Save the BackCountry Wilderness!
Douglas County Commissioners had originally proposed to build Wildcat Regional Park and Rec Center (an Iconic Sports Village) in the BackCountry Wilderness behind the Hearth and Firelight neighborhoods. Right Idea Wrong Location leaders, as well as volunteers and community members were successful in stopping Wildcat Regional Park and Rec Center until further notice. Congratulations everyone!
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RIWL is now working toward a suitable conclusion to this matter. Who should own the land? What does future development look like? RIWL believes that HRCA has a track record as proven stewards of conservation in Highlands Ranch. As an organization we support HRCA becoming the rightful owners of the 202 acres known as Wildcat Regional Park.
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The county-wide survey conducted in August asked Douglas County Residents how the Douglas County Commissioners should spend money in the Parks, Trails and Open Space Fund. Per this survey, the single highest priority of Douglas County citizens is open space, “a conclusion borne out by multiple questions and a sentiment shared broadly across most all segments of the population,” said Dr. Hill who conducted the survey. In fact, Highlands Ranch alone voted 86% in favor of conserving open space and trails. Our goal is to ensure that the wishes of our citizens have been heard and honored by the County.
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As a group of concerned citizens, we are now working with local officials, Highlands Ranch, HRCA and surrounding communities to spread the word regarding Wildcat Regional Park. This final step in the process is to assist in HRCA efforts to retain land all while protecting our wildlife and open space. We would like to find a symbiotic way for our community and residents to enjoy this unique and beautiful space and the wildlife therein. Please join us on this journey.
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Thank you,
RIWL Steering Committee.
Here are a few reasons why:
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There is land available in Sterling Ranch and they are willing to discuss building at that location.
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The land chosen in Highlands Ranch has high environmental impact. The County’s plan interferes with a wildlife corridor and habitat. This wildlife includes federally protected golden eagles, an elk herd, deer, cattle, coyotes, fox and other birds of prey.
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The HRCA Independent Survey conducted in 2012 and 2016 shows that the Highlands Ranch community does not want development on this land beyond passive recreation.
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Douglas County’s proposal includes, large indoor facilities with an Olympic sized swimming pool, lit baseball and soccer fields, an access road, paved parking lots, batting cages and state of the art training facilities.
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HRCA has a proposal submitted to the commissioners that would include a real Regional Park. This would be passive recreation plan for the are such as a 5K hard packed, wheelchair and stroller accessible walking trail as well as mountain bike trails connecting the east/west trails to Castle Pines and Parker.
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This land is not accessible to any major roads, highways or infrastructure and already has major traffic issues. This would increase traffic with potential for moving violations and accidents that could put the community and wildlife at risk.
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There are two other similar parks breaking ground in 2025/2026 in the adjacent communities, which will easily serve Highlands Ranch.
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Fields are being removed in Castle Rock, yet there are no proposals to replace those fields in Castle Rock, a growing community.
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This park will NOT be managed by Douglas County. It will be managed by the private partners and special interest groups who are investing in this park.
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It is surrounded by 1000’s of acres of the HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area and Daniel’s Park. Any development beyond passive recreation will affect the surrounding wildlife with air, light and noise pollution.
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Regional and National Tournaments: There are zero nearby amenities and no more land available nearby to add more, leaving players and families stranded with nowhere to go or to rest their athletes.
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Highlands Ranch will take on all the risk and burden while economic benefit will be moved to neighboring cities with the amenities to support these visiting families.
Slammers Baseball admitted that the land behind the Hearth and Firelight in the Backcountry wilderness is not an “ideal location”.
Latest News
August 5th, 2024 - Douglas County Commissioners vote on the Feasibility Study
We had support of 2 of the 3 commissioners!
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Commissioner Teal: Voted NO to the feasibility study. He's 100% against to Wildcat Regional Park and Rec Center and wants to entertain HRCA's proposal.
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Commissioner Layton: Voted NO to the feasibility study but wants to honor process. He would like to see the results of a County Survey (going out 8/22) regarding how the community would like to see the BOC spend the Trails, Parks and Open Space funds. He is 99% sure he will still vote no on a Feasibility study for Wildcat Regional Park.
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Commissioner Thomas: In support of the feasibility study for Wildcat Regional Park.
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Monica Wasden from HRCA was allowed to speak. She explained HRCA's plan for a passive recreation regional park. The biggest news to come of that is HRCA has identified 200 acres of land owned by Sterling Ranch who is willing to talk about the park being built there. There are other options.
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So, what happens next?
We do not slow down! There is still a lot of work to do. With the study quickly approaching we need to make sure we continue to educate the wider public on what is happening here. The feasibility study could still return, though we hope that is unlikely. We need to gather information regarding the study and look for it hit our emails, phones, newsfeeds and websites. If you see the study, make sure you fill it out and allow your voice to be heard!! We were told nothing will happen before mid-September with the BOC. So, let's be patient and keep fighting the good fight.
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There is a video posted of the meeting. You can watch our amazing community in action HERE.
How to Help
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Send a Letter of Opposition
Send an email to Douglas County. -
​Fill Out Feedback Form of Opposition
Fill out the form on Douglas County's website to oppose this park. -
Attend an Event
View the calendar and attend an event. -
​Sign the Petition of Opposition
Sign and share the petition to oppose the park. -
Follow our FB Page
Follow and share our Facebook page. -
Buy Merch​
Show your support with T-Shirts, car magnets, and yard flags at the store
Volunteer & Stay Informed
Sign up for updates and to be informed of volunteer opportunities.
