The site now known as Clement Park was part of the Grant Family Ranch and was purchased from the Grant Family by Jefferson County Open Space for use as a park. In 1987, Jefferson County Open Space developed Clement Park with funds from the county-wide Open Space Tax. In 1989 the park was leased to Foothills Park & Recreation District for management purposes, and was deeded to Foothills in 2018.
Exciting Renovations completed in Clement Park
History
Aging Infastructure
Why did Foothills make repairs to Clement Park?
- Since taking over management of Clement Park in 1989, the park grew in popularity and has become a heavily used facility for many community events, sporting events, passive and active activities and hosts 800,000+ visitors each year. As a result, over the 30+ years of use, the park had been ‘loved to death’ and its age was evident throughout the facility.
- Foothills recognized the deterioration, and received a planning grant from Jefferson County Open Space in 2013 to work on a Redevelopment Master Plan. Throughout 2013, Foothills executed several community engagement activities and created ideas for renovation of the park.
Funding
Once the Clement Park Redevelopment Master Plan was adopted by the Foothills Board of Directors in late 2013, Foothills staff worked diligently to identify funding sources to address some of the elements outlined in the plan. In total, Foothills secured $8,720,300 for projects in Clement Park.
How was this funded?
- $4,000,000 through grant processes with Jefferson County Open Space
- $1,000,000 from District reserves generated from the sale of vacant land
- $3,000,000 from the refinancing of District debt
- $700,000 from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant, specifically to rebuild the interactive water feature and build an inclusive playground
- $15,300 from Foothills Foundation
- $5,000 from South Jeffco Sports Association
Completed in 2020
- Planted trees near the Inclusive Playground and finalized landscaping.
- Completed construction on the three lake overlooks on the east side of the Johnston Reservoir.
Completed in 2018 and 2019
- Redeveloped the amphitheater and upper promenade area including new irrigation, amphitheater enhancements, and sidewalk improvements.
- Improved water quality in the lake by adding a new aeration system.
- Rebuilt the central playground to be an Inclusive Playground for children of all abilities to play.
- Installed new, energy efficient ballfield lighting and park site lighting.
Clement Park Inclusive Playground opened on August 8, 2019. Enjoy our SNEEK PEAK TOUR of the performing arts themed Inclusive Playground before your next visit!
Completed in 2017
RESTROOMS
- Restored and improved the restroom buildings on the east and west side of the park.
- Rebuilt the restroom building at the ballfield complex.
LIGHTING
- Installed new energy efficient lighting for security lights, parking lot lights and pathway lights for east side of the park
FIELD 5
- Rebuilt and installed new irrigation on Field 5 multipurpose field. This field, located parallel to Pierce St.
WATER FEATURE
- Built a new interactive water fountain featuring several Colorado elements like: boulders, water curtains, creek-like waterway
- New shelters were installed near the water feature that will be available for rentals – a perfect place to host a birthday party or get-together.
- A small concession stand services this site with drinks, food and general necessities.
BALLFIELD PLAZA
- Rebuilt the concession/restroom building and plaza in the center of the softball/baseball fields.
- Added a small playground in the area.
- Added additional shade structures to protect from the elements.
Completed in 2016
- Replaced failing irrigation pump station, water intake pipe and irrigation system on sports fields – all were original to the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were these specific projects selected?
- Preserve revenue streams
- Safety
- Enhance the experience for a wide range of visitors
- Improve efficiencies for maintenance and cost savings
Did Foothills pass a mill levy to execute these projects?
No. Had the 2014 mill levy election passed, the intention was to dedicate some of the funds toward Clement Park Redevelopment as outlined in the Master Plan. The Clement Park Redevelopment Master Plan was completed in 2013 and estimated $24 million in repairs, improvements and redevelopment. Since the 2014 mill levy was unsuccessful, the District was able to secure close to $9 million to address the areas that needed the most attention and/or specific types of projects that would qualify for specialized grants. Funds for Clement Park Redevelopment have come from other sources, see the next Q&A for specifics.
A mill levy increase was passed by voters in 2017, but those funds are NOT being utilized on Clement Park Renovations. Instead, those funds are being spent to improve many community and neighborhood parks throughout the District and to make needed repairs and improvements in recreation facilities.
Where did the funds come from for these park projects?
Once the Clement Park Redevelopment Master Plan was adopted by the Foothills Board of Directors in late 2013, Foothills staff worked diligently to identify funding sources to address some of the elements outlined in the plan. In total, Foothills secured $8,720,300 for projects completed in Clement Park.
- $4,000,000 through grant processes with Jefferson County Open Space
- $1,000,000 from District reserves generated from the sale of vacant land
- $3,000,000 from the refinancing of District debt
- $700,000 from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant, specifically to rebuild the interactive water feature and build an inclusive playground
- $15,300 from Foothills Foundation
- $5,000 from South Jeffco Sports Association
Who was Robert F. Clement?
Robert F. Clement (1917-1981) moved to Jefferson County from his native Oklahoma in 1951. He was a successful home builder in Jefferson County for over 20 years. Commissioner Clement spearheaded the County’s acquisition of the Hiwan Homestead Museum, actively promoted the preservation of Jefferson County’s history, and was a strong advocate of the Open Space program. He served as District 2 Commissioner from 1973-1981. He was named to the Jefferson County Historical Commission’s Hall of Fame in 1979, and Clement Park is named for him. Prior to his election as Commissioner, Clement was active in the incorporation of the City of Lakewood, served on its first City Council and as Mayor Pro Tem, and was chairman of the Alameda Water and Sanitation District. Source: Jefferson County, Colorado history archives