Pictured: Representatives from Lone Tree and Parker alongside Douglas County Commissioners
Douglas County residents have made it clear that they want more parks and recreation opportunities in their communities.
That’s why, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners announced historic investments in parks and recreation in Parker, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock. Parks, Trails, Historic Resources and Open Space Funds will be used for the construction of new sports fields and facilities in Lone Tree, Parker, and Castle Rock, as well as for Zebulon, a regional sports complex in northwestern Douglas County.
“Thanks to voter support for the Parks, Trails, Historic Resources and Open Space Fund, we can make these once-in-a-generation investments,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “This is a great example of community voices shaping the future of Douglas County.”
Investments Include:
- $7.5 million for High Note Regional Park in Lone Tree, which will include two new multipurpose fields.
- $7.5 million for Salisbury Park, in Parker, funding new softball and baseball fields, soccer fields, and other facilities. (Parker also received $10.2 million in share-back funds from the sales tax fund, which is being used for the expansion).
- $7.5 million for a Gold Crown fieldhouse in Castle Rock
Plan to Celebrate!
A community celebration of these historic investments will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2. The location will be determined soon. Watch for details.
“The approval of $7.5 million each for parks in Lone Tree and Parker, in addition to the investment in the state-of-the-art Zebulon Regional Sports Complex, marks a once-in-a-lifetime moment — the most significant investment in parks and open space in the history of Douglas County,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “This is not just funding; it is a generational commitment to our people and our land. From neighborhood playgrounds to the transformational Zebulon complex, these investments will shape the daily lives of families, athletes, and adventurers for decades to come. We are building not just parks, but monuments to quality of life, health, and community. The choices we make today will echo for generations — and Douglas County is choosing to lead, boldly, into a future where our parks and open spaces stand as a living legacy of who we are and what we believe.”
“With projects in Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Rock, and Zebulon, we’re building for the future,” said Commissioner George Teal. “These new facilities strengthen our communities and ensure every resident has access to quality recreation.”
“On behalf of the City of Lone Tree, we are grateful to Douglas County for their incredible $7.5 million investment to High Note Regional Park – Colorado’s next signature public space in Lone Tree and north-central Douglas County,” said Mayor Marissa Harmon. “We’re fortunate to have Douglas County and South Suburban Parks and Recreation as our partners to bring the exciting vision of High Note Regional Park to life.”
“On behalf of the Parker Town Council and residents of Parker, I would like to thank Douglas County for its support in helping to make the Salisbury Regional Park expansion project a reality,” said Town of Parker Mayor Joshua Rivero. “The demand for parks and recreation amenities in our community, especially youth sports, is higher than ever. Investments like this ensure that Parker families have access to the activities that make our community such a vibrant and desirable place to live.”
The addition of Zebulon to Douglas County’s recreation ecosystem will prove additional sports and recreation space on the northwest side of Douglas County.
About the Parks, Trails, Historic Resources and Open Space Fund
Since 1994, a voter-approved 0.17% sales and use tax has helped preserve parks, trails, historic resources and open spaces throughout Douglas County – including funds set aside for cities and towns within Douglas County. In 2022, more than 87% of Douglas County voters approved to extend that sales tax.
To understand the community’s priorities for this fund, the County engaged citizens with a survey in 2024, which revealed that a majority of residents wanted to see additional parks and recreational opportunities in their communities.