Recreation Recommendations

The following paragraphs are extracted from Section 4 of the draft Master Plan. For more complete information, please review the source document. See page 48 for background; page 56 for detailed recommendations. You may use our Survey Form to provide comments on this or other parts of the draft plan.

The goal for Denver Mountain Parks is to provide the amenities and programs that take advantage of but do not diminish the valuable natural and cultural resources and that meet today’s recreation needs and desire to connect kids with nature.

• Upgrade the System’s Physical Infrastructure to better connect residents and tourists (especially families) with nature, and to provide basic amenities and an improved recreational experience.
  
  
• Connect Kids with Nature by creating additional facilities for youth camps, overnight programs, and leadership programs at those parks that can best accommodate these needs.
  
  
• Provide Recreational Experiences that complement Denver’s urban park experiences and are compatible with the character of Denver Mountain Parks, that meet the needs of Denver residents and visitors, and that contribute to the regional recreational and open space system of the Denver Front Range.
  
  
• Provide Regional Trail Connections to adjacent open space lands by adding new multiple-use trails. Work with adjacent agencies and organizations to implement the regional trail system.
  
  
• Create a Wayfinding System for the Denver Mountain Parks to clearly identify parks and park facilities and to provide direction on access points, associated facilities, and rules and regulations. Provide a comprehensive system that includes signs, brochures, trail and park maps, and web site information.
  
  
• Provide a World Class Experience for visitors and expand tourism opportunities by rehabilitating the historic park shelters, lodges, and well houses to continue offering an authentic mountain park setting.

Recreation Evaluation Criteria

1. Is the type of use, level of activity, and location consistent with the mission and goals? Are there any land restrictions or legalities that restrict or prohibit the use?
   
   
2. Is there a demonstrated demand for the use within Denver Mountain Parks?
   
   
3. Is the use compatible with the system and the park’s existing recreation experiences?
   
   
4. Are there additional or elevated safety concerns? Are staffing and management levels adequate to meet the maintenance and operations for the type of use, level of activity, or location?
   
   
5. Does the type of use, level of activity, or location have significant impact on the natural resources, cultural/historic resources, or character of the park?