STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-September 15, 2023-The city is negotiating to acquire a 187-acre parcel that would allow for the future construction of a 46-acre regional park near the Yampa Valley Housing Authority’s (YVHA) Brown Ranch development and will preserve approximately 90 acres of the Slate Creek riparian corridor as open space and permit the remaining acreage to be set aside for future initiatives.
“Recreation has always been a top priority for the community as evident through high rankings in numerous community surveys over the past decade,” said City Councilor Joella West, who worked on the deal. “We know the value of land conservation goes well beyond mere dollars and cents. Smart, strategic land conservation strengthens communities, provides recreational resources, protects habitats, and ensures access to water resources.”
“We are strongly committed to ensuring all residents have the same access and enjoyment of parks, open space, and recreational facilities regardless of where they reside,” said Parks and Recreation Director, Angela Cosby. “If not purchased and protected from development, this unique opportunity to preserve Slate Creek’s conservation values maybe lost forever.”
The 187-acre parcel, which the city will purchase for $5.25M, lies to the northeast and adjacent to the proposed Brown Ranch development. Property owners Dan Foley and Eric Conner are selling the land at a significantly reduced price to ensure this important amenity is secured permanently for the community.
“Access to the outdoors and a high quality of life are big parts of what make Steamboat special, and I am thrilled that this piece of land will be preserved as open space for generations to come,” Foley said. “This will be an invaluable asset to the future residents of Brown Ranch and the entire community.”
Well-managed open space programs protect community’s natural green infrastructure, providing spaces for recreation, preserving important environmental and ecological functions, and enhancing quality of life. This acquisition agreement ensures future park space is set aside as intended in community plans as well as required by the community development code.
“The ability for all families to recreate close to home and to create healthy opportunities for kids and adults to access parks without costs is something important to families,” said Eric Conner. “We hope this innovative solution inspires other partners to come to the table for the benefit of maintaining high quality of life while providing affordable housing.”
The purchase of this property requires approval of an ordinance by City Council at two public hearings, tentatively scheduled for review on September 19 and October 10.
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Contact
Angela Cosby, Parks & Recreation Director, 970.871.7017 or email
Dan Foote, City Attorney, 970.879.2060 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email