Perhaps you’ve heard, but Denver is preparing to create its fourth largest park in the city’s history. Plans for the former 155-acre golf course have generated plenty of controversy. Some neighbors would prefer the land to be turned into shops or housing.

A pesky conservation easement limits options, however. I say “pesky” with my tongue firmly in my cheek.

Remember when a former Board of County Commissioners considered selling Bear Creek Regional Park on the west side of Colorado Springs and turning it into a golf course? A bit ironic, isn’t it? That idea created an uproar, and neighbors eventually raised enough money to put a conservation easement on the park to prevent it from ever being anything other than a popular park.

Turn Red Rock Canyon Open Space into a golf course and housing? That was the owner’s plan for the property. Fortunately, he could not secure water and 20-plus years ago the family sold it to TOPS (Trails, Open Space and Parks). A conservation easement ensures it will remain open space forever.

Conservation easements are powerful tools. Have you ever marveled at the more than 3,600 acres of ranch land between Larkspur and Monument? What do you think would have happened if Douglas County hadn’t purchased that property with its version of a TOPS tax and put a conservation easement on the entire Greenland Open Space? My guess is it would have become yet another subdivision, strip mall or gas station.

Neighbors are entitled to grumble. Those living near Blodgett Open Space and the new Fishers Canyon Open Space have questions and concerns about how changes to nearby public space will impact their quality of life. But remember this: Living near a park, open space or trail generally increases the value of property. If someone decides to move, they’re likely to make more on the sale of their home than if it was surrounded by other houses.

Denver neighbors living near the yet unnamed park will get to weigh in on what their new park should include. Hiking trails, a playground and picnic tables? To date, those seem to be the most popular choices.

During the recession, the idea was floated to turn some Springs neighborhood parks into commercial property. Thankfully, it would have violated city law to do so. Time and time again, city leaders have been tempted to pursue short-term gains at the expense of long-term benefits for residents. During the pandemic, we realized just how valuable all of our parks and trails are to our physical and mental health.

I have no doubt those Denver neighbors will one day be grateful to live near a large park with amenities they helped choose. Just as those who use the trails, pavilions, dog park and pickle ball courts in Bear Creek Regional Park are grateful to those who refused to bend to a challenging economy and helped save their park … forever.

Davies is the former executive director of the Trails and Open Space Coalition.