Public land is a lot more than area owned by the government. It’s a day spent on the beach; a family vacation at a national park; or a long hike through local open space. Celebrate the outdoor spaces where we live, learn and play with National Public Lands Day Saturday, Sept. 24.
Join one of three guided hikes at the new Metzler Family Open Space. These 2.2-mile hikes will leave at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Each hike will follow the same route.
As there is currently no parking at the open space, meet at Metzler Ranch Park, 4175 Trail Boss Drive. Participants should park in the northeast parking lot near the restroom. The Town trolley will take hikers from the park to the trailhead. Come explore the Town’s newest open space!
Metzler Family Open Space is a 60-acre property along Founders Parkway and Crowfoot Valley Road that was donated to the Town by the Estate of Robert F. Metzler. While the donation agreement required several improvements, including soft-surface trails, an access driveway, and parking spaces, the majority of the property is dedicated open space.
The newly constructed trails will open to the public once the parking lot and access driveway are complete. In the meantime, events like Public Lands Day are the perfect opportunity to explore the new property.
While this event is free, registration is required. Additionally, participants must be at least 10 years old. Minors under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Registration and more information is available at CRgov.com/PublicLandsDay. Each hike is limited to 30 participants.
Questions? Contact Natural Resource Specialist Barbara Spagnuolo at 720-733-2294 or bspagnuolo@CRgov.com.
Public Lands Day was created to promote both enjoyment and volunteer conservation of our public lands. Nationwide, more than 30% of the country’s land is designated public land. Here in Castle Rock, about 28% of the Town is currently dedicated to public and private open space, parks and trails. That percentage will grow to about 30% when planned parks and open space are dedicated through future development applications.
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