Complete Closure of Clear Creek Access in Golden

• Creek Access Administrative Order
• Temporary Waterway Restrictions in the City of Golden

Golden, Colo. ­— Aug. 21, 2020 — Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, the City of Golden will expand and harden its closure of Clear Creek access within City limits. Golden Police Chief Bill Kilpatrick is also enacting temporary waterway restrictions, which prohibits the operation of vessels in Clear Creek including all single-chambered air inflated devices such as belly boats, inner tubes, single chambered rafts, body surfing, swimming, as well as all kayaks, whitewater canoes, multi-chambered river boards, and similar watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

City Manager Jason Slowinski first put in place an administrative order to close off access to the creek on July 1, 2020. However, the creek itself was still open and recreators could still enter the water west of City limits. The only safe place to exit the water was still in Golden proper, so we allowed for creek egress at Vanover Park (just before the Coors property). Unfortunately, recreators have increasingly ignored social distancing regulations.

Golden Police and Park Rangers made over 900 contacts with individuals who were not following COVID-related City mandates last weekend. “We are seeing an increase in individuals trying to access the creek within the City limits, a decrease in those wearing masks, and a lot of gatherings that we presume would be in violation of public health orders,” said Slowinski. “This past weekend was far worse than each of the previous weekends and I believe that the status quo is not acceptable and more aggressive action is necessary.”

Beginning on Monday, barriers will be put into place, along with signage, to ensure tubers and other waterway recreators must exit the creek before they reach the City limits of Golden. Additionally, Vanover Park will no longer be a point of egress. Anyone who trespasses into the creek or on the banks will face a possible citation.

The City of Golden has spoken with local businesses who rent out water equipment, allowing them to operate through this weekend before the full closure goes into effect on Monday. The restrictions will remain in effect indefinitely.