Denver's Daniels Park to Recieve Much Needed Improvements.
Officials with Douglas County and the City and County of Denver have finalized a Cooperative Agreement defining roles and responsibilities for implementation of the
Master Plan for Daniels Park,
the historic 1,000-acre ranch north of Castle Rock that has been part of Denver’s Mountain Parks system since the 1920s.
Discussions for park improvements, which have spanned more than 15 years, resumed in earnest shortly after
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper took office,
Douglas County officials said.
“Hearing Mayor Hickenlooper’s message of regional collaboration let us know we were welcome to renew this partnership toward a mutually beneficial end,” said
Douglas County Board of County Commissioners Chair Melanie Worley. “Many hard-working staff and dedicated citizens from
both communities deserve our thanks for this incredible accomplishment,” she said, referring to the public process that included 86 public meetings in
Denver and
Douglas County to solicit input for the Park Master Plan.
“
Daniels Park is one of our Mountain Parks jewels,” said Mayor Hickenlooper. “Our
partnership with Douglas County will allow
Daniels Park to grow into the vision that was created through our master planning process. Like most successful partnerships, it also promises to increase the value of this park to users beyond what either we or
Douglas County could accomplish on our own.”
As part of the Cooperative Agreement, Douglas County will invest in roadway and regional trail improvements including traffic safety improvements to Daniels Park Road, pullouts for park patrons to enjoy the highly acclaimed views and bison herd, a regional trailhead and other amenities including a Douglas County Sheriff’s office for improved security at the Park. Denver will be responsible for the historic territorial roads, parking lots, picnic facilities, entry monuments and portions of the bison fence.
Outside the park, to the South, Douglas County will also invest in a site marker indicating the historical significance of the area.
Daniels Park is known for its bison herd, dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains, historic ranch buildings, the Kit Carson Campsite, distinctive stone shelter and the TallBull Memorial Grounds.
The Park’s neighbors include the historic Cherokee Ranch and Castle, Castle Pines North,
Castle Pines Village, The Sanctuary Golf Club and the Backcountry Open Space of Highlands Ranch. [
See Map for context]
With the finalization of the Cooperative Agreement, both governments will now work to finalize the Master Plan, develop funding and phasing plans for their respective responsibilities, finalize the design, engineering and construction of identified phases in the agreement and complete the Plan, as funding allows, within the maximum period of seven years.