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Current Status
The Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District Board voted unanimously on Feb. 24, 2026, to suspend discussions with Jefferson County regarding any potential land swap or transfer involving the South Hogback Open Space. No formal proposal, terms or agreement were ever developed, and no vote on a land transfer was considered. Resident feedback continues to guide future discussions about the stewardship and protection of this community asset.
About the South Hogback Open Space
The South Hogback Open Space consists of approximately 894 acres of public land located south and east of Valley Road adjacent to South Valley Park. The property has been managed by the Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District since 2003 and is guided by a management plan adopted in December 2025.
About the Community Center Property
The Ken-Caryl Community Center property is owned by Jefferson County and leased to the Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District for $1 per year. The current lease expires on Dec. 12, 2036. Over the years, the District has developed, improved and maintained the Community Center, fitness facilities, tennis courts and aquatics amenities located on the property.
Community Engagement
Community involvement has played an important role in discussions about the South Hogback. Residents, community organizations, volunteers and stakeholder groups have contributed to the stewardship and long-term planning of this open space for decades. The District remains committed to transparency, public engagement and informed decision-making.
Timeline
December 9, 2025
Initial concept presented to the KCRMD Board. Staff was directed to gather additional information.
January 8, 2026
Jefferson County Open Space Advisory Committee reviewed the concept as part of its approval process.
January 27, 2026
Jefferson County Open Space staff presented information to the Board of County Commissioners. No action was taken.
February 24, 2026
KCRMD Board voted to suspend discussions regarding any potential land transfer and received community feedback during a Committee of the Whole meeting.
Related Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
General Overview
The concept remains in the exploratory phase. Evaluations, due diligence, and community engagement are ongoing.
No. This effort remains in the exploratory phase. No final decision has been made, and no specific terms, conditions, or details of a potential agreement have been developed or considered.
The proposal aims to:
- Provide local control of the Community Center for long-range planning and investment.
- Leverage JCPOS’s conservation expertise and resources for South Hogback.
- Improve operational efficiency.
- Reduce duplicative costs.
- Protect natural resources.
Potential benefits include stronger stewardship of open space, clearer and more consistent rules, financial and staff efficiencies, and direct ownership of the Community Center to support future improvements and programming.
Following completion of the South Hogback Management Plan, KCRMD asked JCPOS to review and comment on the plan. This led to discussions about how the land could be managed more efficiently and sustainably. Those conversations ultimately surfaced the potential opportunity for local ownership of the Community Center and county-level conservation management of the South Hogback.
KCRMD and Jefferson County Open Space (JCPOS) are exploring a land exchange concept. Under this concept, Jefferson County would transfer ownership of the Ken-Caryl Community Center property and facilities to KCRMD, and KCRMD would transfer the South Hogback Open Space parcel to JCPOS for long-term conservation and public access.
Community Center Property
No. No new tax is proposed as part of this concept.
Yes. Although Jefferson County owns the land and buildings, KCRMD develops, improves, and maintains the aquatics, tennis, fitness, and community facilities located there.
Local ownership can enhance long-term stability and help protect the Community Center’s role as a community hub for future generations.
Yes. Direct ownership can simplify planning, investment, and access to funding opportunities that support future upgrades.
No immediate changes are planned. Any future changes would follow KCRMD’s public processes, budget priorities, and community input.
No. The goal is to continue and improve the services, programs, and access that residents value.
KCRMD would have full ownership and control of the property, allowing for more effective long-range planning, improved eligibility for certain grants or financing opportunities, and more timely decision-making aligned with community priorities.
Any potential transfer would also include a reciprocal reverter clause to ensure the property continues to serve a public and community-focused purpose.
The facility’s history and prior intergovernmental agreements left ownership with Jefferson County while KCRMD operated, invested in, and maintained the site. Transferring ownership to KCRMD has been discussed several times over the years.
Jefferson County currently owns the Community Center property and leases it to KCRMD for $1 per year.
South Hogback Open Space
It reflects the Task Force’s emphasis on resource protection, responsible access, and long-term sustainability.
JCPOS would provide dedicated crews, standards, and budgets for trail maintenance, wayfinding, interpretive signage, and visitor information.
No. KCRMA private open space areas and their rules would not be affected.
JCPOS Rangers would provide patrol, education, and enforcement services while working with local partners to promote safe and responsible use.
Likely yes, on-leash and consistent with JCPOS policies. Final details would be established through management guidelines and signage.
Any rules would likely align with county-wide JCPOS standards, such as dawn-to-dusk access hours and posted trail etiquette guidelines.
JCPOS incorporates fuel reduction, defensible space planning, trail siting, and operational readiness into its land management practices.
This would depend on future agreements and planning processes. Any changes would balance recreation, habitat protection, and wildfire mitigation goals.
Public access would remain. JCPOS may standardize operating hours, trail etiquette, and enforcement practices consistent with county-wide standards.
Habitat protection would include resource inventories, habitat-friendly trail design, restoration projects, weed management, monitoring programs, and seasonal closures when necessary.
JCPOS would use science-based management practices, formal planning, monitoring, and enforcement to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources while balancing public access.
A reverter clause is a legally binding deed provision stating that if the land is no longer used for its intended purpose, ownership may automatically revert according to agreed-upon terms. This serves as a safeguard to keep the property protected and publicly accessible.
No. The proposal would be structured so the land remains protected as open space.
Yes. The intent is permanent open space preservation.
JCPOS brings county-wide conservation expertise, dedicated funding, and operational capacity that could enhance long-term stewardship, trail systems, signage, maintenance, and resource protection.
KCRMD has held the deed since 2003. Day-to-day field management is provided by the Master Association Open Space Department, including patrols, weed management, trail maintenance, contractor oversight, signage, and mowing services.
The South Hogback Open Space is an approximately 894-acre public open space area south and east of Valley Road adjacent to South Valley Park. It contains important wildlife habitat, native vegetation, scenic views, and cultural resources.
Financial & Operational Considerations
Savings and additional staff capacity could support facility improvements, program enhancements, and other community priorities identified through public input.
No. No new taxes are proposed as part of this concept.
JCPOS is primarily funded through a countywide sales tax. Residents who shop within Jefferson County already contribute to that funding source.
Yes. Staff time currently devoted to South Hogback could be redirected to other programs, facilities, and community services.
KCRMD would no longer directly manage a large regional open space property, reducing maintenance, planning, enforcement, and capital obligations.
Costs vary from year to year. A key consideration is that transferring the property to JCPOS could reduce operational and staff burdens on KCRMD and the Master Association Open Space Department.
Community History & Preservation
KCRMD would continue existing arrangements, and both organizations could explore other approaches to stewardship and facility planning.
Through permanent open space protections, continued public access, and transparent management aligned with community values.
Community leaders, volunteers, and supporters helped secure public and private funding and advocated for preserving the property as public open space.
The Foundation helped preserve the South Hogback in the 1990s. The proposed reverter clause and continued open space protection reinforce that preservation intent.
The concept builds on the stewardship priorities identified in the South Hogback Management Plan and leverages JCPOS resources to implement conservation and preservation strategies.
Process & Decision-Making
Key factors include public benefit, resource protection, financial responsibility, operational feasibility, and alignment with community values and planning documents.
Approvals could include Board actions by both organizations, legal requirements related to property transfers, and agreements regarding future service levels and management standards.
The KCRMD Board and the appropriate Jefferson County authorities would consider public input and make any formal decisions.
The Foundation may need to provide written consent and/or participate in establishing reverter language that continues its preservation protections.
Potential next steps include public outreach, Board deliberations, legal review, title work, development of exchange terms, reverter language, and any required county approvals.
Community Input & Transparency
The proposal aims to preserve open space, enhance recreation and education opportunities, and ensure responsible management of community assets.
KCRMD is committed to sharing timelines, public documents, meeting notices, and regular updates while providing multiple ways for residents to participate.
Updates will be shared through the KCRMD website, e-News, Board agendas, and official social media channels.
Yes. Community input is considered an important part of the evaluation process and can influence scope, timing, and potential terms.
Comments will be reviewed and summarized for the Board and community. Key themes may be addressed through updated FAQs, public briefings, and revisions to the concept.
Yes. KCRMD plans to provide multiple opportunities for public participation throughout the exploratory process.
Residents may provide feedback through public meetings, surveys, email, and other comment opportunities publicized by KCRMD.
Long-Term Impact & Future Scenarios
It aligns responsibilities with the organizations best suited for each role—local ownership for the Community Center and regional conservation expertise for South Hogback.
- Potential alternatives include:
- Maintaining current ownership by KCRMD
- Additional conservation easements or protections
- Leasing the South Hogback to JCPOS
- Third-party management options
Yes. Exploratory processes often evaluate multiple alternatives.
KCRMD would continue existing arrangements, and both organizations could explore other approaches to stewardship and facility planning.
The concept envisions a community-owned Community Center supported by long-term investment planning and a well-protected South Hogback benefiting from JCPOS conservation resources.
Ownership, Liability & Financial Risk
Any agreement would include safeguards designed to protect community assets, maintain service levels, and preserve public access.
Current responsibilities remain with KCRMD. Any future responsibilities would be clearly defined in legally binding agreements.
KCRMD currently manages operating, capital, maintenance, insurance, and liability responsibilities. These obligations would be thoroughly evaluated before any transfer occurs.
Standards of Service & Oversight
Regular public reporting on maintenance, performance, and compliance could be required to ensure transparency and accountability.
Standards would be incorporated into an intergovernmental agreement or other legally enforceable document.
Standards would be clearly defined using JCPOS best practices and the priorities identified in the South Hogback Management Plan.
