Arvada staff outline full rewrite of Chapter 66 to modernize parks rules

Arvada staff presented a proposed repeal-and-reenactment of Chapter 66 — the city’s parks and recreation code — at a Jan. 13 city council workshop, saying the intent is to modernize rules, fill regulatory gaps and provide clearer guidance for staff and the public ahead of formal readings.

Ryan Stevenson, who opened the presentation, said the change is structured as a replacement rather than a redline because the reorganization would otherwise cross out most of the chapter. “The purpose of today’s workshop is to introduce counsel to the proposed repeal and reenactment of chapter 66, explaining the reasoning behind the rewrite and walk through how the draft is structured,” he said.

City attorney Janelle Miller walked council through the draft’s four-article structure. The draft moves administration and management items into Article 1 (including a new definitions section and clarified authority for the VCN director), consolidates unlawful acts into Article 2, keeps the city’s reservoir rules in a dedicated article, and places city-operated golf-course rules in a new Article 4 that treats those facilities more like business operations. Miller said Article 1 will define roles (for example, who the director is and what a recreational official may do), outline permit processes, set out notice and contest procedures for enforcement, and give staff clearer authority to temporarily close areas for vegetation or restoration work.

Miller noted staff reintegrated most existing provisions and removed only provisions that are no longer relevant — for example, an outdated reference to a 3.2% beer category no longer sold in Colorado. Miller said staff sent the draft to the Parks Advisory Committee and had received one written response to date. Staff plans a first reading on Feb. 17, a second reading on March 3, and (if adopted) the ordinance would become effective five days after publication.

Council members asked focused questions after the presentation. Council member Mormon asked whether alcohol would be allowed only at golf courses; Miller and Stevenson said alcohol allowances depend on the location and the type of permit, with everyday pavilion use generally governed by park permits (which may allow beer-like beverages under conditions) and larger public festivals handled through a special-event permit administered by the city clerk. “An organized event will go through a special event through the clerk’s office,” one presenter said, noting that special-event permits are event-dependent and can allow broader alcohol types when appropriate.

Council member Pfeiffer pressed staff on enforcement of vehicle and parking rules in parks, describing instances of abandoned or business vehicles using park lots. Staff said enforcement would rely on signage and coordination with public safety; staff did not confirm routine towing practices and said they would investigate operational options, including how metro districts that maintain some city parks would be included in enforcement plans.

Council member Davis raised gaps in equestrian connectivity, asking that APAC (the advisory committee) review trail links so riders are not forced onto city streets; staff agreed to look into trail-gap locations.

Council member Lovasone asked how residents would experience the changes; staff said the city will use its website and other communications to explain new permit expectations, and that clearer rules should help manage turf conversions and vegetation work with fewer surprises for users.

Staff emphasized the rewrite is intended as a governance tool to align rules with current operations and expectations, not merely a legal housekeeping exercise. The council did not take any formal action at the workshop; staff will return with the ordinance for readings in February and March.