Wonderland Lake Integrated Site Project (ISP)

Project Updates

Community Engagement Window #3 is now closed. Thank you for your participation!

From August 17-30 OSMP sought community input on a preliminary package of actions for how the department will manage the Wonderland Lake open space. These preliminary actions are informed by community input received in Engagement Windows #1 and #2. 

Community members were strongly encouraged to watch a video presentation for Engagement Window #3 (below); in this presentation, results from Engagement Window #2 are highlighted and the preliminary package of ISP actions are presented in detail. The video presentation is approximately 33 minutes long. If desired, you may also view a PDF of the PowerPoint slides from this presentation .

In addition to watching the presentation video, the community was invited to read through a table which details the alignment between the North Trail Study Area (TSA) goals and actions and the ISP actions . 

Questionnaire results for Engagement Window #3

Next Steps:

Staff is analyzing the community input received from engagement window #3 and is considering updates as appropriate to the preliminary package of management actions. Staff will present a package of preferred actions and request a recommendation on the proposed name change at the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) October 14 meeting, which will include an opportunity for public comment. 

Update: Wading will not be considered

Wading will not be further considered. In light of the possibility of harmful algae blooms at lakes and ponds across the city and Colorado, including Wonderland Lake, allowing wading has been determined to be infeasible.

Project Area

The Wonderland Lake ISP area includes the Wonderland Lake Loop Trail (on OSMP lands) and area that encircles Wonderland Lake, and the Wonderland Lake Trailhead, with associated Foothills Nature Center. Map of the Wonderland Lake ISP project area . 

This ISP does not include the trail improvements identified in the North Trail Study Area (TSA) for the foothills west and north of the lake. 

OSMP will not initiate or implement any ISP associated changes until completion of the ISP process, however regular maintenance, small trail sustainability projects and existing junior ranger and educational and outreach activities will continue. 

Overall Process

This comprehensive community engagement effort will honor what has already been heard from the community, aim to strengthen relationships with the community, and build a shared understanding of OSMP Charter purposes and goals for the area. The process aims to result in alignment on a set of actions for the area that: 

• best protect the ecological and scenic integrity of the Wonderland Lake area;
• improve visitor’s enjoyment;
• help youth connect with nature;
• advance goals from approved plans or confirm that existing conditions are in alignment with and meet the goals of approved plans; and 
• improve the Foothills Nature Center for Junior Ranger, education, and nature programs.

With broad community involvement in discussing ways goals from approved plans can be met and evaluating new ideas, staff is confident that we can find alignment with the community on actions for the Wonderland Lake ISP that fit the character of the Wonderland Lake area.

Based on previous community feedback:

• The preliminary alternatives that were designed last fall have been set aside. 
• A pier and a boardwalk will no longer be considered as means to achieve North TSA Plan goals for the area.

Through this process the name-change application, submitted by a community group, for the lake area to be re-named a “wildlife sanctuary” will also be considered. 

The following graphic outlines the community engagement. There will be three "engagement windows" - which are specific timeframes where the department seeks public input - that will build on the previous one. More information on the upcoming Community Engagements will be provided closer to each engagement window.

Past Public Engagement Documents

Engagement Window #2 (December 2019)

This document captures the unique comments and questions  provided by community members during Engagement Window #1 that are not specific on-the-ground actions or could not for another reason be included in the Engagement Window #2 questionnaire/”matrix of options”. This document includes staff’s answers to questions, provides an explanation of how OSMP will or already is addressing the comment and why the comment was not included in the questionnaire/ “matrix of options”. 

Engagement Window #1 (June 2019)

Community Engagement Window #1 Staff Presentation

Previous Design and Public Engagement (Oct. 2018 – Feb. 2019)

Record of Public Comments from Email and City Webforms 11/30/2018 – 1/5/2019

Date	Public Engagement	Comments Received
Oct. 27	Trail-side engagement to discuss concepts	Community Input
Nov. 14	Public meeting to reveal preliminary alternatives	Community Input
Nov. 15-Dec. 4	Online questionnaire on preliminary alternatives	Questionnaire Results
Dec. 18	Schoolchildren engagement	Schoolchildren Input
Dec. 19	On site meeting with local neighbor leaders to discuss concerns over preliminary alternatives, specifically the fishing pier and boardwalk.	N/A
Jan. 15	Community listening session	Meeting Comments FAQ
Project Paused

February Council Memo

Watch the Jan. 15 Community Meeting

Preliminary Alternatives (these have been set aside and are no longer being considered)

Keep Wonderland Lake Wild Petition Comments