Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting - July 16, 2026

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 6:02 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered public comments on roundabout landscaping maintenance, a detailed capital projects matrix review, an equity and access program update, and various operational updates from staff. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda unanimously.
• Approved the June 18, 2026 regular meeting minutes with a typo correction, unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tracy Evanko and Matthew Myers (Heritage Dells residents) requested the City assume maintenance of landscaping at the roundabout at 4th and Campbell (elk statue). They explained that a neighbor who had voluntarily watered and maintained the plants for seven years recently passed away. They estimated weekly watering needs of 36–60 gallons and asked if the Parks & Recreation Department could add the roundabout to its summer watering rotation or extend underground sprinklers. Staff acknowledged receipt of their letter and stated they would review the history and any existing agreement before providing a formal answer. Board members expressed appreciation for their stewardship and noted they would look into temporary solutions.
• Frank Biasi (founder of GoGood Travel) introduced his sustainable travel app/guide platform, currently piloted in Golden with a kiosk at the Golden Visitor Center. He expressed interest in partnering with the Parks & Recreation Department to feature parks, trails, and open spaces with stewardship guidelines. Board member Laurel Starr expressed concern that promoting neighborhood open spaces could increase tourism pressure on local quiet areas.

Discussion Items

• Capital Projects Matrix Review (Staff-led): Deputy Director Kelsey Stansfield presented staff’s evaluation of over 100 capital projects using a matrix the board had previously reviewed. Staff held a four-hour scoring session. Projects scoring above 100 (out of 180) are recommended for the next 12 months; scores 70-100 for 1-3 years; 50-70 for 3-5 years; below 50 for 6+ years. Staff highlighted that cost was not a factor in scoring but will be considered by leadership. Key 2027-2028 capital project requests discussed included: Heritage Dells irrigation replacement (oldest system, numerous leaks), Golden Heights Park site plan (opportunity to partner with Public Works on sound mitigation), athletic lighting conversions (LED transition prioritized for Grampsys Westfield lights—highest scoring lighting item), East Zone construction Phase 1, Ulysses Field 5 conversion to multi-purpose, Ulysses dog park water and shade, and Ulysses South parking lot lighting. Board members asked for clarification on specific projects (e.g., why Golden Heights scored high, inclusion of Grampsys Westfield lights, and the status of Open Space Master Plan Phase 3). Staff confirmed the Grampsys Westfield lights are included in the athletic lighting conversions for 2027. The Open Space Master Plan Phase 3 scored 51 points and is not a near-term priority; board members requested more regular updates on Phase 2 implementation rather than waiting for capital planning. Staff acknowledged the need for earlier board input in future cycles.
• Equity & Access Program Update: Recreation Supervisor Rheana Rogers reported that the program is ongoing, with new applications received after the memo was issued. Eligibility is limited to Golden city residents (incorporated Golden, not just zip codes). No program changes are planned now; a year-end review will determine any adjustments.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken on capital projects – the discussion served as board feedback to staff. Staff will incorporate input into final 2027-2028 budget recommendations to City Council.
• Staff committed to providing more consistent updates on Open Space Master Plan Phase 2 strategic action items, including ecological inventories, at future meetings.
• The Local Advisory Board for Noxious Weeds (City Council) recommended adoption of the Noxious Weed Management Plan on July 14, 2026, with an amendment adding three species requested by public comment. Final City Council vote is scheduled for July 24, 2026.
• The city contracted with the Ember Alliance to develop an updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan (required every five years).
• Staff continue to address increased litter in Clear Creek through public education and creek ambassador engagement; after-season analysis is planned.
• Board members made several requests: tracking and communicating creek citation data (Michele), encouraging tubing outfitters to share stewardship messages (Forbes), and protecting neighborhood open spaces from over-promotion (Laurel).
• The Art and Culture Commission liaison (Laurel) reported that leftover funds from the Ulysses 1% for art will be combined with other small pots to fund public art at Lions Park playground, and that a call for art at Ulysses Park is underway.