[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6340691,"mediaKeyId","2259044-9bc9ce3eff3f6d1823c6c6b09492ec1a","parentId",2259044,"title","Westminster staff outline Parks, Recreation and Libraries vision plan after months of public engagement","audioSeconds",942,"startMs",1020000,"endMs",1962000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2259044-9bc9ce3eff3f6d1823c6c6b09492ec1a&start=1020&end=1962","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2259044-9bc9ce3eff3f6d1823c6c6b09492ec1a/thumbnail_1020000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6340691/Westminster/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Westminster-staff-outline-Parks-Recreation-and-Libraries-vision-plan-after-months-of-public-engagement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340691-77d19a67a79b7b92b5be8277e2782572/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186016&Signature=jU8uEAQeCU1BiwYcbLNqB-Z1sckerpFbNCdOMYdNWPrM-e4mlChBDfvdXz6mTfzwxEbTVDH4EHr9W8qpZgXY2KPXvp6VHX5LyqPxTgZJ727DoPbpaNdZQyRAPmMe2W7qCv~xrVjSAXDWywpCYrY2QQTsMGWaSrkoV1vUjRe8HGCD0WX4klF3JWUimEiONew7zjHC8oVec7cNt8PeoHOXqh2FccXteNBLzT~tNIvORFGVGq5YV6PzdsfDLwc3lzjO3je3eavN473zzSCa5y4RcDpwqv5PIRpPybOPwF6lO9fIv5TV0W6DUQjb7qmgwmYCxtaQKKUty36Jm3OgOpB-CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Of Westminster, CO","date","2025-01-06T00:00:00Z","article","Eric Otzelberger, Acting Director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries, presented the City of Westminster’s draft Parks, Recreation and Libraries (PRL) vision plan at the Jan. 6 city council study session. The presentation summarized results from a public engagement effort that Otzelberger said reached more than 3,500 community members and stakeholders and introduced a set of 125 recommended actions intended to guide the department’s work over the next decade.

The plan collects asset inventories, market analysis, demographic trends and community feedback and is meant to inform city budget and capital improvement decisions. Otzelberger and consultants outlined recommended goals, potential district-based maintenance hubs, facility priorities and rough cost ranges for new major projects.

Why it matters: Westminster’s PRL department manages a large share of city land and services — the presentation noted 63 parks, seven recreation centers, about 126 miles of off‑road trails and roughly 3,817 acres of open space. The plan’s actions will guide resource allocations, maintenance priorities and potential new facilities as the city balances maintenance of existing assets with limited capital budgets.

Otzelberger said the plan grew from a 2023 strategic-plan directive and the city’s last comprehensive parks plan in 2009. He said the draft includes 125 discrete actions and appendices with operational detail that staff expect will be used to inform budget and capital project proposals. “This is a massively significant effort with the draft PRL vision plan,” Otzelberger said during his presentation.

Key findings and figures from the presentation included:
- Accessibility and levels of service: city libraries are within a 15‑minute drive for residents, rec centers about 12 minutes, and the city is close to a 10‑minute walk standard for neighborhood parks in many areas. The department reported about 2,337 acres of parks (approximately 20 acres per 1,000 residents) and roughly 3,818 acres of open space (around 33 acres per 1,000 residents).
- Revenue and cost context: PRL’s five‑year average revenue recovery was presented at 35 percent, described as roughly 13 percentage points higher than the National Recreation and Park Association average, and placing Westminster in an upper quartile for comparable agencies. Otzelberger said the city’s current capital budget for PRL is in the $6–8 million per year range.
- Order‑of‑magnitude costs for potential new facilities given in the plan: a new neighborhood park at Westminster standards roughly $8–10 million; an outdoor aquatic center $30–37 million; a new recreation center $75–85 million.

Council members focused questions on: how the plan’s proposed maintenance districts would be measured and used for performance management; whether the department can analyze whether program users reflect citywide demographics; how partnerships (including nearby Broomfield) might be used to expand access rather than build new large facilities; and how the department would prioritize the 125 action items into near‑term budget proposals.

On performance metrics and equity, Otzelberger said the department has begun asset‑management work and will pursue more operational metrics tied to districting and staffing. He told Council the PRL team could follow up with more detailed demographic and RecTrac registration analysis and would share information about an existing scholarship program that is used to avoid turning away participants who cannot pay. He also described exploratory discussions with Broomfield on a possible resident‑rebate pilot allowing some Westminster residents to use Broomfield facilities rather than the city immediately building a new northeastern recreation center; staff said an initial estimate suggested rebate program costs might be small (\"I would have a hard time envisioning that usage of this rebate would exceed $10,000 in a given year,\" Otzelberger said) but that details required further work and partner agreement.

Operational recommendations emphasized “make the best use of what we have,” including the four‑district maintenance hub concept intended to reduce travel (“deadheading”) and increase local accountability for maintenance work. Otzelberger and staff noted ongoing irrigation and sustainability improvements intended to reduce operating costs over time.

Councilors asked for more detail on several items staff pledged to return with: geographic distribution of survey responses; whether usership for rec programs matches city demographics; scholarship program outcomes; and a prioritized set of actions to inform the February–March budget process. Otzelberger said staff will open an online review period for the draft plan during January, hold a public open house Jan. 29 (4:30–7:30 p.m. at City Park Rec Center) and expects to present the final PRL vision plan and a companion library master plan for Council consideration in March.

The presentation included consultants from Logan Simpson and PROS Consulting, and the city said the PRL vision plan will be in a final public‑comment phase through the month of January. Staff described the study session item as a request for feedback; Council did not take formal action at the meeting.

Otzelberger closed the presentation by asking for Council comment and public feedback through the end of January. Staff said they will incorporate Council direction and the remaining engagement feedback before returning to Council with recommendations for budget and capital priorities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Westminster City Council Study Session | January 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Eric Otzelberger, Acting Director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries, presented the City of Westminster’s draft PRL vision plan on Jan. 6 after a public engagement process Otzelberger said reached more than 3,500 people; the draft lists 125 recommended actions and frames a district‑based approach to maintenance while noting large capital costs for new facilities.","taxTitle","Westminster, Jefferson County, Colorado","taxId",2385,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6340682,"Developer seeks comprehensive plan change for 122‑unit senior for‑sale community at Park Center site",967,4560000,5527000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2259044-9bc9ce3eff3f6d1823c6c6b09492ec1a&start=4560&end=5527","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2259044-9bc9ce3eff3f6d1823c6c6b09492ec1a/thumbnail_4560000.jpg","/articles/6340682/Westminster/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Developer-seeks-comprehensive-plan-change-for-122unit-senior-forsale-community-at-Park-Center-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340682-575c85db15007c9e5f691770363ef930/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186016&Signature=QktH1qX2EqgoM0sTZvgHy9rVbX3izUwkbaSVQOcqByTjbCg3QrlLloL4k6HmC75ogMJO3cCIZJ0hiOJK2BBt8aXOGLXJDwONJU94-fC~Ns8quregRwbmzLYXfvw38tGzhSeZJHq1RYl98XrT9tXITc7fe99GXyxk0KbS8DWHEXUuCyWNTi8vSFTE1eEgylwBLwdtKOYy9RFDeVDTyTnTjcndgHVAcgHpTbxd-FfxGlrCXwONg8jlNnDrRR5529JSl1RUoIX7a8o9X6YV39ALO1kSJLDFgdQXrmN8~lznWamXXfoLBbrUX2Ory9shBLC~vhbzjr5pL3NeHOajuPM7hQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An applicant seeking to build an attainable, for‑sale independent senior community on a 6.8‑acre parcel at the southwest corner of W. 120th Avenue and Park Center Drive presented a concept plan at the Jan. 6 Westminster study session. The project, called Northridge at Park Center, proposes 122 market‑rate condominium units (one‑ and two‑bedroom formats were discussed), three three‑story residential buildings, a clubhouse and 146 parking stalls.

Staff said the site is currently designated employment flex in the City’s comprehensive plan. Because suburban multifamily (the closest residential designation that would accommodate the proposed density) has specific locational criteria — proximity to an arterial, transit adjacency and location within or near activity centers — staff told Council a comprehensive plan amendment and PDP/ODP amendments would be required for the site to be considered for residential use.

Why it matters: City staff indicated the city is reviewing potential minor comprehensive plan cleanups to better reflect housing needs identified in the recent Housing Needs Assessment, including policies to support additional senior housing. The applicant’s proposal would respond to a stated market demand for downsizing, for‑sale ownership options; Council discussion focused on traffic, compatibility with the employment flex designation, open space/land‑dedication requirements and unit mix.

Proposal details and applicant remarks
The applicant representative described the project as a transitional use that steps down the hillside and emphasizes residential character (gabled roofs, articulated windows) to fit the adjacent open space to the west. He said the design avoids variances at this stage and anticipates standard ODP/PDP review. The plan shows grading to balance cut/fill on the site and frames views to preserve sightlines to the adjacent neighborhoods and the nearby school.

Council questions and concerns
Councilors asked about traffic and school‑hour impacts at Park Center Drive, pedestrian safety for students at the nearby elementary school, potential public‑land dedication or fee‑in‑lieu for open space, and unit mix (several councilors emphasized demand for options that allow seniors to downsize without losing private outdoor space). Staff noted the city will evaluate dedication requirements and will consider whether the pending comp‑plan cleanup items should be coordinated with this application.

Next steps
If the applicant elects to proceed, the project would require at minimum a comprehensive plan amendment to change the site designation from employment flex to a residential category that allows the proposed density, a PDP amendment and an ODP amendment. Those steps include public notice, a neighborhood meeting and public hearings. Council provided nonbinding feedback at the concept review; no zoning or plan amendments were approved at the meeting.","An applicant presented a concept plan Jan. 6 for Northridge at Park Center, proposing 122 independent for‑sale senior units on a 6.8‑acre site currently designated employment flex. Staff said a comprehensive plan amendment, PDP amendment and ODP amendment would be required before final approval.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6340687,"Concept review: proposed 150‑foot monopole behind Westminster Walmart to boost cellular capacity",2334,2183000,4517000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2259044-9bc9ce3eff3f6d1823c6c6b09492ec1a&start=2183&end=4517","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2259044-9bc9ce3eff3f6d1823c6c6b09492ec1a/thumbnail_2183000.jpg","/articles/6340687/Westminster/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Concept-review-proposed-150foot-monopole-behind-Westminster-Walmart-to-boost-cellular-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340687-d2d02644c92e29ff174b9ef8204327f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186016&Signature=ayycspRpPxya4HmuOGDh0SSNGJHH2sQtfF8x6umG~-Z0gj3fhJr62yMUe~Ptxp4g1FmE~Ooxr34q0HwUqnOYA3HJ3c1ARlP8hVgFBiD0ccYXH~pqLa4dznyRwXnC6gl6UBCOgm5F~F8-BRDFpiZo6H3PrjwGRcjfTvoGG9fOWonUqiXI~3Lu~gYN37GKrjDxajwrrJ2xFEaRh97u-cj2d~~vt6zBMNzosrjFJDoPpPZP9UeE3h1wdjBaP1ZTBFcd5AiHh-kglYUgMuy3G5ZUio06iXxXpI2Bdlsbynia5AlrTMHMhgkwnu1CSlHC3s33MEhTsWb8PRwZFEnkejoltg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff and an applicant representative held a concept plan review Jan. 6 for a proposed cellular installation behind the Walmart at West 130th Avenue and I‑25. Staff described the item as a concept review — not a public hearing — intended to inform the applicant and give Council the opportunity to provide nonbinding feedback prior to a technical application.

The proposal calls for a 150‑foot monopole (150 feet to antenna top, 155 feet to lightning rod) and a fenced equipment compound roughly 35 feet by 65 feet placed in a landscaped slope area behind the existing Walmart building. The applicant representative said Verizon is the initial carrier and that the tower would be built to accept additional carriers. Jake Hamilton, the applicant’s representative, described the installation as addressing a network “capacity” need along the Interstate 25 corridor and adjacent streets by filling gaps that currently tax nearby sites.

Why it matters: City staff flagged two planning concerns during the concept review: visual prominence of a tall pole when sited on the east side of the building (the applicant had earlier proposed that location) and impacts on a public multi‑use trail if access for maintenance required an easement across the trail. Staff said they asked the applicant to relocate the facility to a lower, south‑side position where the building and existing berm will screen the base of the tower and avoid opening gates onto the trail.

Staff overview and applicant presentation
City planning staff summarized the required process: the project, as presented, would need a preliminary development plan (PDP) amendment and an official development plan (ODP) amendment because the height exceeds current PDP limits for the property. Staff emphasized that the concept review only gives Council nonbinding feedback and that the applicant’s revised site reflects staff guidance to reduce trail and gateway visibility impacts.

Jake Hamilton, the applicant representative, said the company is proposing a monopole design with a low‑contrast, light‑gray finish and a masonry or architectural screen wall around the ground equipment to reduce visual impacts. He said the tower is framed into an existing landscaped berm behind the store and that the compound would be screened by added planting. Hamilton said the site would accommodate three sectors (three antenna sectors with three antennas each) and that Verizon would be the initial carrier. On coverage, Hamilton said, “I’d say more of a capacity need because as I‑25 fills up and some of these streets fill up more post work time, 05:00, 6 o’clock, 7 o’clock, the coverage needs change dramatically based on the time of day.”

Council questions and staff responses
Councilors asked about process and timing, alternate sites and whether city‑owned land adjacent to the proposed site could be used. Staff and the applicant said the city right‑of‑way and vacant city parcel near the site present constraints (floodplain/creek and topography were cited in the discussion), and the applicant said the site selection also reflected existing master‑lease agreements large carriers maintain with major retail property owners such as Walmart. City staff said the PDP/ODP amendment route will require public notice, a neighborhood meeting and future public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council.

Technical details and next steps
The applicant’s concept materials showed the proposed equipment compound, a retaining wall into the slope, and a landscaping plan that replaces removed trees at a higher planting ratio. The applicant noted the monopole is built to accept multiple carriers; staff noted that co‑location is typical but not guaranteed and depends on commercial carrier decisions. If the applicant proceeds, staff said they will process the PDP and ODP amendments and that the public will have at least one neighborhood meeting and formal hearings as part of the technical review. No permits or construction were approved at the study session; Council’s comments were advisory only.

The council discussion closed with staff reiterating that comments at a concept review are nonbinding and with the applicant indicating plans to pursue the formal applications if the project moves forward.","An applicant presented a concept plan for a 150‑foot monopole and equipment compound behind the Walmart at West 130th Avenue and I‑25. City staff and council asked for reduced visual and trail impacts; applicant said the site addresses a capacity need and is designed to allow co‑location by other carriers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Westminster staff outline Parks, Recreation and Libraries vision plan after months of public engagement

Developer seeks comprehensive plan change for 122‑unit senior for‑sale community at Park Center site

Concept review: proposed 150‑foot monopole behind Westminster Walmart to boost cellular capacity