LAKEWOOD — A neighborhood group contends the city hasn’t been playing fair as plans move forward to build a baseball field south of Green Mountain.
“We never have had the opportunity to talk with the city about what this land should be used for,” said Debra Hansen, president of the Coyote Gulch Homeowners Association.
Hansen said the ballfield will limit broader uses and impact wildlife and property values. Citizens for Coyote Gulch Park formed to advance their concerns, including possible legal action or an initiative.
City officials say a baseball field and schools have been part of plans since 1973 for Coyote Gulch Park northwest of the intersection of South Gladiola Way and West Yale Avenue.
The ballfield will cover about 3 1/2 acres of the 42-acre parcel and will be next to a 5-acre park with a playground.
“We’re simply trying to build a ballfield for our kids,” said Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy, noting that the particular council ward has two ballfields while other council wards each have six or seven.
Hansen and the homeowner group took their concerns to the Great Outdoors Colorado board Tuesday.
But board members said the dispute is between the city and neighbors and approved the city’s request for a $200,000 grant for the $903,000 project.
“GOCO is only $200,000. There is $450,000 up for grabs at the Jefferson County level, and we’ll be clearly working in that direction,” Hansen said.
The city has asked Jefferson County Open Space for a $450,000 grant that will be decided in January.
City Manager Mike Rock said the final cost may be closer to $750,000 — with the city kicking in $170,000. Extensive grading will be needed to move the ballfield away from the street and down a hill to address residents’ parking, noise and safety concerns.
“Without accommodating the neighborhood by moving it, it would have cost one-third to a half less,” Rock said.
Work will begin early next year. The field will not be lighted, and play will be limited to three games per week.
Councilman Doug Anderson, who represents the area, agreed the city has not done a good job of communicating,
“Their arguments are fair that when a park plan gets that old it needs to be re-discussed with people,” Anderson said. “But there is a need for ballfields.”
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com
