New, Super-Park in Castle Pines

The City of Castle Pines, newly incorporated town in Douglas County, and my hometown, has opened is newest and largest park. It’s called Elk Ridge Park.  Let me tell you, this is one amazing park with more bells and whistles than you can imagine!  This definitely enhances the amenities and lifestyle for us residents and our children. The park officially opened on September 17, 2011, but residents have been able to access and use the park since the end of August when work was completed.   The park is a great addition to the park system within the City of Castle Pines and is by far the most elaborate of the 4 city parks.  The park consists of 12 acres of trails, a synthetic turf sports field, playground equipment, art features, water features, a natural amphitheater, water feature and a climbing wall.  I would consider this a destination park that will draw visitors from other parts of metro Denver due to the incredible playground and activities for both children and adults.

My 3 children love the climbing wall and monstrous slide that takes riders from the top of the rock wall to the base.  The 12’ climbing wall appeals to both younger and older children.  Parents can take some solace in the fact the base of the climbing wall is a rubberized surface that softens any fall.  But it is still scary when your young children scamper up the wall.

One of the most interesting features of the park is the Scavenger Hunt.  There are signs placed throughout the park with riddles that lead you on a scavenger hunt.  My family hasn’t had a chance to find all the signs or clues, but we look forward to spending time scavenging.

A water feature is also included with the park featuring a waterfall and water jets that children can play in during the warm summer months.

The $4.7 million park was constructed by the Castle Pines Parks Authority and is owned by the City of Castle Pines.  The funding for the park came from a variety of sources.   Homeowner’s dues to the Castle Pines North Master Association funded the majority of the park, but an additional $1.0 million was funded from property taxes paid to the Castle Pines North Metro District.  A $700,000 grant was also received from Great Outdoors Colorado for construction of the park and the land for the park was contributed by CF Holdings and CPN HOA1.   CF Holdings is the developer who owns and is developing the Lagae Ranch parcel in The City of Castle Pines.

To see Elk Ridge Park, take I25 to exit 188 (Castle Pines Parkway).  Go west on Castle Pines Parkway to Lagae Road.  Turn left on Lagae Road and then make your first right onto Mira Vista Lane.  Follow the road around to the parking area for the park.  Believe me, you won’t be disappointed.