Dog Park Closure Update

Update February 24, 2023: We have heard from many residents about the concern of closing the current dog parks, with no solidified plans to relocate them. The Town is obligated to close both of the dog parks to be in compliance with our State of Colorado stormwater permit. While we never want to remove an amenity from a park, compliance with the State is of the utmost importance. 

Earlier this year, the Town held a Neighborhood Meeting with residents who live near one of the proposed new locations.  Neighbors overwhelmingly expressed their preference that a dog park not be built at their neighborhood park.  Because of this, the Town felt it was necessary to pause the plans for all of the new dog parks until additional Neighborhood Meetings could be held prior to proceeding with any relocations.  We hope to have those meetings scheduled soon.

February 22, 2023:

The Firestone Parks Division will begin closing the Aisiks Dog Park and the dog park in Settlers Park beginning on March 1st.   During the week of March 13th staff will start to remove the fencing, shelters, trashcans, benches, dog bag stations, etc.  Weather permitting, this process should be completed by April 15th.  Once soil temperatures are optimal for revegetation, the Parks Division will begin the removal of the irrigated turf and reseed it with an appropriate seed mix for detention ponds and wet conditions.  

MORE INFORMATION

The Town of Firestone’s stormwater permit issued by the State of Colorado requires the Town to identify sources of stormwater pollution that may discharge from our storm sewer system into local rivers and streams. Pet waste is one pollutant source containing high levels of bacteria that can impair our local waterways, making them unsafe for fishing and recreation. When it rains, pet waste and the harmful pathogens it contains runoff from the dog parks in Settlers Park and at Aisiks Dog Park and enter into our storm sewer system before ultimately being discharged to our waterbodies untreated. To address these major sources of stormwater pollution and ensure the Town maintains compliance with our stormwater permit, the dog parks located near our stormwater infrastructure and within detention ponds must be closed.

RELOCATION PROJECT UPDATE

In 2022, the Town of Firestone asked the public for feedback on relocation options for both parks that must be closed. A plan for the relocation of both parks has not been finalized. The Town will share more information about this project when it is available.

In the Dog Park Relocation Project, the Town of Firestone identified a new dog park to be built at Hart Park. In January, the Town of Firestone hosted a Community Meeting to hear from residents near the proposed new dog park location. The neighbors in attendance shared concerns about this location and their preference not to have the park built. Based on this feedback, a new dog park will not be built in Hart Park. As part of the Town’s ongoing water conservation efforts, the grass area identified for the dog park, will be converted to a more native area that requires less irrigation. 

https://www.firestoneco.gov/713/Dog-Park-Relocation-Project