by Lane Roberts

The Castle Pines Parks Authority Board members are currently examining park development options following the recent announcement of the proposed development of Lagae Ranch.

Castle View Park, a 21-acre park set to be built in the open space on the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Yorkshire Drive, was to begin construction last fall. Delays resulted in acquiring the critical 6.3 acres of land needed to build the new park. Earlier this year, the Castle Pines North Metro District obtained both parcels necessary to begin phase one of the park; however, the Parks Authority Board temporarily placed the project on hold.

The proposed development of the northern portion of Lagae Ranch by HF Holdings, LLC, introduced another potential park option for the Parks Authority.

“The land acquisitions were completed and we were ready to begin construction when we learned about the possibility of the development of the Lagae property,” said Parks Authority President and CPN resident D.J. “Sandy” Colling.

According to Chris Fellows, principle of HF Holdings, the preliminary plans for the parcel could include several ball fields, playgrounds, walking paths and other recreational facilities. The 240-acre northern portion of the Lagae Ranch, recently purchased by HF Holdings, is located behind King Soopers and adjacent to HOA1. The Lagae parcel could potentially provide several acres for park and civic amenities.

According to Colling, the Parks Authority Board is waiting to see if HF Holdings can secure proper zoning and various other County approvals for development of the parcel before moving forward with Castle View. “We felt it was prudent to wait to see if the Lagae development plan is going to succeed,” Colling said.

The Future of Castle View Park

If the Lagae Ranch development moves forward, the Parks Authority will have many factors and alternatives to consider in building parks for the community. Until a decision is made, the 21-acre parcel for Castle View will remain as open space.

According to Colling, some residents have suggested building Castle View Park now and participating in the Lagae development at a later date. “We still have this option under consideration; however, based on our current income flow, this would take many years to accomplish,” he said.

The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association contributes 70 percent of yearly HOA dues to the Castle Pines Parks Authority. Of the $216 annual HOA dues collected from CPN residents, $151.20 is contributed to the Parks Authority to fund future parks in CPN.

“We want to make sure the funds we transfer to the Parks Authority are spent wisely,” said Maureen Shul, Master Association Board President. “Everyone is eager to see a new park built, but the Parks Authority needs our patience as we wait to see if potential developments will move forward. It’s important that we explore all options and ensure the community is kept informed on each step of the process. We certainly welcome input from residents.”

Share Comments about Castle View Park

To voice opinions regarding the development of future parks in the community, please send comments to editor@cpnhoa.org. All comments will be shared with the Parks Authority Board.

Monthly Parks Authority meetings are open to the public and are typically held on the third Thursday of the month at 8 a.m. at the Community Center, 7404 Yorkshire Drive.