After decades of discovering military explosives on the north side of Lakewood’s Green Mountain in William Frederick Hayden Park, potential risks and hazards could still remain. According to the Colorado Department of Public Healthy & Environment (CDPHE), if you encounter one of these explosive devices you should “consider it extremely dangerous.”

The site was once used as the old Camp George West Artillery Range. It gained much media attention after dozens of artillery shells and military munitions left over from the pre-World World II era, ranging from 1903 through 1939, were found.

Evidence suggests that both 75 mm shrapnel shells and high explosives artillery projectiles were used by the Colorado Army National Guard (COARNG). While the precise firing locations remain unknown, it is believed that Green Mountain was not used past the 1940s for any military training.

The explosive hazard calls for choosing a cleanup option. The state has named a preferred option, which includes surface and subsurface removal throughout an estimated 367 acres of accessible areas within the Munitions Response Sites (MRS) and Land Use Control (LUCs) likely to cost more than $8 million. It is determined to be both protective of human health and the most cost-effective, despite being the most expensive option. See other considered options here.

According to a report from the Denver Post, cleaning up the site will not only protect park visitors, but it will also help reduce uncertainty for fire crews battling grassland fires on Green Mountain.

The proposed plan for addressing munitions and explosives concerns at Green Mountain will remain open for public comment until November 30. 2019.

Old artillery shells and military munitions often resemble a piece of pipe, soda can, muffler tailpipe, or another metal object. If you see anything that appears similar to the items described above, do NOT touch, move, or disturb it. Items could explode if not handled properly. Immediately leave the area and report the sighting to local authorities. For more information, please visit Colorado.gov.

William Frederick Hayden Park on Green Mountain of Lakewood is located along several nearby neighborhoods, just west of Denver. It encompasses 2,400 acres of open space and 20 miles of trails, offering a go-to spot for hikers and bikers. The park sees an estimated 250,000 visitors per year. Here’s a look on the map where William Frederick Hayden Park on Green Mountain is located.