Below are timelines for Columbine Knolls Pool and Marker Park, followed by an explanation of the district’s current funding reality and why future voter-approved financing must be considered.

 

All facts are drawn from the district’s historical records and grant history.

Columbine Knolls Pool and Park– Facility  Timeline

 

1960s–1970s: Original Construction

• Columbine Knolls Pool and pool house constructed as part of the district’s original facilities, along with green space and one tennis court.  The pool house was the original sales office for the homebuilder and was converted to a small poolhouse with restrooms and front desk.
• Designed for a smaller population and far lower regulatory and accessibility standards than today.

 

1972: First Expansion

• Pool enlarged to a T shape to accommodate growing use and competitive swimming.
• Additional tennis court and playground added nearby.

 

1983–1989: Open Space–Funded Renovations

• Pool resurfacing completed.
• Pool deck and sprinkler system improvements made.
• Safety fencing and structural safety improvements added.
• Toddler pool, decking, and site planning improvements completed.

During this period, most costs were paid by Jefferson County Open Space and the Colorado Lottery, with minimal district contribution.

 

1993: Major Structural Change

• Pool depth increased by adding 6 inches of concrete to the deck to meet safety standards
• Project fully funded by Jefferson County Open Space and Colorado Lottery

 

1998: Operational Protection

• Solar pool cover, winter safety cover, and lane reel purchased to protect aging infrastructure.

 

2008–2013: Aging Infrastructure Maintenance

• Pool resurfacing completed.
• New water slide installed as a major attraction upgrade.
• Pool shelter constructed, with  66% of funding provided by the district.
• Columbine Knolls Park Playground installed

 

2017: Pool Building Replacement

• Swimming pool building replacement completed at a total project cost of $1.25 million.
• District share approximately $948,000
• Jefferson County contribution: $300,000.
• This was the largest capital project in district history at the time
• Through nearly two decades of disciplined financial planning and the successful procurement of numerous Jefferson County Open Space grants, the district funded this landmark pool building renovation entirely through reserves-completing a once in a generation project without requesting a tax increase from residents.

Marker Park – Facility Timeline

1975–1980: Park Creation and Land Acquisition

• Voters approved a bond to build Ken Caryl Park, later renamed Columbine Knolls Marker Park in honor of the Marker family.
• Approximately 10 acres acquired using Jefferson County Open Space and federal grants, with no district land acquisition cost.

 

1980s: Early Park Development

• Tennis courts, parking areas, irrigation systems, trees, shelters, and lighting installed.
• Park ownership divided among the recreation district, Jefferson County Open Space, and the local school district.

 

1990–1996: Infrastructure and Accessibility Improvements

• Restroom and storage building constructed.
• ADA access improvements completed.
• Major irrigation and general park renovations performed.
• Wooden playground equipment replaced

 

1998: Athletic Field Upgrades

• Youth baseball fields renovated using an Open Space grant with a partnering organization providing matching funds.

 

2000–2012: Modernization

• Walking trail upgraded from asphalt to concrete 
• Multi-phase tennis court renovations performed.
• Parking lot expanded.

 

2014–2016, 2018-2026: Grant Gap

No grant applications were submitted for several years. The most recent grant was awarded to the district in 2017 for $300,000 to assist in the building of the new poolhouse. Due to changes in Jefferson County Open Space priorities, grant funding is very limited and only available for capital projects. 

The Colorado Lottery  provides addional funding  that must be used for capital projects and was previously used as matching funds for Jeffco projects.

 

Why This Matters Now: Funding Reality and Future Decisions

For more than four decades, the district relied heavily on Jefferson County Open Space grants to:

• Acquire land
• Build major facilities,
• Rehabilitate aging infrastructure.

This funding model is no longer available at scale.

 

Key Facts

• Jefferson County Open Space no longer has large grant funds available for major facility replacement or reconstruction.
• Most district facilities were built between the 1960s and 1980s and are beyond their original design life.
• The district has not asked voters to approve a bond since 1978.
• The last significant mill levy increase occurred in the late 1990s.

 

What This Means Going Forward

 

To address necessary updates and repairs to old, outdated facilities, the district must realistically evaluate:

• A voter-approved mill levy increase and/or
• A voter-approved bond for major capital reinvestment.

Without access to large external grants, local voter approval is the primary remaining tool to ensure:

• Safe and compliant facilities
• Continued operation of the pool and parks
• Protection of decades of community investment.