Maybe they heard, but Denver is preparing to create its fourth largest park in the history of the city. Plans for the former 155 hectare golf course have created a lot of controversy. Some neighbors would prefer that the country will be converted into shops or apartments.
However, the options limited the options. I say “annoying” with my tongue firmly in my cheek.
Do you remember the sale of Bear Creek Regional Park on the west side of Colorado Springs and transforms into a golf course? A little ironic, isn't it? This idea created a turmoil, and the neighbors finally collected enough money to put a conservation dine in the park to prevent it from being ever different from a popular park.
Open Space Red Rock Canyon transform into a golf course and living space? That was the owner's plan for ownership. Fortunately, he was unable to secure water more than 20 years ago, and the family sold it to tops (hiking trails, open spaces and parks). A rescue relief ensures that it remains open forever.
Conservation measures are powerful tools. Have you ever been amazed at the more than 3,600 acres of Ranchland between the LARKSPUR and memorial? In your opinion, what would happen if Douglas County had not bought this property with its version of a TOPS tax and had put a maintenance service for the entire open space for Grenland? I suspect it would have become a further subdivision, a shopping center or a petrol station.
Neighbors are entitled to grumbling. Those who live near Blodgett Open Space and the New Fisher Canyon Open Space have questions and concerns how the changes in public space nearby will affect their quality of life. But remember: life near a park, outdoor or path generally increases the value of real estate. If someone decides to move, he will probably become more when selling his house than if it were surrounded by other houses.
Denver neighbor, who live near the and yet unnamed park, will weigh up with what your new park should contain. Hiking trails, a playground and picnic tables? So far, these seem to be the most popular decisions.
During the recession, the idea was hovered to transform some Springs neighborhood parks in commercial real estate. Fortunately, it would have violated the city law to do this. Again and again the city leaders were tried to make short -term profits at the expense of long -term benefits for the residents. During the pandemic, we recognized how valuable all of our parks and ways for our physical and mental health are.
I have no doubt that these Denver neighbors will one day be grateful to live near a large park with amenities that they choose. Just like those who use the hiking trails, pavilions, dog park and cucumber ball in Bear Creek Regional Park, who have refused to bow to a challenging economy and save their park forever.
Davies is the former managing director of the trails and the open space coalition.
Davies is the former managing director of the trails and the open space coalition.