Castle Rock Approves $1.1M Purchase to Expand Open Space
Castle Rock Town Council approved a $1.1 million purchase to acquire about 35 acres adjacent to Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space, a move intended to preserve natural resources and prevent nearby private residential development. The town says the land will open to the public in mid-2026, and residents are directed to the town’s posted map and meeting recording for details and instructions on submitting comments.
The Castle Rock Town Council voted to approve a $1.1 million purchase agreement to acquire roughly 35 acres from the Guardian Angel Trust adjacent to the town’s existing 681-acre Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space. The decision, made during the council’s early January meeting, used funds from the town’s Conservation Trust Fund and aims to protect natural resources, block private residential development next to the open space, and maintain local community character.
Town officials stated that the property will be integrated with Lost Canyon Ranch and that public access is planned for mid-2026. The town’s posted update includes a map of the parcel and a recording of the council meeting for residents who want to review the discussion and supporting documents. The update also outlines how residents can provide council comments and includes links to agendas and future meeting information.
The acquisition expands Castle Rock’s holdings contiguous to one of its largest open-space parcels and signals a continued municipal focus on conserving land at the urban edge. For residents, the move preserves scenic views and recreational opportunities associated with Lost Canyon Ranch while denying the potential for new private housing to directly abut the preserved area. Access scheduled for mid-2026 means trails, signage and related management plans will need to be finalized in the coming months.
Funding the purchase through the Conservation Trust Fund demonstrates a policy choice by council leaders to direct designated conservation dollars toward this specific acquisition. That prioritization carries implications for how the town allocates limited conservation resources across future projects and maintenance responsibilities. Residents seeking greater detail on funding, stewardship plans or how the new acreage will be managed after opening are advised to review the posted meeting recording and materials and to register comments through the town’s established council-comment process.
As the acquisition moves from contract to public use, community engagement will shape the site’s future amenities and management. Residents who want to follow implementation timelines, upcoming agenda items or participate in future public hearings should consult the town’s online meeting resources and submit comments as outlined in the council’s update.
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