Evergreen’s famous dog park is going through some rough times.
yielded more than 500 pounds of dog waste collected by volunteers during three cleanup days this fall, and a stream on site has had bacteria levels at 20 times the state limit, according to a release from Jefferson County Open Space, which owns and manages the park.
There are also parking issues: The park has a lot that holds about a dozen cars and one across the street — meant to serve — has about twice as many parking spaces, but with an estimated 4,000 weekly visitors, it’s hardly enough.
“In spite of numerous management actions taken, illegal parking and dogs and pedestrians in the roadway create unsafe conditions for motorists, visitors and pets,” the agency says.
There will be inviting community members to bring their suggestions and ideas for making the park safer and cleaner, as well as address the significant vegetation loss and erosion that are a result of the park’s popularity.
Jeffco Open Space community connections manager Matt Robbins said his agency is well aware of the park’s popularity, and is not considering closing it, but “anything is on the table at this point.”
“We understand how popular this is so we’re not going to make this decision in a vacuum,” he said.
Jeffco Open Space encourages interested community members to attend all three meetings, which are from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 19, Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 at Buchanan Recreation Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen.