Ready for a reset after a dry winter? The Splash at Fossil Trace opens for the season on Saturday, May 23! Golden’s 10-acre outdoor water park has something for everyone: high-energy slides, a zero-depth entry pool with a play structure, spray fountains, the crowd-favorite “Tipper” dump bucket, eight lap lanes, a diving board, and Jefferson County’s biggest sandbox. When it’s time for a break, Tipper’s Grill and a spacious lawn are ready for you. Season passes, pavilion rentals, and private after-hours reservations are available at www.cityofgolden.gov/splash.
May Saturday 38-Star American Flag Presentation and Reception 1:00 p.m., City Council Chambers; 2:00 p.m., Golden History Museum Reception In honor of America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood, Golden History Museum & Park unveils a rare 12’ x 24’ 38-star flag discovered locally in 1883. A public ceremony and free reception follow with the flag installed in the Museum’s new “Glimpses of Golden” exhibit.
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May Saturday Golden Farmers Market Opening Day | 8:00 a.m.
June Monday
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12 June Friday
June Wednesday
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Fresh produce, local treats, handmade goods, and live music await along 10th Street and Illinois every Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. through October 3. Hosted by the Golden Chamber of Commerce.
Cookies with Councilors: Ulysses Park Grand Reopening | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the grand reopening of Ulysses Park with a ribbon cutting and guided tour! Join City Councilors and Parks staff to see the updates made to this beloved community space.
Movies & Music in the Park | 7:00 p.m.
Kick off summer with live music from The Man Cubs followed by a showing of Zootopia 2. Bring a blanket, grab food from local trucks, and enjoy a free, family-friendly evening under the stars.
Bike to Work (Or Anywhere) Day | 6:00–9:00 a.m.
Celebrate Bike to Work Day at Vanover Park and Golden Fire Stations 21 and 24! Stop by for a quick breakfast, get your bike tuned up for the summer, enter to win a raffle prize, or just hang out and connect with fellow cyclists. Plan your ride at www.drcog.org/bike-to-work-day.
Looking for even more activities?
Check out the City calendar at www.cityofgolden.gov/calendar
THE BROAD STROKES
What Else is Going on in Golden Right Now?
Welcome, Officer Twigg: Golden PD is proud to welcome Harmony Twigg to the force. Born in Colorado and an Arvada West graduate, Officer Twigg earned a degree in Communications before completing the Red Rocks Police Academy. She brings a decade of experience from the Estes Park Police Department, where she served as a Field Training Officer and worked in Investigations. She has already started her field training; say hi if you see her out and about!
Emerald Ash Borer Rebate Program Open: The City’s pilot Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) rebate program offers financial assistance to residents treating or removing at-risk ash trees on your property. Funds are limited and the program has been popular, so apply soon. Learn about eligibility, treatment options, and apply at www.cityofgolden.gov/services/tree_care.php
Car Seat Check-up, Friday, May 22, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Golden Fire is hosting a free event for caregivers who want to make sure their children are riding safely. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will provide assistance with installation, check for proper fit, and answer questions. Space is limited, advance registration is required, scan the QR code or see https://form.jotform.com/261045170261042.
Tony Grampsas Parking Lot Improvements: Construction is underway on improvements to the Tony Grampsas Memorial Park parking lot, including new pavement, infrastructure, and landscaping. The project will improve access, safety, and functionality for all park visitors. Note that the main parking lot will be closed during initial construction phases, necessitating reduced parking and a pedestrian detour. Work is anticipated to be complete mid-to-late summer.
Ore Cart Silver Route Summer Schedule: Starting May 25, the Ore Cart’s Silver Route (which primarily serves the Colorado School of Mines campus) shifts to a reduced summer schedule. The Tungsten and Gold Routes are not impacted. The Ore Cart is a free, public (not just for students!) shuttle serving three routes throughout Golden, with more than 15,000 rides taken each month. Find schedules and route information at www.orecart.mines.edu, or plan your trip through Google Maps or the Transit app.
Docked Bike Share Feasibility Study: Thank you to all participants in the Docked Bike Share Feasibility Study survey and engagement; the response was tremendous. The project team is now reviewing community feedback to guide the next phase of the study, and continuing to assess Golden’s priorities and local micromobility opportunities. For updates and frequently asked questions, visit www.GuidingGolden.com/docked-bike-share-feasibility-study, or contact City Planner Grace Fleming at gfleming@cityofgolden.net or (303) 597-5242.
Clear Creek Trail Design: The Clear Creek Trail (formerly Peaks-to-Plains Trail) through downtown Golden, part of the broader regional trail connecting Idaho Springs to Denver, has been in active design for two years. The next near-term trail improvement, widening the existing South Clear Creek Trail between Illinois Street and Ford Street, is currently seeking feedback. If you missed the May 5 design open house, visit www.GuidingGolden.com/p2p-downtown-golden to take the survey and review the 90% design plans. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will also consider the project on Wednesday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m. at City Council Chambers, 911 10th Street.
CITY DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS
Following record-low snowpack, Colorado is entering an exceptionally dry year. The City of Golden and communities across the Front Range are taking action to protect our water supply by implementing Stage 1 Drought Restrictions. Households and commercial properties are required to make minor outdoor watering changes that add up to a meaningful difference in water use.
The Essentials: What You Need to Do
Water lawns no more than twice a week, only between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Daytime watering loses water to evaporation.
Adjust sprinklers. Avoid overspray onto sidewalks, driveways, and streets.
Let turf go dormant. Reduce irrigation and expect some browning. Grass will recover when conditions improve.
Helpful Resources
AquaHawk
https://goco.aquahawk.us/login
Sign up for free monitoring at Aquahawk to catch water use issues early. A running toilet or slow drip can waste thousands of gallons.
FixIt
https://www.cityofgolden.gov/fixit
Report active leaks or wasteful water use for any property within the City.
What This Doesn’t Mean
Wash vehicles at a commercial car wash, not at home. Commercial car washes recycle their water.
Fix leaks within 10 days. A running toilet or irrigation leak can waste thousands of gallons.
Hand watering and drip irrigation are still allowed at any time for gardens, trees, shrubs, and flowers. Prioritize deep watering for trees, they don’t bounce back easily.
Resource Central https://resourcecentral.org/sprinklers Schedule a Slow the Flow irrigation audit to find ways to improve efficiency, reduce water waste, and dial in your system.
Apply for rebates on smart controllers, rain sensors, rotary nozzles, and drip equipment.
Don’t neglect your trees to water your lawn, and don’t feel you have to stop gardening. Food gardens, pollinator plantings, and established trees are worth prioritizing. They feed people, support bees and birds, and cool your yard in ways turf can’t.
Thank you for doing your part to help protect Golden’s water supply. Questions? More details are available on the City’s website, www.cityofgolden.gov/save-water.
