Castle Rock town staff and council members took time to celebrate open space and community last week, participating in the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the first phase of construction of Cobblestone Ranch Park.
Jeff Smullen, assistant director for the parks and recreation department, said planning for the park dates back to 2019, noting there were some planning obstacles due to the pandemic in 2020.
Now, Smullen said the real work begins as construction will continue over the next year to build the $5.6 million first phase of the massive project. In March, the council approved a contract with White Construction Group to start the 12-acre first phase. Completion of the first phase is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2022.
While the first phase consists of 12 acres, the entire Cobblestone Ranch Park is a 168-acre site on the eastern edge of Castle Rock, along Castle Oaks Drive to the south, Arabella Drive to the west, Cherry Creek Trail to the east and McMurdo Gulch to the north.
This property was acquired to serve as a regional destination, much like Philip S. Miller Park.
District 2 Councilmember Laura Cavey said the park design is a true reflection of the town listening to residents. Based on citizen input, the first phase will include two playgrounds, six pickleball courts, a pump track for children to improve their biking skills and a half-court for basketball.
Even more important, Cavey said there will be operating public restrooms.
Mayor Jason Gray said the Cobblestone Ranch Park project is an example of the council's commitment to creating open space and parks in the community.
“We want more parks. We want more money for parks,” he said. “Every time a park is completed, we move on to start on another. Whenever we can as a council and as town staff, we try to improve Castle Rock.”
Gray said Cobblestone Ranch Park will serve as a destination for not just residents but also for neighbors from the north and south.
“We've worked hard to get this project moving,” he said. “This is an amazing area, and I can't wait to see it completed.”
View the park plan and stay up to date on project progress at CRgov.com/FutureParks.
