Jefferson County Parks & Open Space

In 1972, PLAN Jeffco and the League of Women Voters advocated for the preservation of scenic views and stewardship of land as open space. To meet these goals, these organizations proposed a one-half percent sales tax in Jefferson County. The voters agreed, and the Open Space Fund was created as the first sales tax funded county open space organization in the country.

Jeffco Parks & Open Space contributes to city and park district projects, has preserved more than 58,000 acres, and manages 27 open space parks, and 275+ miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado. View the Jeffco Parks & Open Space park system map.

Mission

Preserve open space and parkland

Protect park and natural resources

Provide healthy, nature-based experiences

Vision

Nature, heritage, and humanity thriving in wild harmony

Values

We believe that Respect fosters Collaboration which leads to Innovation

Acknowledgment

The original caretakers of the lands we now call Jefferson County Parks & Open Space include the Tabeguache and Moghwachi bands of the Ute Nation, the Arapaho and Cheyenne Tribes, and other Indigenous Peoples. Their knowledge, resilience, and cultural and spiritual ties to these lands inspire us to continue their legacy by practicing informed stewardship, providing equitable access, teaching sound outdoor ethics, and treating nature and humanity with respect.

Volunteer Opportunities

JCPOS has been the natural choice for volunteering since 1972. Ever since a grassroots campaign resulted in the creation of our agency, volunteers have been pitching in for their parks – from helping to preserve natural resources and educating visitors to blazing new trails.

Join JCPOS and make a difference! Whether it’s through community service days like National Public Lands Day, National Trails Day, Colorado Day, or Earth Day, group projects, or ongoing roles at Lookout Mountain, Boettcher Mansion, and Hiwan Heritage Park, there’s a way for you to get involved. With over 24 volunteer roles to choose from, including trails crew, nature educators, frog watch, and raptor monitoring, your involvement helps protect and preserve our public lands. Join over 500 ongoing volunteers and 3,000 one-time annual volunteers in making a lasting impact!

Offero: Volunteer Portal & Registration