Heading to Beaver Ranch Soon? Read This First
Matt Bachus
Midwestern roots planted firmly in Colorado soil—that's where my real estate approach begins...
Midwestern roots planted firmly in Colorado soil—that's where my real estate approach begins...
Beaver Ranch Park Improvements Project:
The scope of the current project was developed from the 2017 Master Plan, which evaluated the existing conditions of the park and prioritized park-wide improvements. The details of implementation may vary from the Master Plan, but underlying objectives remain.
-UPDATES -
(AS OF MAY 21, 2026)
- Construction is underway! Three-week park closure happening soon, see diagram of Phase 2 for details.
- Phase 2 of construction necessitates closing the park for earthwork. The park will be closed from May 26 to June 19. Everything will be done to complete this phase on time, but there are unknown variables in construction.
- During the park closure, public access will not be available. However, permitted concessionaires, including Disc Golf and Zipline will continue to operate via reservations.
- The Bark Park will be closed throughout Phase 2. It will reopen for a couple months before it is permanently closed. JCPOS will provide at least two weeks notice before it closes permanently. The new dog park is being constructed at the main trailhead. See the plan below.
-PROJECT INFORMATION -
BASICS
Current project phase: Pre-construction
Estimated construction start: Spring 2026
Estimated construction completion: Fall 2027
Beaver Ranch Park page: https://www.jeffco.us/3891/Beaver-Ranch-Park
PROJECT BENEFITS
- A new universal-access playground creating inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities.
- Improved visitor amenities, including two new vault restrooms located near key activity areas.
- Safer park access through a realigned main entrance connecting to Foxton Road and improvements to the park entrance road.
- Expanded parking capacity with more than 100 improved parking spaces across two upgraded lots.
- A new dog park experience featuring over an acre of space for dogs and their owners to enjoy.
- Safer and more resilient creek crossings with several new bridges and culverts over Casto Creek and Coyote Creek.
- Improved trail connectivity throughout the park, including a realignment of the Casto Creek Trail to improve safety.
- Healthier waterways through restoration and rehabilitation work along Coyote Creek.
- Improved stormwater management with upgraded drainage and water quality improvements.
- An overall park experience that supports recreation, stewardship, and community connection.
BACKGROUND
Beaver Ranch Park is a large park in Conifer that is unique in the JCPOS system for the types of amenities it has and recreational opportunities it offers. The park is comanaged by Jefferson County Parks & Open Space (JCPOS) and Beaver Ranch Community, Inc. (BRCI), a nonprofit organization that was formed in 2001. For more information about the history of the park, see the "History of Beaver Ranch Park" on page 1 of the linked 2017 Master Plan.
The scope of this current project developed from the 2017 Master Plan which evaluated the existing conditions of the park and prioritized park-wide improvements. The details of implementation may vary from the Master Plan but underlying objectives remain. You can find the Master Plan here.
JCPOS is working with a design-build team which is led by Concrete Express, Inc (CEI), and includes Muller Engineering and Stream Landscape Architecture.
SCHEDULE
As of 03/05/2026 this is the estimated schedule for design and construction of the project.
CONSTRUCTION PHASE DIAGRAM
CURRENT DESIGN
PLAYGROUND
DOG AREA
FAQ
When will the new playground be built?
The new playground will be built in conjunction with the rest of the park improvements and will open after all park construction is complete. See schedule for estimated completion date.
How is the playground being funded?
The playground is funded in part by a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) which is administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The grant has been awarded to JCPOS by CPW. The total playground budget is $1,505,000.00 for equipment, infrastructure, surfacing, and construction. This amount comprises 50% LCWF funds and 50% local match from BRCI and JCPOS. Approximately $580,000 of the local match will be funded with Jefferson County’s Colorado Lottery proceeds allocated to Beaver Ranch Park.
How is this plan going to affect management of the park?
The park will continue to be co-managed between JCPOS and BRCI. JCOS will manage the main trailhead (parking lot, restroom, and kiosk), trails, and all park property except the amenities managed by BRCI.
The amenities and programs that BRCI will manage include disc golf (via contract with BRDGC), zip lines (via contract with Denver Adventures), the Event Center and Tipi Lodge, the dog area, the playground, picnic shelters, celebration meadow and the park road above the second gate.
Why is the Bark Park being relocated?
As part of the 2017 Master Plan process, it was determined that the Bark Park should be relocated to the front of the park to reduce vehicular access into the center of the park. The roads leading to the existing Bark Park location are not designed for the traffic volumes they receive. There was a consideration of leaving the Bark Park in place and making access walk-in only, but additional data collection, as well as County requirements for dog park developments, have emphasized the importance of locating any off-leash dog facility close to parking. The Bark Park will be replaced by a new dog area adjacent to the main trailhead.
Is the Disc Golf Course changing?
Several baskets located in the Coyote Creek riparian area will be removed to support restoration of the stream and associated riparian habitat. These baskets are a part of the current “short course.” Beaver Ranch Disc Golf Course (BRDGC) plans to build a new short course around the area of the current Bark Park. This will be designed and built by BRDGC with approval by JCPOS and is not a part of this current project. The existing pro shop and canopy with tables will be removed from their current location. A new pro shop building, supplied by BRDGC, will be located adjacent to the improved event/disc golf parking lot.
Is there going to be an adaptive program for persons experiencing disabilities at Beaver Ranch?
A launch site for “Recreation Adventures for People Experiencing Disabilities” or RAD program, is no longer part of this design and construction project. BRCI and JCPOS still aim to provide a RAD program at Beaver Ranch Park in the future; the location and specifics are to be determined.
Will the park be open during construction?
The park will remain open as much as possible during construction, but there will be some necessary periods of full or partial closure. After the 60% milestone of design (Nov 2024), JCPOS will work with our contractor, CEI to develop a construction plan that balances work efficiency and minimizes park closures. JCPOS will communicate the schedule before and during construction.
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BEAVER RANCH PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Beaver Ranch Park is a large park in Conifer that is unique in the JCPOS system for the types of amenities it has and recreational opportunities it offers. The park is comanaged by Jefferson County Parks & Open Space (JCPOS) and Beaver Ranch Community, Inc.
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