Open Space

Lafayette Open Spaces are home to hundreds of plant and wildlife species and offer over 20 miles of trails for you to enjoy. With 1,640 acres of designated properties, there is opportunity for all to experience the splendor of the Front Range right outside your backdoor. 

Coal CreekOpen Space Goals per Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan

  • Preserve and enhance significant natural areas and wildlife habitat, as well as the ecological integrity of the greater Lafayette region, while applying a strategic approach to Open Space conservation
  • Provide an effective and balanced approach to Open Space management that protects and enhances environmental values
  • Provide, where appropriate, high-quality outdoor recreation and trail opportunities that are consistent with the values of Open Space lands, provide high quality access between Open Space, parks, and community destinations, and minimize diverse impacts to the environment
  • Administer the Open Space and trails program in a manner that is effective, efficient, and responsive to the ever-changing management needs of Open Space and trails
  • Develop, manage, and maintain the City's Open Space and trails in a manner that is sensitive to and respectful of adjacent landowners, land uses, and communities

Ongoing Open Space Projects

Outdoor Classroom
Construction is underway to enhance the Outdoor Classroom Open Space located adjacent to the Bob Burger Recreation Center. New additions to the Outdoor Classroom will offer those on the trail the opportunity to connect with nature with five themed stations. The Sun, Water, Rock, Air & Soil and Humans as a Part of Life stations allow visitors to experience different aspects of Life on the Colorado Prairie. 

These installations have been designed with careful consideration of wildlife habitat and ecosystem preservation. Construction will be ongoing through November, but trails will remain open during this time. 

VIEW a large version of this map

Concept Plan for Outdoor Classroom

mayhoffer-farm-mplan-timelineMayhoffer Farm Management Plan
A team of graduate students from the University of Colorado Boulder are working with Boulder County, the City of Lafayette, and the City of Louisville to create a compelling vision and comprehensive land management plan for the Mayhoffer Farm property.

The open space property was jointly purchased by Boulder County, Lafayette, and Louisville in 2017. The property has the potential to serve a variety of community needs as an extension of the adjacent Harney-Lastoka property including:

  • Preserving a greenspace buffer between the growing cities of Louisville and Lafayette
  • Conserving historic farmland and native wildlife habitat
  • Providing educational and recreational opportunities for the community, including ADA accessible trails

Visit here for a complete overview of this project.

Education & Outreach

chickadee

City of Lafayette Open Space offers a series of programming and educational activities that assist the public in understanding our natural surroundings. The programs, seminars, and classes are managed by naturalist Martin Ogle from Entrepreneurial Earth. The links below will guide visitors to various offerings and activities designed by Martin which aim to enhance the public’s interaction with Open Space.
View calendar of nature programs 

Funds

The Open Space Division is 100% funded by two local sales and use tax initiatives:

  • Legacy Tax – 0.25% for land acquisition and maintenance.
  • POST Tax (Parks, Open Space & Trails) - 0.25% for maintenance, enhancements, and preservation.

Resources

2019 Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Trails Plan
Nature Kids - Community Engagement Report
Open Space Advisory Committee
Open Space and Trail Regulations
Parks and Open Space Trails Map 2016

City of Lafayette Prairie Dog Management Policy - November 2019

Prairie Dog Management Category Designations - October 2005
Prairie Dog Management Category Designations - September 2016

Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Coyote Conflict Brochure
Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Coyote Field Signage