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Ulysses Park Redevelopment Project

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Project Overview

Ulysses Park Regional Complex has long been a favorite area destination for its baseball fields, dog park and skate park. This facility is getting a huge upgrade by adding multi-use fields, relocating and expanding the dog park, improving drainage and parking on the north side of the complex, and adding new restroom, building, and playground amenities!


Skate Park Now Open (3/31/25)

The skate park is now open during daylight hours.

We are thankful for your patience and are excited to announce our ability to re-open the skate park for our community.

Only the skate park and a section of the north parking have re-opened - the remainder of the complex is still closed and under active construction.

The skate park will remain open so long as the security of the construction area is respected and we can ensure everyone's safety.

There is no power on-site during the construction, so the lights at the skate park are non-functioning through the duration of the project, limiting the usage of the skate park to daylight hours.

We are working to continue the planned phased re-opening of other areas as work progresses.


Skate Park Re-Opening Update (3/5/25)

We appreciate the community’s patience as we continue improvements at Ulysses Park Regional Complex.

The skate park is now expected to re-open at the end of March.

Recent weather and schedule delays have impacted the construction schedule, and there are still large areas of active work next to the park. Keeping the site closed will help protect both the public and our workers.

We know this is disappointing for those eager to return, and we truly appreciate your understanding. Our team is working hard to finish this phase safely and efficiently, and we will share updates as we get closer to re-opening. Thank you for your patience and support!


Current Project Timelines

These are the current estimated timelines for the project as of January 2025. These dates are subject to adjustment based on weather impacts and construction completion milestones. Portions of the park will open/re-open to the public as construction is completed.

  • South parking lot: Closed through December 2025
  • Skate Park: Closed through mid-February 2025
  • North parking lot access and dog park: Closed through Spring 2025
  • Athletic fields 4 & 5 (ball diamonds): Closed through Spring 2025
  • Buildings and playground: Closed through December 2025
  • New athletic fields: Playable Spring 2026


Skate Park Closure

Effective December 9, 2024 – February 2025

The skate park and north parking lot will be closed beginning December 9. While the skate park itself is not part of the redevelopment project, the work taking place in the north parking lot and adjacent areas of the park require this closure to ensure safety of the public and our contractors, and to allow for the most efficient work to take place so we can re-open park areas as quickly as possible. We appreciate patience and understanding as we complete this important work.


Project Start and Park Closure

Effective Nov. 25, 2024 – Fall 2025

The City is very excited to bring the much-anticipated park improvement project to Ulysses Park! We appreciate in advance understanding and patience during construction. Community safety and delivering a top-tier facility and amenities are our highest priorities.

Throughout the duration of the project, regular schedule and closure updates will be posted here on Guiding Golden.

Closure Details

  • Full closures: South parking lot, dog park, playground, paths/sidewalks, and athletic fields.
  • Limited access: North parking lot to the skate park.

A full closure of both the north lot and the skate park will begin Dec. 2024 and continue through Feb. 2025 (weather- and schedule-dependent).

Phased Approach

Portions of the park will open/re-open to the public as construction is completed, with priority given to re-opening the new dog park and north parking lot access for Spring 2025. The south parking lot will be closed for the project duration.

To provide public comment on this project, please plan to attend or write in to a Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting.

Dog Park Location Update - Spring 2023

Upon additional review, the Parks, Recreation and Museum Advisory Board (PRAM), design team, and city staff reconsidered the proposed location for the dog park in the initial design concept, and offered a second option for the public to consider. The final location for the dog park was chosen in the north portion of the complex.

Project Background & Public Engagement

Multi-use fields have been a challenge for the City of Golden and local youth sports organizations due to a lack of available open land in Golden. The fields at Rooney Road Sports Complex opened in September of 2007 and provide five multi-use synthetic fields of various sizes. The fields were constructed on top of a landfill owned by Jefferson County and after 15 years of high use, the location has developed areas that present safety concerns. Alternative locations were considered by City Council in August of 2022 and staff was directed to research investment opportunities in existing city property at Ulysses Park Sports Complex.

Staff’s research of potential improvements for Ulysses Park includes field reconfiguration, use/impact analysis, turf, lighting, parking, financial resources, and other amenities, such as dog park, restrooms, shelter, and a playground replacement.

Public Engagement

Two public meetings were conducted in the fall of 2022.

  • Sept. 7, 2022: Eight athletic groups attended a meeting to discuss field usage as well as future needs. These organizations represent current users at Ulysses Park.
  • Oct. 13, 2022: 16 community members attended a public meeting to provide input and discuss the significance of park amenities, specifically the importance of a dog park, which rose to the top. Staff received an additional eight emails with similar comments.

Since then, architects presented two 30% renderings, which included all existing amenities reconfigured to make best use of the land. In May, renderings were presented during the Park, Recreation and Museum Advisory Board Meeting (PRAM) for public comment and for the board to provide input.

The preferred design plan was based on public input. Stay tuned and follow this page for project updates!

Project Overview

Ulysses Park Regional Complex has long been a favorite area destination for its baseball fields, dog park and skate park. This facility is getting a huge upgrade by adding multi-use fields, relocating and expanding the dog park, improving drainage and parking on the north side of the complex, and adding new restroom, building, and playground amenities!


Skate Park Now Open (3/31/25)

The skate park is now open during daylight hours.

We are thankful for your patience and are excited to announce our ability to re-open the skate park for our community.

Only the skate park and a section of the north parking have re-opened - the remainder of the complex is still closed and under active construction.

The skate park will remain open so long as the security of the construction area is respected and we can ensure everyone's safety.

There is no power on-site during the construction, so the lights at the skate park are non-functioning through the duration of the project, limiting the usage of the skate park to daylight hours.

We are working to continue the planned phased re-opening of other areas as work progresses.


Skate Park Re-Opening Update (3/5/25)

We appreciate the community’s patience as we continue improvements at Ulysses Park Regional Complex.

The skate park is now expected to re-open at the end of March.

Recent weather and schedule delays have impacted the construction schedule, and there are still large areas of active work next to the park. Keeping the site closed will help protect both the public and our workers.

We know this is disappointing for those eager to return, and we truly appreciate your understanding. Our team is working hard to finish this phase safely and efficiently, and we will share updates as we get closer to re-opening. Thank you for your patience and support!


Current Project Timelines

These are the current estimated timelines for the project as of January 2025. These dates are subject to adjustment based on weather impacts and construction completion milestones. Portions of the park will open/re-open to the public as construction is completed.

  • South parking lot: Closed through December 2025
  • Skate Park: Closed through mid-February 2025
  • North parking lot access and dog park: Closed through Spring 2025
  • Athletic fields 4 & 5 (ball diamonds): Closed through Spring 2025
  • Buildings and playground: Closed through December 2025
  • New athletic fields: Playable Spring 2026


Skate Park Closure

Effective December 9, 2024 – February 2025

The skate park and north parking lot will be closed beginning December 9. While the skate park itself is not part of the redevelopment project, the work taking place in the north parking lot and adjacent areas of the park require this closure to ensure safety of the public and our contractors, and to allow for the most efficient work to take place so we can re-open park areas as quickly as possible. We appreciate patience and understanding as we complete this important work.


Project Start and Park Closure

Effective Nov. 25, 2024 – Fall 2025

The City is very excited to bring the much-anticipated park improvement project to Ulysses Park! We appreciate in advance understanding and patience during construction. Community safety and delivering a top-tier facility and amenities are our highest priorities.

Throughout the duration of the project, regular schedule and closure updates will be posted here on Guiding Golden.

Closure Details

  • Full closures: South parking lot, dog park, playground, paths/sidewalks, and athletic fields.
  • Limited access: North parking lot to the skate park.

A full closure of both the north lot and the skate park will begin Dec. 2024 and continue through Feb. 2025 (weather- and schedule-dependent).

Phased Approach

Portions of the park will open/re-open to the public as construction is completed, with priority given to re-opening the new dog park and north parking lot access for Spring 2025. The south parking lot will be closed for the project duration.

To provide public comment on this project, please plan to attend or write in to a Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting.

Dog Park Location Update - Spring 2023

Upon additional review, the Parks, Recreation and Museum Advisory Board (PRAM), design team, and city staff reconsidered the proposed location for the dog park in the initial design concept, and offered a second option for the public to consider. The final location for the dog park was chosen in the north portion of the complex.

Project Background & Public Engagement

Multi-use fields have been a challenge for the City of Golden and local youth sports organizations due to a lack of available open land in Golden. The fields at Rooney Road Sports Complex opened in September of 2007 and provide five multi-use synthetic fields of various sizes. The fields were constructed on top of a landfill owned by Jefferson County and after 15 years of high use, the location has developed areas that present safety concerns. Alternative locations were considered by City Council in August of 2022 and staff was directed to research investment opportunities in existing city property at Ulysses Park Sports Complex.

Staff’s research of potential improvements for Ulysses Park includes field reconfiguration, use/impact analysis, turf, lighting, parking, financial resources, and other amenities, such as dog park, restrooms, shelter, and a playground replacement.

Public Engagement

Two public meetings were conducted in the fall of 2022.

  • Sept. 7, 2022: Eight athletic groups attended a meeting to discuss field usage as well as future needs. These organizations represent current users at Ulysses Park.
  • Oct. 13, 2022: 16 community members attended a public meeting to provide input and discuss the significance of park amenities, specifically the importance of a dog park, which rose to the top. Staff received an additional eight emails with similar comments.

Since then, architects presented two 30% renderings, which included all existing amenities reconfigured to make best use of the land. In May, renderings were presented during the Park, Recreation and Museum Advisory Board Meeting (PRAM) for public comment and for the board to provide input.

The preferred design plan was based on public input. Stay tuned and follow this page for project updates!

  • Dog Park Location Pros & Cons

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Field 5 Dog Park Option

    Pro:

    • Should be able to provide a +/- 25,000 SF dog park. This would be approximately 6,500 SF larger than the existing Ulysses Park dog park.
    • Most of the area is around 2.5% slope (2.5 feet of fall over 100 feet) with the west edge at 10% slope (10:1).
      1. This dog park area and amenities will be accessible and provides a much larger use area for those with health conditions or impairments.
    • Should be less maintenance for Parks staff.
    • Engineering to address drainage, water quality, and erosion will not be as complex as the North Central option.
    • Large existing trees along the south edge provide shade.
      1. Can add benches in shade.
      2. Consider adding one small picnic shelter (+/- 16’ x 16’).
    • In the future, it may be possible to expand the Field 5 dog park to the 5:1 - hillside to the west of the area shown on the illustrative plans.
    • Flatter slopes will make it easier to construct fencing.
    • Good winter sun orientation.

    Con:

    • Will need to re-post a new illustrative plan on Guiding Golden for public comment.
      1. Need to schedule a new public forum with the apartment complex to the west to provide an opportunity for comment.
    • Users would need to walk an extra 525 feet to reach the Field 5 dog park entry (approximately 1.5 city blocks) as compared to the entry for the North Central Option.
    • Will need to pave the segment of walk from the existing asphalt path to the dog park entry (300').
      1. May want to consider converting the existing 150-foot asphalt path to concrete to improve accessibility and durability.
    • May need to protect the root zones of existing trees with fencing.

    • Cannot provide a bottle filler / dog bowl at the Field 5 dog park entry.
      1. Will need to be +/- 475 feet to the south due construction cost and to avoid drinking water going stagnant in 900-foot service line.
    • Will be more difficult for Golden Police to monitor the Field 5 Option.
    • Longer travel distance within the park for Parks Maintenance.
    • Trail lighting only.

    North / Central Dog Park Option

    Pro:

    • Can provide a larger dog park area (approximately 37,000 SF). This would be 18,500 SF larger than the existing Ulysses Park dog park.
    • Entry a very short walk from the new North Parking Lot (50’ to 75’ to most parking spaces).
    • The dog park entry can easily be reached by those with health conditions or impairments.
    • Cost effective to provide a bottle filler / dog bowl at the entry.
    • Parks Maintenance Staff can easily reach the entry from the North Parking lot for maintenance.
    • Easy for Golden Police to monitor from the North Parking Lot.
    • Will be able to provide a soft surface loop path for non-disabled users.
    • Direct lighting from adjacent parking lot.

    Con:

    • Not user friendly for those with health conditions or impairments. Will only be able to provide a small (+/- 4,500 SF) level area adjacent to the entry. Creating a larger accessible area will require significant regrading and retaining walls.
    • The existing slope is 4:1 (or steeper), which will be difficult for Parks Staff to maintain.
    • More costly to build on due to the slope. Retaining walls will be needed as will grading to create a bench for the loop path.
    • Not as sustainable as the Field 5 Option. Addressing drainage, water quality, and the potential for erosion will be an engineering challenge.
    • The loop path will not be accessible to those with health conditions or impairments.
    • North facing slope will be shaded / colder in the winter and will hold snow and ice longer.
    • An adjacent property owner objected to this location (dust, noise, after hours use, etc.)
    • Will need at least two small picnic shelters and new trees to provide shade.
Page last updated: 01 Apr 2025, 05:00 PM