Planning Commission backs Kiowa Creek Open Space regional park plan with conditions after safety and access review

The Arapahoe County Planning Commission on Oct. 21 considered LE24‑002, the Kiowa Creek Open Space Regional Park location and extent application, and recommended approval with conditions that require the applicant to address public‑works comments and obtain health‑department approvals prior to construction.

Ernie Rose, Senior Planner, described the 265‑acre property (zoned A‑1, in Commissioner District 3) and listed proposed amenities: multi‑use trails, dedicated equestrian trails and a challenge course, mountain‑bike trails, an archery range, boardwalks, vault restrooms, trailer parking and ecological restoration. Rose said the property was purchased for passive recreation and to conserve riparian habitat, and he noted a comment letter from Bennett Watkins Fire asking to continue coordination.

Ray Wynn, open‑space planner, said the board approved the master plan in June 2022 and that outreach included events such as Bennett Days and a project website. Wynn highlighted the archery range and equestrian features as top public preferences and said staff had met with adjacent property owners on Aug. 27, 2025 to address trespass and dog‑control concerns.

Consultant Greg Rosler described trail and emergency‑access design changes, including widening two pedestrian trails to 10‑foot gravel emergency spines and adding a 24‑foot gravel road to accommodate emergency vehicles. Commissioners and staff discussed whether the county should delay recommendation until a permanent emergency‑access easement with CORE Electric is secured. Staff reported an easement negotiation is in progress and noted other access options and contingency measures (including potential purchase of lighter emergency vehicles and use of alternate private access points).

During public comment, Rod Lang raised a concern that arrow trajectories from the archery range could send arrows toward a planned on‑route multi‑use trail. The design team said targets are oriented north and that the furthest targets are slightly tilted west, the trail will run east of the archery range, and the range will include a northern berm and an east‑side fence to prevent accidental entry.

Commissioner Sava moved to recommend approval of LE24‑002, subject to conditions requiring the applicant to address public‑works and health‑department comments. Commissioner Howe seconded. The commission recorded three ayes and one no; the County Attorney confirmed a majority carries the recommendation. The motion passed and staff will carry conditions forward as part of final plan approval.

Next steps: staff will continue negotiations on the CORE easement and require the applicant to resolve public‑works comments and obtain health department approval before final signatures or construction starts.