Amazing open spaces WELCOME

The phrase “open space” evokes beautiful images. But, the Town’s roughly 6,000 acres of open space offer the community much more than pretty pictures. Open spaces contribute to our quality of life, our health and our local economy.

In fact, open space is so important to the Town that the phrase is mentioned 41 times within our Municipal Code, our Town laws. Public safety — also vitally important to our community — is mentioned only half as many times, with 23 references in the code.

The Town is extremely proud to have nearly onethird of our land area set aside as open space. And, we are always looking for opportunities to preserve more land for the community to enjoy.

We’re fortunate that our newest open space area, Metzler Family Open Space in northcentral Castle Rock, was donated to the Town. The Estate of Robert F. Metzler had the legal right to develop its 60 acres into homes and businesses. Instead, they saw more value in ensuring the community could visit the family’s historic homestead in perpetuity. A parking lot will soon open to allow greater public access onto the property.

Both avid enjoyers of the outdoors, we encourage everyone reading to get outside to appreciate our Town open spaces. Find maps and other information about these properties — including regarding the Town’s commitment to conservation — at CRgov.com/OpenSpace.

Whether you’re seeking solitude or togetherness, we know you’ll find a faraway feeling close to home at our amazing open spaces.