To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Jeff Brauer, Director of Parks and Recreation
Title
Discussion/Direction: Gold Crown Foundation Facility Proposal
Body
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Executive Summary
The Gold Crown Foundation, co-founded by former Denver Nuggets player and coach Bill Hanzlik and business partner Ray Baker, is exploring an opportunity to expand operations in Castle Rock. Gold Crown’s mission is to prepare youth for success in life through sports, education and wellness programs. The organization operates the Gold Crown Field House in Lakewood, serving 17,000 participants annually through basketball, volleyball and golf programs. It also provides STEM opportunities to over 500 members ages 12-18.
Gold Crown is proposing the construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility in Castle Rock to serve Douglas County, the south Denver metropolitan area and Colorado Springs. The proposed 8-court, 65,000-square-foot facility would also include a STEM center, providing expanded athletic and educational programming for boys and girls in grades 4-8. The estimated cost of the facility is $30 million. Gold Crown operates competitive basketball and volleyball that would provide additional programming options for neighboring residents.
Gold Crown has identified the Dawson Trails development as a potential site for this facility. They are requesting the lease or transfer of 12 acres of public land dedication for the project. A 44-acre site at the north end of the development, already owned by the Town of Castle Rock, has been identified as a viable location. As the property is owned by the Town, it would need to be leased or considered for transfer to Gold Crown.
To address a private funding gap, Gold Crown approached the Douglas County Parks Advisory Board on January 13, 2025, to request $12 million from the Douglas County Shareback Fund. This funding would supplement other private fundraising efforts to cover the $30 million cost of the facility. While some members of the public spoke in favor of the project, the Arapahoe Youth League spoke against it noting that they have lost participation in its programs due to Gold Crown. After considering public feedback and ranking the project according to their review criteria, the Advisory Board voted favorably (two in favor, one against and one abstain) to provide funding for the project and endorsed a recommendation for the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners to consider for final approval.
Discussion
Staff is seeking Town Council's direction on the following:
Authorize the Mayor to sign a non-binding letter of intent to Gold Crown Foundation for the lease and/or transfer of approximately 12 acres of Town-owned land at Dawson Trails development for a future competitive athletic facility. Town Council approval will be required for 1) Any formal lease and/or transfer of property and 2) a detailed funding, construction and operational plan.
This project has the potential to provide significant benefits for youth and families across the region by enhancing community amenities, expanding access to sports and educational programs and supporting health and wellness initiatives. Staff awaits Town Council's guidance on how to proceed.
Attachments
Attachment A - Land Request Letter
Attachment B - Proposed Location