Parks and recreation leaders outline $41.5 million bond projects, Pirates Cove and golf course finances, and timeline for multi‑year renovations

Christine Underhill, Director of Parks, Recreation, Library and Golf, and Brad Anderson, Deputy Director, briefed the Budget Advisory Committee on department operations, recent revenues and the department’s capital plan centered on the $41.5 million general obligation parks and recreation bond that voters approved in November.

Underhill told the committee the city expects to issue the bonds and have funds available in March; bond repayment will be funded by property taxes, with a repayment horizon discussed by staff as roughly a 20‑year schedule. Staff said the bond will finance renovations across parks and facilities, with Cushing Park expected to break ground first in spring; Emerson and Rotolo will follow, and larger projects at Miller (Millard) Field, Bellevue Park, Pirates Cove and the Recreation Center are expected to complete over the next three to five years. Staff emphasized they will conduct at least two community outreach meetings, surveys and post materials on Englewood Engage for each project.

On revenues and usage, staff said the Farm & Train drew about 93,000 visits and generated nearly $300,000 in revenue this past season (the presentation also cited roughly $180,000 for the previous year). Parks staff said Pirates Cove attendance was about 70,000 in the most recent operating season and that staff are examining pricing, programming and amenities to boost repeat visits; staff said current nonresident admission peaked at $21 and resident admission at $18 and that season and family passes remain discounted options. The Broken Tee Golf Course reported record revenue of about $3.7 million and staff said rounds played were near capacity — the presentation referenced around 78,000 rounds with a theoretical maximum near 85,000.

Staff described key maintenance and capital needs: irrigation and pump systems at the golf course and parks, aging pool filters and pumps (some older than the 12–15 year typical life span), building envelope and attic repairs at the golf facility, and recurring vandalism and graffiti in park restrooms and playgrounds. The department reported it will use a mix of enterprise funds (Broken Tee covers its own capital), Conservation Trust Fund dollars (which are limited to parks and recreation uses), and bond proceeds to address those needs. Staff said the Arapahoe County Open Space quarter‑cent tax continues to fund two park salaries and that the city will apply for additional open‑space grants for projects such as Centennial Park.

Staff laid out a construction and design schedule: Cushing Park to begin construction in March pending contract approvals; smaller parks to be completed in 2025–26; Miller and Bellevue substantial completion around 2028; Pirates Cove and the Recreation Center design and construction to run through 2028–29 depending on sequencing to avoid closing water amenities during peak seasons. Underhill said the design teams will work with neighbors and community groups, and that the bond scope does not include a full pool at Miller Field (the approved scope includes a splash pad, per staff and council direction).