The proposed development of Salisbury Regional Park has been contemplated for more than a decade.
But now, the site plan has been approved by the Parker Town Council to move forward with new development adjacent and north to the Salisbury Equestrian Park and Sports Complex.
An original Salisbury Park Master Plan was approved by city council in May of 2000, and the first phase of the park was constructed in 2001. After acquiring land next to the park, an additional master plan was established in 2014.
Located on the east side of Motsenbocker Road and the newly-opened Dransfeldt Road, the 91-acre land is zoned for public facilities. This allows for a wide range of uses, including parks, recreation and open space.
The full development of the property, known as Salisbury Park North, will be constructed in phases and is anticipated to take about five years to complete due to funding.
“Everything depends on how much the individual phase costs,” said Bret Collins, project administrator. “If (cost comes) in higher, then we’ll have to phase the phases at that point … if they come in lower, we may be able to do more in each phase and get it done quicker.”
Although town staff did not state when the project is anticipated to begin, it does have the phases mapped out.
The first phase of the development of the park looks to add an additional 44.8 acres of developed park land, which would include the construction of two lighted, synthetic turf multi-use fields.
Currently, there are no lighted turf fields in the town.
The phase will also include the addition of four lighted natural grass baseball and softball fields.
“(We) will have the only eight-field complex in the south metro area – once those four new fields are built – with our four existing fields,” said Collins. “Which is something pretty unique to this area.”
He added that some of the fields may be able to be used by the end of 2026.
The first phase will also include a pedestrian promenade, restrooms and parking for food trucks, along with other landscaping, visitor parking and site amenities.
According to the Parker Parks and Recreation website, the second phase is slated for 2026 and will involve the construction of a 17-court lighted pickleball complex, two tennis courts with striping for four more pickleball courts.
“Which will allow the town to hold tournaments,” Collins said.
The third phase – which will include a community hub pavilion, an outdoor fitness area and a playground – is anticipated to be constructed in 2028.
The fourth phase, to be expected in 2029, will include a bike park and overlook pavilions.
The finished park will also include two basketball courts, a decorative garden, public art displays and a connection to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail.
Stacey Nerger, senior planner for the town said that in addition to the already-established access to the park, another vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle access will be provided along Motsenbocker Road.
Because there are several buildings part of the project – including restrooms, storage and concessions in the park – there will need to be a water and sanitary sewer line constructed. According to town documents, the town will construct the line and Parker Water & Sanitation District will provide the ongoing maintenance.
While all councilmembers expressed excitement for the project, Councilmember Anne Barrington said that this “is the type of investment the town wants and needs.”