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Woodland Park approves purchase of Shining Mountain Golf Course and surrounding open space
Summary
City council unanimously approved purchase of roughly 360 acres that include Shining Mountain Golf Course, an event center and undeveloped tracts; city will pay about $3.18 million in cash while seller donates the remainder of an appraised $11.89 million value; water rights equivalent to about 57.68 acre-feet were cited as a major public benefit.
Woodland Park City Council on Oct. 16 approved acquisition of the Shining Mountain Golf Course property and adjoining open space, a package of roughly 360.08 acres that includes an 18‑hole golf course, a 10,000‑square‑foot event center and multiple undeveloped tracts.
The council voted unanimously to authorize the purchase after a presentation by city staff. City staff said the contract lists a total valuation (appraisal) of $11,886,600, of which the seller is donating $8,686,600. The city’s cash at closing was described in the meeting as $3,175,000 plus customary title adjustments for property taxes; the city had submitted $25,000 in earnest money.
City staff emphasized the acquisition is about preserving open space and securing water rights in addition to owning recreational amenities. Using the previously approved residential entitlements on the tracts, staff said the property carries the potential for 222 housing units; applying the city’s water‑use conversion, staff calculated the land conveys roughly 57.681 acre‑feet of water (0.117 acre‑feet per person per year × estimated population of 493). Because of that water value, the purchase will be paid from the city’s water fund.
During public comment, Woodland Park resident Jerry Penland urged the council to view the purchase as open‑space preservation rather than simply buying a golf course; he noted potential uses such as trails and a large dog park. Tom Gearhart, another resident, asked the council to carefully consider ongoing operational costs and compared the acquisition’s financial risk to earlier city leisure projects.
Council members and staff said the city will develop a master plan and a business plan before making major changes to operations or amenities. Staff also noted the purchase includes multiple tax parcels and existing approvals previously granted for housing on some tracts; the council discussed title, tax proration at closing and the petitioned charitable contribution by the seller.
The motion to approve Ordinance No. 15 O 6, Series 2025 (approving the purchase as described in the contract) passed by unanimous roll call.
Council members said they expect staff to take time to prepare a master plan and business plan before committing to operational changes or new programs on the property.
