Harvie Open Space

Background

Located just north of the intersection of Mainstreet and Canterberry Parkway, this 72-acre site was conveyed to the Town by Douglas County in 2016. The property includes a conservation easement, held by Douglas Land Conservancy, allowing for minimal improvements that is designed to protect the long-term open space values of the site. Uses allowed per the existing conservation easement include soft-surface trails, interpretive signage, gravel parking lot with up to 20 spaces, picnic shelters, tables, benches, one restroom facility, wood fencing, plus a maximum of two historic structures.

Master Plan Details

• 72 acres (does not include Pope Rd. on the east border; that’s still County-owned/maintained).
• Conceptual Plan includes series of soft-surface trails with several trailside seating areas with various interpretive displays.
• Soft-surface parking lot (max. 20 parking spaces) with access off of Mainstreet.
• Several low-impact pedestrian drainage crossings.
• One ADA accessible restroom (vault type) located at parking lot area.
• Dawn to dusk use of the site with minimal lighting located near Mainstreet/Canterberry Parkway intersection for safety/security purposes.
• Potential pedestrian only access points located along Mainstreet.
• Intersection enhancements to facilitate safe access to the site.
• Future Ray J. Harvie Park identification sign located near parking lot area.

Site History

• February, 1996 – Ray J. Harvie granted to the Douglas County Land Conservancy a Conservation Easement covering the 72 acre property.
• February, 1996 – Ray J. Harvie conveyed the 72 acre property to Douglas County subject to a “Life Estate”.  Upon Mr. Harvie’s death in 2008 the Life Estate was terminated and the property was to be named and known as, Ray J. Harvie Park.
• December, 2016 – Property conveyed from Douglas County to the Town of Parker.  Town is now subject to the provisions in the Conservation Easement.
• June/July, 2017 – Town of Parker initiates and completes clean-up of the property.
• December, 2017 – Town completes the Master Plan*

Uses Allowed by Conservation Easement

• Soft-surface trails
• Interpretive signage, including signs identifying the property 
• Soft-surface (i.e. road base) parking lot with maximum parking for 20 cars 
• One restroom facility
• Weed management, erosion control & vegetation enhancement 
• Smooth wire fencing & wood fencing acceptable to Colorado Division of Wildlife 
• Picnic shelter, picnic tables & benches.  These structures shall be of an earth tone color.  Picnic shelters may have a concrete base and accommodate up to 25 people in total 
• Placement of no more than two historic structures on the property

*Due to the Town’s decline in sales tax revenue growth, the timeline for implementation of the Master Plan is uncertain at this time. Town Council will annually evaluate the status of property improvements as part of future budgetary discussions.