Open Spaces

The Open Spaces Department works to preserve natural and heritage areas, enhance neighborhood and regional parks and build and maintain trails. Since its inception, the program has built or improved more than 78 miles of trails, supported more than 190 park and trailhead projects and protected more than 32,000 acres of open space.

New Approved Rules and Regulations for Open Spaces Properties
On Dec. 10, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners formally approved new rules and regulations for County-owned open space, trail and park properties. The new rules and regulations go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The updated rules are based on industry best practices and are informed by input from partners, stakeholders and the general public. Learn more at www.arapahoeco.gov/openspacesrules.   

Dove Valley Bike Park Now Open!
The Dove Valley Bike Park and pump track opened to the public on Oct. 11 following a ribbon-cutting celebration for the full Dove Valley Regional Park expansion and renovation project. The bike park offers trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders and is the first of its kind across the County.  

Dove Valley Regional Park, located across from the Broncos practice facility in Centennial, has been widely used for the past 35 years by regional sports teams, schools, and lunch breakers alike. The renovation has doubled the park’s size to over 90 acres, bringing a slew of much-needed upgrades.

Park improvements include a new water-saving irrigation system, more native landscaping, off-leash dog park, outdoor fitness station, sledding hill, shade pavilion, playground and now a 5-acre, packed dirt bike skills park and asphalt pump track. Learn more.

Featured Project: Bijou Basin Open Space Master Planning
A master planning effort is underway for the Bijou Basin property. Once completed, the Bijou Basin Master Plan will guide future management of the 2,800-acre property, which features views and vistas unique to the eastern plains of Arapahoe County and Colorado. The master plan will provide for public access to the property so visitors can enjoy passive public recreation amenities (such as natural surface trails and wildlife viewing) and experience some of the most expansive and beautiful native prairie landscapes in Colorado while maintaining, respecting, and celebrating current uses such as grazing and agriculture on the land. Visit the Bijou Basin Open Space Master Planning page to learn more and find out how you can get involved. 

Featured Project: High Line Canal Ownership Transition
In June 2024, Denver Water transferred ownership of 45 miles of the High Line Canal to Arapahoe County, and with it, a conservation easement held by the High Line Canal Conservancy that will permanently protect the Canal as a natural open space for the region.

Trail users will not experience any major impacts; they will still be able to enjoy the 71-mile recreational trail for free, and improvement projects along the Canal will remain a priority. Maintenance of the corridor is a collaboration between Denver Water, the counties, local government and special district partners, and the Conservancy.

Visit the High Line Canal Ownership Transition page to learn more.


Have a question or comment for Open Spaces? Email askopenspaces@5054k.com or call 720-874-6540. 

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