Policy committee backs Central Community Park master plan; Aurora Water pond to be removed, wetlands proposed

The Parks Foundation and Quality of Life Policy Committee voted to recommend approval of the Central Community Park master plan and forward it to City Council at its March 27 meeting, with staff noting an additional public hearing will be required under the city's approval process.

City planning staff presented a plan developed with the Arcataire Group that would locate a new neighborhood-scale park adjacent to Central Recreation Center (near Telluride and South Tower Road). The master plan replaces an existing pond, owned and operated by Aurora Water, with a designed wetland and micro-pools; staff said Aurora Water determined the pond would be removed because of maintenance and irrigation-pump issues.

The plan calls for a two-tiered playground, a bouldering (climbing) area, pedestrian bridges and a low-water crossing through the wetland area, a plumbed restroom, a large group pavilion and several smaller shelters, and a bluegrass informal play area. In the eastern portion of the site staff proposed sports courts: two basketball courts, two tennis courts and four pickleball courts, with three small shelters near the courts. Renderings shown to the committee illustrated relocated parking and the ability to add about 50 additional parking spaces in the future if needed.

Staff reported substantial public outreach: three public meetings (April 21, 2022; May 7, 2024; and Nov. 7, 2024), post-meeting surveys hosted through the city's Engage Aurora platform, a mailing list of about 7,000 addresses (roughly a one-mile radius) and outreach to 42 neighborhood groups and homeowners associations. Attendance at the meetings was 30, 54 and 24 in person, respectively; post-meeting survey responses were 78, 55 and 39.

Public feedback included interest in trails, playgrounds and natural-area features; responses were split on amenities such as dog parks, pickleball and skate facilities, a pattern staff described as "polarized" with both strong supporters and opponents for some features. Staff said they tested multiple configurations for a dog park but could not meet internal criteria because the site offers only about 12'15 acres of developable park space (staff said community parks are typically around 40 acres) combined with extensive drainage obligations tied to Hutchison Channel and an unnamed creek.

Nicole Ankeny, manager of planning, design and construction, and Trent Wooley, senior landscape architect, told the committee the plan aims to balance active sport uses with preserved natural areas and water-sensitive design. Staff noted the site is subject to the city's Dedication and Development Criteria Manual and Aurora's Water Conservation Ordinance; details such as the specific sod type for the bluegrass area and utility connections for the restroom will be addressed in construction documents and budgeting.

The committee's recommendation was recorded in the meeting; committee members present voiced approval and asked that staff continue outreach and finalize hearing dates. Staff said the plan will return to Planning and Zoning for a public hearing before a final City Council decision. No specific motion maker or roll-call vote tally was recorded in the transcript of the meeting.