Broomfield’s Open Space, Recreation, and Parks Represent Heart and Soul of the Community

By Bette Erickson

Are you wondering how the City and County of Broomfield acquires, maintains, and assesses its needs when it comes to open space and parks? Look no further.

Late last fall a group of energetic volunteers, city and county staff member, and numerous other stakeholders met to discuss Broomfield’s progress and next steps regarding open space, trails, parks, and recreation.

At the joint meeting on October 27, the city’s Open Space and Trails Advisory Committee (OSTAC) along with the Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Advisory Committee (PRSSAC) reviewed the latest work on the Open Space, Parks, Recreation, and Trails Plan Refresh covering the Existing Open Lands Map, Existing Trails Map, and next steps.

Photo taken on a snowy day this past December at Outlook Park.

Bette Erickson for Our Broomfield

A maintained trail is just one of the amenities that greets visitors at Anthem’s Siena Reservoir.

Bette Erickson for Our Broomfield

Pat Eichner for Our Broomfield

The group discussed new areas of focus for the Plan Refresh as well as focus areas from the previous 2005 Open Space, Parks, Recreation, and Trails (OSPRT) Plan that continue to be important. The presentation included the overall vision of the plan to the group, along with discussion of what measures are being used to refine the goals for the plan.

Broomfield is nearing its admirable 40% Open Lands Goal.

At the meeting, staff shared an overview of current trails, planned trails, and the criteria for trail creation. The city and county connects public spaces via paths and greenways in providing continuous green spaces throughout the community benefiting wildlife, enhancing recreational experiences, and increasing Broomfield’s walkability.

The Refresh and Refinement is based on the 2005 OSPRT Plan, the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, and an extensive 2022 Community Engagement outreach. There will be future opportunities for public community engagement including a meeting in April.

Bernard Jenson said he moved from a neighboring municipality to Broomfield in part because of the extensive trails and open lands.

“I’ll bet if you asked anybody what it is they like best about the community, it is all the interconnecting trails,” he explained.

Indeed, the Vision of the OSPRT Plan states:

The OSPRT Plan will preserve and enhance those special places that are the Heart and Soul of Broomfield. The Heart is represented by parks and other civic spaces that bring Broomfield together as a community. The Soul is represented by the open spaces and trails that provide contemplation and appreciation, whether viewed from afar, experienced close at hand, or near to home. The Heart and Soul of Broomfield provides a strong sense of unity, pride, and identity. They should be enhanced, preserved, and celebrated.

Some of the information gleaned from the extensive community outreach efforts include:

• Some respondents felt there are not enough recreation centers near their homes

• Visitors to OSPRT facilities feel uncomfortable due to wildlife and off-leash pets

• Inadequate signage on trails and at facilities,

• Insufficient adaptations for physical restrictions

• Some participants indicated that better signage, increased safety, and better access would increase their usage of the Broomfield trail system

• Important considerations were the maintenance of parks, recreation, and open space areas and maintained walking and biking surfaces

• Some respondents cited the need for lower fees or a sliding fee scale for lower income people

• Safety and maintenance would make some residents feel more welcome

• Increased trail connectivity, safety, and education about existing facilities and trails would help families with children use the trail system more often

• Visitors made use of the facilities for family bonding, exercise, socialization, and nature appreciation

• Respondents overwhelmingly stated that parks contributed to their positive mental health

• The surveys indicated high priorities still include trail connectivity within neighborhoods

• Concerns regarding park proximity, restrooms, shelters, and shaded areas

Pat Eichner for Our Broomfield

The OSPRT Plan shares the 2016 Comprehensive Plan’s core values of social responsibility and equity, environmental stewardship, and economic security and opportunity. Collectively, these core values build a solid foundation for Broomfield’s OSPRT by providing unique places for current residents of Broomfield and future generations.

To view the presentation and the updated project, visit http://ow.ly/5GQy50LWKUc.

Bette Erickson writes about people, places and events. Contact her at bette_ erickson@hotmail.com.