To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Jeff Brauer, Director of Parks and Recreation
Title
Update: Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Master Planning Process
Body
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Executive Summary
The purpose of this Town Manager update is to provide Town Council with an overview on the master planning process of Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space.
An essential priority identified in the 2023 Community Survey was the preservation of open space. Lost Canyon Ranch was one of the last, large-acreage properties yet to be developed near Castle Rock. Its outstanding scenic resources, cultural resources and potential recreational opportunities are unparalleled. For this reason, the Town of Castle Rock, Castle Rock Water Enterprise, The Conservation Fund, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Douglas County and the Douglas Land Conservancy partnered to acquire this 681-acre property in spring 2024, representing the largest acquisition and protection of open space in Town history.
This summer, Parks and Recreation Department staff sought Request for Proposals from qualified consultants with expertise in open space master planning services. A master plan for Lost Canyon Ranch is crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability and functionality while balancing consideration of environmental conservation, recreational opportunities, potential development and the community's needs and vision.
The department invited three firms with experience to submit proposals after the RFP that was posted to the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing system went unanswered. Wenk Associates, Stream Design and Design Concepts all submitted proposals and were interviewed by a review team comprised of representatives from the Parks and Recreation Department and the Town Manager’s Office. Wenk Associates was selected based upon the overall strength of their proposal and interview, project understanding and project team.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, Wenk Associates will complete Site Assessment and Discovery, Concept Development and Final Plan Development and Approvals.
• Phase One - Site Assessment and Discovery will focus on gathering essential data through site tours, traffic studies and stakeholder workshops. This phase will produce a base map, site analysis and framework plan to guide future planning. It will also include a preliminary traffic study to assess the impact of access to the area.
Two public meetings will be held during this phase to provide outreach and education to adjacent neighbors. The first neighborhood meeting was held on Sept. 12, 2024 at Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space; approximately 10 adjacent neighbors attended and mostly expressed concern regarding increased traffic. An additional meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 22, also at Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space.
• Phase Two - Concept Development will feature a design charrette with the public and the development of two conceptual design alternatives based on community input. A public open house will be held to gather this input on Nov. 12, 2024 at Cantril School. Trails and connectivity analysis will also be conducted to ensure regional access.
• Phase Three - Final Plan Development and Approvals will integrate all feedback to finalize the master plan, a trail plan and a management plan with illustrative graphics, wayfinding signage and design guidelines for site amenities. This phase will conclude with an additional public open house to present the final plan and seek final approval from Town Council.
Following plan completion and approval, implementation will commence depending on budget availability. The master plan, trail plan and management plan must also be approved by the conservation easement holder, the Douglas Land Conservancy, prior to providing public access to the property.
Attachments
Attachment A - Site Map