the terrain, utilities, necessary road
crossing, and other physical features that require more extensive design solutions.
For the purposes of assigning an order of magnitude of cost to the master plan
recommendations, general cost estimates have been assigned to each project.
Costs have been assumed that are in order with the costs EDAW has experienced
in designing and overseeing the construction of similar facilities along the Front
Range and throughout the Rocky Mountain region. The cost estimates are
approximate and are intended to iliustrate order of magnitude, not detail. Actual
costs for land acquisition (if needed) and development should be developed more
City of Wheal Ridge Parks and Recrealion Master Plan
DRAFT
specifically. Costs for some of the typicai park amenities are listed below to
provide an understanding of the basis for the estimates. These costs are in 2006
dollars and must be escalated yearly to compensate for inflation.
Table 5.1 Typical Park Project Item Costs
Basketball Court
$50,000 each
Skate Park
$250,000 each
Nei hborhood-Scale Pla round
$80,000 each
Communi -Scale Pla round
$150,000 each
Sin le Picnic Shelter 207c20'
$35,000 each
La e Grou Picnic Shelter
$180,000 each
Small Restroom
$80,000 each
Lar e Restroom
$120,000 each
Parkin Lot Li ht
$3,000 each
Pedestrian Li ht
$4,500 each
New Parkin Lot
$6.00 s uare foot
Picnic Tables
$1,500 each
Bike Racks
$650 each
Benches
$1,500 each
Trash Containers
$750 each
Irri ation S stem Re lacement
$1.00 s uare foot
8' Concrete Multi-Pur ose Trail
$36.00 linearfoot
6' Gravel Trail
$9.00 linear foot
Native Landsca e Restoration
$0.75 s uare foot
Turf and Shrub Landsca e
$3.50 s uare foot
Deciduous Trees 2.5"
$500 each
Other items specific to certain projects are not listed above, but may include
demolition, utility relocation, entry plazas, signs, historical restorations, special
recreational facilities, maintenance facilities, crossing enhancements, ballfield
construction and design, engineering, and contingency fees. It should also be
noted that additional staff, resources, and maintenance will be needed as more
parks and facilities are added to the system within Wheat Ridge. These costs
should be accounted for and included into overall budgets for any new projects.
Table 5.2 summarizes initial projects proposed in this plan for inclusion in the city's
park and recreation system, and provides estimated costs associated with each
project. Costs are estimated in 2006 dollars and will need to be adjusted relative
to inflation as time progresses. They are listed in the order described in Chapter
Four, which does not imply an order of priority.
If implemented in their entirety, all recommended projects within this plan would
cost approximately $43 million. Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department
receives approximately $800,000 per year for new projects, project upgrades, and
project maintenance. If current funding streams were to continue at the same rate
over the next 15 years (the anticipated life of this plan), total available revenue for
future projects would be approximately $12 million. This amount would only be
capable of funding roughly one-fourth of all proposed projects and would leave a
potential budget shortfall of $31 million. Therefore, it is recommended that the City
of Wheat Ridge immediately begin to pursue additional funding mechanisms for
development of future park and recreation projects.
DRAFT
Table 5.2 Proposed Project Summary and Estimated Costs
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreafion Master Plan
Classification
D- .
Develo `ExiSti
n ParkSites
• Prepare site master plan and
construction documents.
44
and
2 acres
Neighborhood
$500,000
. Neighborhood park needed to
Kendall
provide parkland to underserved
area.
• Prepare site master plan and
construdion documents.
Einarsen
8_3 acres
Neighborhood
$2,200,000
. Neighborhood park needed to
Property
provide parkland to underserved
area.
New Parklandz
and/or Amenities
Behveen 32"
• Neighborhood park needed to
- 38ffi, west of
N/A
Neighborhood
$1,000,000
provide parkland to underserved
Wadsworth
area.
• Construct neighborhood park in
Northwest
N/A
Neighborhood
$0
conjunction with future RTD Light
S~b-Area
Rail mixed-use develo ment.
Ma orPark/Fac
ili Redesi n
. Prepare renovation master plan for
park.
. Transition park to a multi-
generational family activity park.
• Remove Anderson Recreation
Anderson
27 acres
Communiry
$12,000,000
Building and relocate activities to
Park
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
(expansion recommended).
• Remove or upgrade pool and
replace with competition pool and
s lash ark.
• Remove from park inventory and
Johnson Park
4 acres
Open Space
$200,000
I transition into established greenbelt
acrea e.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Table 5.2 Proposed Project Summary and Estimated Costs (continued)
DRAFT
Description
Prepare site master plan.
• Integrate park into Orchard
District Sub-Area Plan.
Prospect
39 acres
Community
$12,000,000
' Establish as new community
Park
festival/cultural focal point within
city.
• Make capable of more efficiently
accommodatin ci ide events.
Facili :Additions orEnhance
ments `
Senior
Community
• Conduct feasibiliry study for
Center
1 acre
Center
$75,000
renovation/relocation of center
and added ro rammin .
• Expand center to include
Wheat Ridge
Community
activities from Anderson
Recreation
12 acres
Center
$6,000,000
Building and possible
Center
Intergenerational Community
Center.
. Replace playground; add
Boyd's
1 acre
Pocket
$100
000
benches and picnic tables;
Crossing
,
install/upgrade lighting to help
minimize vandalism.
. Install permanent restrooms;
Creekside
16 acres
Sports Complex
$200
000
Install concession orvending
Park
,
area and contract with for
rivate vendor to o erate.
Fruitdale
~2 acre
Neighborhood
$200,000
• Install 100 yard football/soccer
Park
field
. Incorporate into Orchard District
sub-area plan.
. Prepare site specifc master
plan for both properties.
Historical
. Upgrade to neighborhood park
ParWBaugh
4.5 acres
Special Purpose
$1,000,000
to provide basic amenities to
Hause
serve currently underserved
area.
• Pursue acquisition of adjacent
properties to connect park
areas.
• Upgrade restroom; Provide
concrete walks throughout;
Panorama
g acres
Neighborhood
$1,000,000
Provide ADA access to
Park
backstops and shelters;
Upgrade dugouts and replace
benches.
Paramount
• Provide ADA access to
Park
9 acres
Neighborhood
$200,000
backstop; Re-surface basketball
court; Re lace benches.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Table 5.2 Proposed Project Summary and Estimated Costs (continued)
Cl
ssification
Cost
DDescription
a
. Redesign parking Iayout on east-
Randall Park
5 acres
Neighborhood
$1,000,000
side to reduce asphalt area and
increase turf; Improve access from
south-side arkin lot.
. Improve function as neighborhood
Stites Park
2 acres
Pocket
$300,000
park through provision of
nei hborhood ark amenities.
Town Center
0
75 acres
Pocket
$0
• Redesign park in conjunction with
Park
.
redevelo ment lans.
:loint School-P
ark U rades
. Improve area to function as more
traditional neighborhood park and
serve currently underserved area.
Kullerstrand
5 acres
School
$300,000
. Develop improvement plans in
Elemen[ary
conjunction with the schaol district
and with neighborhood input as
a ro riate.
. Improve area to function as more
traditional neighborhood park and
serve currently underserved area.
Pennington
5.6 acres
School
$300,000
. Develop improvement plans in
Elementary
conjunctian with the school district
and with neighborhood input as
a ro riate.
• Improve area to function as more
traditional neighborhood park and
Prospect
serve currently underserved area.
Valley
2.8 acres
School
$300,000
. Develop improvement plans in
Elementary
conjunction with the school district
and with neighborhood input as
a ro riate.
. Improve area to function as more
traditional neighborhood park and
serve currently underserved area.
Stevens
3.8 acres
School
$300,000
. Develop improvement plans in
Elementary
conjunction with the schaol district
and with neighborhood input as
a roriate.
• Improve area to function as
neighborhood park in conjunction
Wilmore
with Happiness Gardens, and
Davis
Elementary/
2.6 acres (1
School
$300,000
serve currently underserved area.
acre)
• Develop improvement plans in
Happiness
conjunction with the school district
Gardens
and with neighborhood input as
a roriate.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Table 5.2 Proposed Project Summary and Estimated Costs (continued)
DRAFT
Classification
Cost
DDescription
Pursue joint-use agreement to
establish park in association with
Everitt
3.5 acres
School
$Q
athletic field upgrades to serve
Mrddle
currently underserved area of city.
. Pursue joint-use agreement to utilize
new athletic feld u rades.
e
t
School
Pursue joint-use agreement to utilize
~
Hi h
Ride
new athletic field u rades.
Trails and?
rail Connections
• Provide trail connection between
Clear Creek trailhead at Moore
Street and trailhead at Kipling
Clear
Trail
Street. May include underpass at
CreekTrail
0.5 Miles
$1,150,000
Kipling Street.
Connectron
Connection
. Connection will provide for
uninterrupted travel along Clear
Creek trail without having to exit the
trail and cross over Ki lin .
. improvements needed to make
trailhead more accessible and
Miller
@ q acre
Trailhead
$800,000
visually attractive.
Trailhead
. Suggested improvements include
improved access, paved parking lot,
restrooms, and im roved si na e.
• Improvements needed to make
trailhead more accessible and
~
@ 1 acre
Trailhead
$200,000
visually attractive.
railfiead
~
Suggested improvements include
improved access, paved parking lot,
restrooms, and im roved si na e.
• Provide trail along length of Lena
Gulch within Wheat Ridge,
extending from Chester-POrtsmouth
Lena Gulch
2.5 Miles
Off-Street Trail
$750
000
Park on the south, past the Wheat
Trail
,
Ridge Recreation Center, and
connecting to the Clear Creek trail.
• Will provide needed north-south off-
street trail alon existin ulch.
• Provide trail along Rocky Mountain
Ditch between intersection of ditch
with 32nd Street west of Kipling and
Rocky
intersection of ditch with 32ntl Street
Mountain
2.7 Miles
Off-Street Trail
$810,000
east of Wadsworth with a spur north
Ditch Trail
of 38'" Avenue connecting to the
Clear Creek trail.
• Will provide needed north-south off-
street trail alon existin ditch.
(DOes not include cost of recreation
TOTAL
$43,185,000
center expansion or maintenance facility
relocation
DRAFT
C. Implementation Actions
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The following are specific actions that should be considered by the Wheat
Parks and Recreation staff, which may assist in the implementation of the
proposed projects. The actions are organized into planning, upgrades anc
maintenance, administrative and management, and funding categories, an
not listed in order of priority.
Administrative/Pianning Actions
• Work with the Community Development Department and developei
acquisition of parkland and trail corridors associated with any new
residential development. Identify specific parcels that are key to
neighborhood park development in underserved areas.
• Develop master plans and construction documents for Anderson
Park, Prospect Park, and Baugh House/Historic Park, and the
Recreation Center expansion. Include management plans as
part of master plans.
• Develop improvement plans for school parks, in conjunction with
the school district, and with neighborhood input as appropriate.
• Develop site master plans and construction documents for 44th
and Kendall and Einarsen property parks.
• Update and clarify park impact fees and land dedication
ordinances to cover the cost of design and construction of parks
for new residents, as well as accommodate for land needs for
neighborhood parks.
• Conduct planning processes and prepare design documents for
neighborhood park upgrades. Include management plans as
part of master plans.
• Work with the Public Works Department to upgrade pedestrian
and bicycle connectivity in neighborhoods.
Upgrades and Maintenance Actions
Rehabilitate or replace existing playgrounds, restrooms, and other
facilities, inciuding bringing existing facilities up to ADA standards.
• Evaluate existing parks for additional needed upgrades.
Administrative and Management Actions
• Prepare an annual report card on progress toward achieving the P
Recreation Plan.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
ORAFT
• Coordinate with Department of Public Works and Community Development
Department to ensure that the development of a pedestrian and bicycle
master plan is implemented, and that crossing enhancements at key
locations are implemented to facilitate easier access to parks and
trailheads.
• Regularly update the parklands inventory and maps to reflect existing
conditions.
• Establish clear mechanisms for interdepartmental and interagency
coordination on planning and design issues, and to ensure consistency
with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Funding Actions
• Actively pursue granting and funding opportunities to serve underserved
neighborhoods with parks.
• Explore the levei of community support for additional funding sources such
as property or sales taxes, and development impact fees.
• Continue to pursue agreements with the JeffCo R-1 School District to share
use of public lands and recreational resources.
D. Po4ential Funding Sources for Park and Recreation
Projects
While the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department primarily receives
funding through the City General Fund, there is no established reserve fund for
future park development projects. As such, additional strategies should be
considered to meet the needs of both existing and future residents. The following
list of strategies and funding sources should be considered when developing a
specific implementation plan for city projects and programs.
Sales/Property Tax Increase
Most of the parks and recreation budget comes from the City General
Fund, which is supported primarily through city sales and property tax.
Table 5.3 shows the breakdown of current tax rates within the city. The
City of Wheat Ridge could consider an increase in either city sales or
property tax. Any additional increases in these city taxes would most
likely resuit in additional revenues going into the General Fund, of which
parks and recreation wouid only benefit proportionateiy as they already
Hayward Park do. Most likely, this would still result in a large shortfall for any future
park and recreation project. To avoid this, City Council would need to specifically
earmark funds, or the language in the approved tax increase would need to
specifically state that the purpose is for park, trail, and recreational facility
development.
DRAFT
Table 5.3. Current City of Wheat Ridge Tax Rates
2.9%
State
3.0%
City
1.0%
Regional
Transportation District
0.1%
Scientific & Cultural
Facilities District
0.1%
Football Stadium District
Jefferson Countv Open
0.5%
-
Soace
7.6%
General Merchandise -
Total
Establishment of a Parks District
City of Wheat Podge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The city could consider the establishment of a dedicated parks and recreation
district that wouid cover all parks within the city. This method would provide a
steady, reliable, and predictable source of income through a designated tax for the
new Parks and Recreation District. The department would then function as its own
entity apart from the City of Wheat Ridge. These districts are typically established
for areas within unincorporated counties or as districts encompassing multiple
smaller communities without the ability to operate their own parks and recreation
departments. Additionaily, there is currentiy a Jefferson County Open Space Tax
of 0.5%, of which portions of the revenue go to support Wheat Ridge park projects.
For these reasons, establishment of an additional district may meet some
resistance within the community.
Establishment of a Special Improvement District
The city could consider the establishment of a special improvement district (SID)
for specific park and recreation facility projects. City Council would have to amend
the municipal code to include parks and recreation facilities in order for this to
occur, and would also have to establish the boundaries of the district as well as the
levy to be assessed. Typicaliy, SID's contain a sunset ciause stating that once all
projects are completed, the SID and any associated taxes will be abolished. While
this might not be practical for the entire city, it may be useful for park and
recreation improvements associated with sub-area plans (i.e., Orchard District).
Sale of City-Owned Land
The City of Wheat Ridge could consider liquidating any surpius properties it owns
and has no plans to develop or reserve for future uses. The city could also
consider swapping vacant land it already owns for other, more appropriate sites to
allow for park development. Any revenues from these sales could be directed to
, parks and recreation.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
Ownersojsmal[
Hotel/Motel Tax
companies ranked
recrention, parks and
The city currently imposes a 10% lodging tax in lieu of city sales tax on all rental
opei: space as 1Ge
rooms of less than 30 days. Currently, 5% of this tax goes into the City's General
highestprioriry in
Fund, while the other 5% is earmarked for other purposes. The city could consider
choosrngo »eiv
designating the difference between the hotel tax and the city sales tax (2.4%) to
locntiorcfortheir
parks and recreation. This would require an amendment to the municipal code by
birsinesses.
CIty COUIICIl.
- John L.
Crompton, Lisa L.
LoveanaTnomasn.
Subdivision Ordinance Requirements and Development Impact Fees
More, "An
Empirical Study of
Currently, the City of Wheat Ridge subdivision ordinance states that when a
the Role of
proposai for a new residential development is received, the city shall review the
Recreation, Parks
proposal for impact to the city's current parkland and parks and recreation
and Open Space in
programs. A recommendation will be made whether the city shall require a
Companies' (re)
dedication of a portion of the total site acreage of the development for park,
Location Decisions,"
parkland and recreation purposes or fees in lieu of dedication; or a combination of
Journal of Park and
Recreation
land and cash in lieu of land. If land dedication is recommended, the land
Administration
dedicated shall be a developed park constructed to city standards and
(1997), a7-ss.
specifications. If cash in lieu of dedication is required, the amount will be paid prior
to building permit issuance. Credit toward parkland dedication requirements or a
portion thereof may be considered through the provision of on-site recreation
facilities or trails, provided they meet certain requirements outlined by the city.
Uniess specifically approved by city council or the planning commission, credit for
private, on-site recreation facilities shall not exceed 50 percent of the total
parkland acreage required to be dedicated.
The land area to be dedicated shall be calculated using the foliowing formula:
Total number of dwelling units multiplied by.016 acre =
total acreage required
In lieu of dedicating such area within the proposed subdivision, the subdivider may
dedicate an alternate parcel of the required size within 0.75 mile of the proposed
subdivision (which is acceptable to the ciiy council) after a review and
recommendation by the parks and recreation commission and the planning
commission, based on established standards and considerations. In the event a
land dedication is not approved, then a cash contribution in lieu of land dedication
shall be required. The cash contribution shall be calculated using the following
formula:
Total acreage for dedication multiplied by the dollar value per acre as
determined by market value = total cash amount required
The cash in lieu fee shall be equivalent to the full market value of the acreage
required for parkland dedication. Value shall be based on anticipated market
value after completion of platting and construction of public improvements.
DRAFT
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The city could consider increasing the current development impact fee to fully
cover the cost of acquiring and developing the parks, trails, and recreation centers
needed as a resuit of new or additional residentiai development. A development
impact fee should reflect the adopted level of service standard and cover the cost
of acquiring and developing future parkland. If the development impact fees were
amended to include the cost of acquiring parkland, all relevant subdivision
ordinances would need to be amended to reflect this.
Some communities are also including a full spectrum of leisure services in their
development impact fees, which contain costs for recreation centers, trails and
open space, in addition to parks. The city could also consider imposing this fee on
commercial development; however, this is rarely done in other communities.
Currently there is no dedicated funding source for trail corridor acquisition and trail
construction or requirements for development to provide these. An option
available to the city might be to create a subdivision ordinance requiring adjacent
developments to dedicate future master-planned traii corridors in the city, as weil
as provide secondary trails connecting the developments to the primary trails.
This would only apply to new residential developments, however, and most likely
not cover the majority of needed trail corridors.
Parks Fee
The city could consider establishing a parks fee, which would be
included as part of the monthly utility bill. Typically funds from this fee
are used to cover the maintenance associated with development of new
parks that are partially funded out of development impact fees.
However, a modest parks fee may be able to be used for new park
acquisition as well. The fee wouid be calculated based on the number of
active residential utility (electric, water, etc.) accounts. An average
growth rate and inflation rate should be incorporated into the fee, and a
rebate program for low income households could be considered as
well. Since the city does not operate a utility, this may be difficult to
implement.
Open Space Funds
This fund receives a 1/2-cent sales tax per capita allotment through the Je
County Open Space program for the purpose of acquiring, developing, an,
maintaining open space and park properties within the City of Wheat Ridg
Open Space Fund generates approximately $850,000 annually in revenue
Monies from this fund are typically used for park maintenance salaries anc
operating costs. It is anticipated that this funding stream wiil continue for tl
foreseeable future.
City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Conservation Trust Fund
DRAFT
This is a revenue source from the Colorado lottery. Funds are
distributed annually by the state, based on population. Many other
communities dedicate their annual Colorado Lottery funds to trail
corridor acquisition and trail construction projects. Currently, the City
receives approximately $280,000 annually, which has historically been
used for new projects as well as maintenance projects to improve
existing parks.
HappinessPark Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Grant Program
This is a statewide pool of revenue from Colorado Lottery proceeds. Funds are
available on a competitive grant basis for park and open space land acquisition
and development, outdoor recreation, environmental education and capacity
building. The City regularly applies for these funds for various projects, but cannot
rely on grants as a steady funding stream.
State Trails Program
Established in 1971, this program is funded with revenue from GOCO, TEA-21
Section 1112 Recreation Traiis Program, and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV)
registration fees. Funds are available for trails on a competitive basis. A 25 to
50% match is required. Since the state funding pool is relatively small, this
resource is proposed for a smail component of the trails system. The City regularly
applies for these grants.
Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users (SAFE-TEA-LU)
This is the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century
(TEA-21). Section 1202, "Enhancement Grants," are available from the federal
government through the Denver Regional Council'of Governments on a
competitive basis to fund bicycle transportation, wetlands improvements and
historic preservation, among other things. These grants are a possible and
supplemental source of revenue for some trail improvements. Specific funds have
been allocated through SAFE-TEA-LU by the federal government for the
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program (CMAQ), which is jointly
administered by the FHWA and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This
program, in conjunction with its umbrella entity, are intended to realign the focus of
transportation planning toward a more inclusive, environmentaliy-sensitive, and
multimodal approach to addressing transportation probiems, and its funds are
allocated to CDOT, MPOs, and transit agencies to invest in projects that reduce air
pollutants generated from transportation-related sources. This program may be a
good funding source for the Kipling Street underpass.
State Historical Society Funds
A portion of state gaming revenues are transferred to the State Historical Fund and
administered by the State Historic Society. Grants are available for projects of
historic significance.