**Steamboat Springs, Colorado–July 21, 2026-**The City of Steamboat Springs has completed the purchase of the Slate Creek property, advancing long-planned goals to expand recreation opportunities while preserving open space and the Yampa River corridor.
“This project reinforces the city’s longstanding commitment to preserving open space and protecting the Yampa River corridor,” said Interim Parks & Recreation Director Stephanie Munro. “Maintaining these natural landscapes is widely recognized as critical to sustaining the environmental health, scenic character, and quality of life that define Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley.”
The 187.84‑acre property is located adjacent to the Yampa Valley Housing Authority parcel, formerly known as Brown Ranch, and Bob Adams Airport and will serve as a multi‑use community asset. Approximately 131 acres will be permanently protected under a conservation easement held by Colorado Open Lands, preserving the land for passive recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
The remaining 56.84 acres are designated for active, developed recreation uses such as ballfields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and other community recreation amenities. A six‑acre area has also been identified for potential future indoor recreation needs. A future public planning process will guide final design and uses.
The acquisition was made possible thanks to exceptional collaboration with the Slate Creek property sellers, who provided a two‑year purchase agreement. This extended timeline allowed city staff to pursue multiple grant opportunities, ultimately creating a viable funding model to complete the purchase.
The $5.25 million acquisition was supported by grant partners including: Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), which awarded $1,440,076; Routt County’s Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, which contributed $590,104 toward the acquisition and $30,000 toward closing costs; the Gates Family Foundation, which awarded $50,000; the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which contributed $1,250,000, and around $2 million from the Accommodations Tax Fund.
The city’s approach to this acquisition reflects a deliberate partnership model — leveraging time, grant opportunities, and dedicated funding sources to bring the project to completion.
The Slate Creek site has been identified in multiple long-range plans as a key location for a regional park on the west end of the community. Its proximity on the west side of the city further strengthens its role in serving a diverse population. Public access will be phased as planning and initial improvements move forward, with community input shaping future recreation development.
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Contact
Email Kelly Romero-Heaney, Deputy City Manager, or call 970-871-8240
Email Stephanie Munro, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, or call 970-871-7017
Email Michael Lane, Marketing & Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220