PROPOSED NEW SOUTH JEFFCO LIBRARY SITE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
News Release
August 16, 2022
Contact: Matt Robbins, Community Connections Director
[email protected] or 303.271.5902
The Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) approached Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) about selling five to six acres of land located at the corner of S. Kipling Parkway and W. Ken Caryl Avenue, at the 29.6 acre Sledding Hill Park. This property is owned by JCOS and leased to the Foothills Park & Recreation District (FPRD) who manages the site primarily for its namesake – winter sledding. As the landowner, JCOS is evaluating this proposal and would like to share details and hear from the community about this opportunity. “We understand that this location is beloved by the community for sledding. Knowing this, we want to be sure that a new library at this location would enhance and not impact sledding, that’s a given,” said Tom Hoby, Director of JCOS.
The proposed library could include a 40,000 +/- square foot building, with shared parking and park-like outdoor amenities to tie into the adjoining open space and trails. Additionally, the library could provide indoor space and restrooms for park visitors while serving as a community asset for all. “Libraries and parks go hand in hand, and we hope to make this an even more special place for the community with the services we bring along with park and trail improvements,” said Donna Walker, Executive Director, Jefferson County Public Library.
Community Engagement Process
The process to seek feedback on what the community wanted in their new south Jeffco library began several years ago. It included gathering input from more than 1,300 residents through public meetings and surveys.
The next step is to seek feedback on this site for the new library. Please join us to share your thoughts about this opportunity at one of the following public meetings:
Virtual Community Meeting #1
Date: Tuesday, August 30, 2022, 6:00-7:30 PM
Agenda: Share information including library site search efforts, site and sale details, and hearing from the community about this opportunity.
Join Meeting: https://www.jeffco.us/1585/Plans-Projects
Virtual Community Meeting #2
Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 6:00-7:30 PM
Agenda: Review community meeting #1 feedback, share ways that concerns, or opportunities can be addressed, and seek additional community input.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87237828191
Meeting ID: 872 3782 8191
One tap mobile
+17193594580,,87237828191# US
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Following the community meetings, presentations will be made to:
Library Board of Trustees – October 20, 2022 - consideration, opportunity for public comment
JCOS Advisory Committee – November 3, 2022 - consideration, and recommendation to Board of County Commissioners – opportunity for public comment
Board of County Commissioners Hearing – December 13, 2022 - consideration, opportunity for public comment
The Virtual Community Meetings will be recorded, and a summary of feedback will be available on the JCOS website at https://www.jeffco.us/1585/Plans-Projects
More information about the JCPL site search can be found here: https://jeffcolibrary.org/south-county/.
Jeffco Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972. Our mission is to preserve open space and parkland, protect park and natural resources, and provide healthy, nature-based experiences. Funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax, our organization contributes to city and park district projects, has preserved more than 56,000 acres, and manages 27 open space parks and more than 261 miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado.