Douglas County decision preserves parcel as passive recreation after residents oppose 2024 development plan
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Summary
Speakers praised a county decision to preserve land as passive recreation and open space after residents recalled a 2024 proposal for large baseball fields and parking; a voice vote was called and declared passed unanimously.
Douglas County participants declared a parcel will be preserved as passive recreation and open space after residents and meeting participants pushed back on a prior development plan.
Speaker 1, a resident, said the community "didn't want massive development" and recalled a 2024 proposal for "big baseball fields, nighttime lights, big parking lots." "Don't take that away from us," the resident said, urging preservation of wildlife and open space.
The discussion included concerns about neighborhood effects. Speaker 3 warned that removing open space could harm the area and said it "could start pulling down property values." Speaker 4 told the room to "look at your audience," saying there were "about 5 or 10 people who are baseball, and everyone else is against this," arguing organized sports proponents were a minority.
Speaker 1 said the county "did a 180 degree turn" and announced that the site "will be preserved as passive recreation and open space," marking a policy reversal from the earlier proposal. Speaker 3 described the site as a "launching pad to construct the regional park," and Speaker 5 called the outcome "an incredible, historic day."
Speaker 5 then called for a voice vote: "All those in favor, signal by saying aye." Two participants answered "Aye," and Speaker 5 declared, "And that passes unanimously." The transcript records two verbal "Aye" responses; no individual vote tallies or mover/second names were provided.
Supporters highlighted connectivity and recreational value: Speaker 2 said the decision allows people to "have this trail system right out your back door," and Speaker 4 noted the ability to "walk from Chatfield to Cherry Creek State Park," portraying the move as adding to local outdoor amenities.
No further procedural steps, implementation timeline, or funding sources were specified in the transcript. Speakers framed the vote as a long-term choice: "The decisions we're making today are for the next generation... I want my kids and their grandkids to be able to enjoy this piece of nature for generations to come," Speaker 1 said.