Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2017 12 13

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III. History of Planning Efforts & Park Development Development of park facilities and amenities occurred in the park following the first parcel acquisition in 1977 and reflects goals to protect resources, while providing opportunities for education, interpretation and recreation. The following represents early park improvements prior to and leading up to development of the Dog Off -Leash Area at Elk Meadow. Improvements to the DOLA are detailed in the following sections. Unknown: Elk Ridge, Sleepy S and Painter's Pause Trails opened Unknown: Bergen Peak and Meadow View Trails opened 1979: Resident Ranger's house moved to Park 1982: Shop building constructed 1993: Clivus restroom at Stagecoach entrance completed 1993: Picnic area at Stagecoach upgraded 1995: Well and hand pump installed at Stagecoach 1998: Parking lot at Lewis Ridge Road (main) completed 2000: Lewis Ridge Road widened at entrance 2001: Founders Trail and The Carol Karlin Overlook opened 2000-01: Kiwanis shelters constructed 2001: Elk Meadow "Bark Park" established Establishment of Dog Off -Leash Dog Training Facilities In the early 1990s, a group of dog and kennel clubs approached the Jefferson County Open Space Department regarding the lack of off -leash areas being available for dog training. Traditionally, the Open Space system requires that dogs be leashed while accessing open space, but in response to growing pressure, JCOS was asked to identify at least three off -leash dog training areas. The areas that were identified included: 1). The Woodside/Senate Bill 35 property near Pine Junction/Woodside Area (for water training) 2). Elk Meadow south of Stagecoach Boulevard 3). The County Government Campus in Golden Over the next few years, these properties were used by dog trainers, kennels and dog owners, but faced ongoing challenges. The Pine Junction area was closed for dog training after complaints from neighbors over dog trespass, barking and noise from dog training whistles. In 2001, the off -leash area at the County Government Campus was transferred to the City of Golden for a swimming/golf complex. While replacement dog park sites were sought for the Pine Junction & Campus properties, Elk Meadow remained accessible. When the Elk Meadow Dog Off -Leash Area (DOLA), was established south of Stagecoach for dog training purposes in the 1990s, the area became the first and only dog park managed by Jefferson County Open Space. At the time, there were little to no improvements to the site. The area did not have fencing or established trails and spanned 107 acres. Visitors accessed the area after parking in the existing lot north of Stagecoach Blvd. During this time, the site had relatively low to moderate use. Estimates indicate visitation levels were 15-20 visitors per week. Bark Park at Elk Meadow In 2001, a local resident, Judi Quackenboss, requested that a formal fenced dog park be established at the Elk Meadow dog training area. Her son, John, had suffered a sudden death and she wanted to memorialize his life and his love of dogs by providing a space for dogs to be off leash. Through coordination with the County, Ms. Quackenboss provided private funds to have a company construct a one -acre fenced area where dogs could be off leash at Elk Meadow. The area was named the "Bark Park at Elk Meadow". The establishment of the Bark Park at Elk 16