The Wheat Ridge City Council has adopted the Parks and Recreation Pathway, a new 10-year master plan that will guide investments, programs, and facilities through 2035. The plan replaces the 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan and was developed through an 18-month process shaped by thousands of community voices.
The Pathway captures the community’s vision for vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable parks and recreation in Wheat Ridge. It outlines seven strategic priorities to strengthen connections across the city and enhance quality of life for residents of all ages.
“This plan represents the next step in Wheat Ridge’s legacy of community wellness,” said Mayor Bud Starker. “Residents told us that they value, access, connection, and belonging, and this pathway delivers on that vision for the next generation.”
City council initiated the planning process in 2024, contracting BerryDunn to lead the project in collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Department and community stakeholders. The planning process included four phases: discovery, engagement, analysis, and strategy, each informed by robust public participation.
More than 2,000 residents shared input through surveys, workshops, and community events, helping to shape the plan’s direction and priorities.
“This plan is truly rooted in community,” said Parks and Recreation Director Karen O’Donnell. “Every idea, comment, and conversation helped us build a roadmap for a stronger, healthier, and more connected Wheat Ridge.”
The Parks and Recreation Pathway identifies seven priorities:
- Reinvest in aging facilities and infrastructure
- Expand and diversify recreation programs
- Advance aquatics access and sustainability
- Strengthen trail and greenbelt connectivity
- Increase access, equity, and inclusion
- Pursue strategic acquisitions and partnerships
- Plan for long-term sustainability and funding
Each priority contains near, medium, and long-term recommendations, creating a clear and adaptable framework for implementation.
The Pathway is a complement to the city’s recently adopted City Plan, Wheat Ridge’s new comprehensive plan guiding growth and investment through 2040. Together, the two community-driven plans reflect a unified vision for a connected, healthy, and thriving city.
“The City Plan sets the foundation for how Wheat Ridge will grow, and the Parks and Recreation Pathway brings that vision to life in our parks, trails, and recreation spaces,” Wheat Ridge City Manager Patrick Goff said. “Both plans were built from the voices of our residents, and together they ensure Wheat Ridge continues to rank in the top ten best cities to live in Colorado.”
The full Parks and Recreation Pathway is available at https://www.rootedinfun.com/203/Reports-Plans.
