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Hudson Gardens presents vision plan to Littleton board; prioritizes accessibility, security and phased capital projects
Summary
Hudson Gardens and South Suburban staff presented a 60-page vision and grounds & facilities master plan outlining community feedback (2,300+ site visits, 518 survey responses, 234 comments), identified aging infrastructure and accessibility gaps, and proposed staged projects including rebranding, improved wayfinding, irrigation and a potential amphitheater contingent on parking agreements and funding.
Representatives from Hudson Gardens and South Suburban presented a vision plan to the Littleton Arts & Culture Board that lays out short- and long-term priorities for the 30-acre site, citing extensive community engagement and an emphasis on preserving the gardens while expanding programming.
"Hudson Gardens is a cultural and natural hub for the community," presenter Nicole Stellick said, summarizing the plan’s premise and community input. The team reported more than 2,300 landing‑page visits, 518 survey responses and 234 written comments as part of the outreach.
Key findings included aging infrastructure (deteriorating paths, storm-drainage issues and poor lighting in places), accessibility shortfalls and security concerns. Financially, staff said South Suburban currently subsidizes Hudson Gardens by roughly $200,000 a year and is pursuing a path to reach breakeven while protecting free public access.
The plan proposes staged capital work and program changes: a grounds and facilities master plan, improved wayfinding and branding, restroom and cafe upgrades, irrigation and an electrical evaluation, pedestrian lighting, and a welcome/visitor facility. Presenters recommended three prerequisites before expanding major live performances: secured parking/traffic management (Hudson Gardens has about 300 parking spaces but may see event crowds of ~3,500), infrastructure and cost analysis for an amphitheater (restrooms, ADA compliance, staffing, insurance), and long-term partnership and funding agreements.
On security, presenters noted recent vandalism and said surveillance cameras have been installed; they are evaluating perimeter fencing alternatives that won’t “cage” the property but will better protect staff and event visitors.
Short-term work already underway includes site irrigation work (expected to finish in spring), selected signage and wayfinding improvements, and rebranding work with a new logo selected by the South Suburban board. Presenters gave a tentative timeline: design work in 2026–27 and potential construction beginning in 2028, depending on funding and program commitments.
Board members pressed on parking, accountability and how the city and board can partner with Hudson Gardens. Presenters said they are pursuing a formal parking agreement with Arapahoe Community College and other partners to better manage event traffic and support expanded programming.
