Thanks to your feedback and a partnership between Douglas County and Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA), 202 acres of open space known as Wildcat Regional Park and an additional 150 acres known as the Highlands Ranch Open Space Conservation Area (OSCA) will soon be preserved as open space property with miles of trails for everyone to enjoy.
At their regularly scheduled Land Use Hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 14, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners agreed to a quitclaim deed on the 202 acres of Wildcat, transferring the land to HRCA. Commissioners additionally approved $3.5 million from the Parks, Trails, Historic Resources and Open Space sales tax for the construction of a walking and bike trail network with a trailhead on the Wildcat and adjoining OSCA property. HRCA accepted the agreement with the understanding that the trails will be developed within three years and will be open to use by all residents of Douglas County.
The property was originally dedicated to Douglas County in 2011 as part of the parks land dedication process within the Highlands Ranch Planned Development. Following community feedback, the County elected not to develop the property into an active park, with residents preferring more passive (less developed) use of the space.
Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle, a lifelong Highlands Ranch resident, says the agreement is a victory for Highlands Ranch and Douglas County as a whole.
“I’m thrilled to support the transfer of Wildcat to HRCA, ensuring this land is available for public use, as it was intended,” Van Winkle said. “This deal is a win-win for Highlands Ranch and Douglas County. Neighbors will see the preservation they wanted, and everyone gets to enjoy miles of trails through this amazing habitat.”
“One of the priorities of the County is to ensure Wildcat would be a passive recreational amenity,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “I offer high compliments to the leadership of HRCA for engaging with those you represent and identifying that this is not an active recreational site but certainly has valuable uses for our public.”
“We’ve had many meetings on how to develop areas into active parks and consider others for preservation. A lot of work goes into finding a way to do something for everyone,” said Commissioner George Teal. “This deal with HRCA allows us to transfer a government service and use of this land to a willing partner; I’m happy to vote in favor.”
“The Highlands Ranch Community Association is honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of the Wildcat Regional Park Project. With the land and generous $3.5 million funding from Douglas County, we’re committed to developing this 202-acre space responsibly — balancing recreation with preservation,” said CEO and General Manager of HRCA, Mike Bailey. “Our goal is to create a park that celebrates the natural beauty, wildlife, and community spirit that define Highlands Ranch.”
Learn more about plans for Wildcat Regional Park on HRCA’s webpage.
Visit our webpage to learn more about the Parks, Trails, Historic Resources and Open Space sales tax, overwhelmingly supported by Douglas County voters in 1994 and 2022, and how funds are being invested in our community.