|
Louisville Open Space & Parks Update |
|
Why is Hecla Lake so low?
We've heard your questions and wanted to share some insight.
Hecla Lake is a human-made structure, but it works differently than other lakes and ponds in Louisville. While it does hold water, its main purpose is not water storage but to move ditch water through the system to 7th Generation Farm on Harney Lastoka Open Space for agricultural use.
It is fed by two supply ditches that typically run from early May to early July, so the lake is naturally low in the spring before that flow begins. From the aerial photos, you can see that past years look a lot like what you're seeing now, and low levels at this time of year are not unusual.
This year, Colorado's record-low snowpack means ditch flows may be limited or may not run at all, so levels could remain low longer than usual.
A few other things worth knowing:
- Fishing is not allowed at Hecla Lake, and the lake is not stocked by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
- Low water levels can actually benefit ecological diversity, attracting dabbling birds and wildlife that thrive in shallow water habitats.
- The city's treated water supply is prioritized for residents, businesses, and city facilities.
Hecla Lake is a valued community and ecological asset, and we appreciate your interest in what is happening on this Open Space property. We will continue to share updates as conditions change.
Let's Talk More About Water...
There are currently no mandatory water restrictions in Louisville, however, PROS staff is monitoring vegetation, water conditions, and environmental impacts across all divisions and will adjust management practices as conditions change. Water management is complex, requiring thoughtful decisions about where water is most needed, how it can be used as efficiently as possible, and how to protect the community's land, infrastructure, and public spaces for the long term.
How we are using water responsibly in Parks and Open Space:
Parks and Public Landscapes
- Prioritizing water for urban trees, newly planted vegetation, and sports fields first
- Smart controllers and weather-based scheduling minimize waste
- Overnight watering windows and cycle-and-soak methods improve efficiency and reduce runoff
- If you see irrigation running during the day, staff are likely conducting system checks or repairs, not running standard watering cycles
- Spot a broken irrigation head? Report it on the City website
Open Space
- Open space areas are largely native habitat and not actively irrigated.
- Staff are monitoring ecological conditions across all managed lands and adjusting practices as needed.
- Warembourg Fishing Pond is being monitored for water level, quality, and algae. Staff will refill the pond to support the habitat as water becomes available. The pond will not be stocked this spring; stocking decisions will be made as the season progresses.
Visit the City's website for more information on the status of Louisville's water restrictions.
|
|
 Branch Recycle Site
Open the first Saturday of the month:
Saturday, May 2 @ 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Proof of residency will be required at the gate and checked by City staff.
- Drop off Branches
- Pick Up Mulch
- Pick Up Compost* (spring only-while supplies last)
To schedule a time to pick up compost, contact the City Forester Chris Lichty at (303) 335-4733 or chrisl@louisvilleco.gov
|
 Lake to Lake Wayfinding
The Lake to Lake Wayfinding project spans five miles, connecting three cities, four lakes, and six open space properties.
Designed to guide your journey from Harper Lake Open Space to Waneka Lake in Lafayette, the system helps you navigate with ease while encouraging exploration along the way.
Signage includes trail maps, directional guidance, distances to key destinations, and other helpful information.
|
|
 Fourth Annual Bee City Art Contest
Entries due Wednesday, May 13
The City of Louisville became a designated Bee City in 2023, and our Bee City Committee continues to spread the word on the importance of pollinators, native plants, and pollinator gardens. Local students are invited to share their artwork to help spread the buzz!
Artwork must be 2D and between 9”x9” and 14”x18”. Accepted mediums include pencil, crayon, paint, photography, and AI-assisted images. Artwork must be dropped off with a completed entry form to the youth services desk at the Louisville Public Library or participating schools by Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Limit one entry per artist.
|
|
The Trail/Bike Path Speed Limit Is 15,
Not Six-Sevvvennn.
As daylight extends and temperatures rise, Louisville’s trails get busier with bikers, walkers, and runners. Sharing the path takes awareness and cooperation. Like driving on a busy road, everyone has a role in following the rules to keep things moving safely.
Know the E-Bike Basics
E-Bikes are allowed on Louisville trails if they meet Class 1 or 2 standards (motors up to 750 watts with assistance up to 20 mph). Class 3 E-Bikes are restricted to public roads and not allowed on trails. Riders must follow all state and local laws.
Know the ordinance: Louisville Municipal Code sets a 15-mph maximum speed limit for all bicycles and E-Bikes on designated trails and paths across City-owned property, including parks and open space. This limit is in place to support safe, shared use for everyone. It applies to trails and bike paths, not public roads or sidewalks.
Fifteen miles per hour is the max, not the goal. Slow down in crowded areas, pass with care, and always yield to pedestrians.
Help spread the word to friends and family who use the trails. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping Louisville’s paths safe and enjoyable for everyone.
CYCLISTS & E-BIKES
- Slow Down!
- Yield to Slower Trail Users
- Call Out When Passing
- Ride at a Safe and Controlled Speed
- Wear a Helmet
- Stay Visible
- One Person per Bike Seat
- Obey Trail & Traffic Rules
Thank you for riding responsibly, respecting the environment, and all fellow trail users!
|
|
|
 Hey Louisville, Fishing Season is Here, and We Need Your Help.
Staff are seeing a sharp increase in trash around ponds and lakes—fishing line, bait containers, and food wrappers. This stuff isn’t just ugly. It can injure or kill wildlife. Fishing line tangles birds and turtles, and trash ends up in the water where it lingers.
Anglers can help:
- Pack out all fishing line and trash
- Pick up discarded line, even if it’s not yours
- Dispose of line properly in a trash receptacle
- Encourage others to do the same
Additionally, take proactive measures:
- Replace old line to prevent breakage
- Retrieve snagged line when possible
- Report injured or tangled wildlife
We’re lucky to have these open spaces and places to fish. It takes a village to help keep them clean and safe. Thank you for doing your part to help take care of them.
|
|
 Louisville Parks Receive 2026 Starburst Award
Louisville's Enclave and Sunflower Parks have been named 2026 Starburst Award winners by the Colorado Lottery, a statewide recognition for outstanding use of Lottery funds in community and conservation projects.
A huge thank you to Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) for investing in our community and funding park rebuilds supporting our recovery, resilience, and everyday recreation.
|
 The Open Space Division is Now Hiring
Do you like working outside? The Open Space Division is hiring seasonal maintenance workers to care for open space properties across the city.
Seasonal positions run approximately April through October and are scheduled at 40 hours per week. Applicants must be 18 or older and can apply online through the City’s website.
|
|
 Arbor Day in Louisville: Growing Our Urban Forest Together
Louisville celebrated Arbor Day this year with a community planting event at the Arboretum, bringing residents, staff, and special guests together to invest in the future of our urban forest. Our Forestry team played a key role in planning and preparing the site—pre-digging planting holes, organizing logistics, assisting participants with proper tree planting, and ensuring the Arboretum was clean and ready for the event.
This year’s celebration aligned perfectly with the visit from our three CAPRA accreditation site visitors, who joined in the tree planting. In a fun moment, we invited the lead visitor from Ohio to help name one of the newly planted trees—unofficially dubbed “Joe Burrow,” adding a bit of personality to the day.
In total, six evergreen trees and two oak trees were added to the Arboretum, enhancing both its beauty and long-term ecological value. Even as snow began to move in that afternoon, our Forestry team stayed to complete the plantings and ensure the job was done right.
We invite the community to stop by the Arboretum, take a walk, and enjoy these new additions as they grow alongside Louisville’s commitment to stewardship and sustainability.
|
|
Upcoming Events
The following events are free. Registration is required.
Sunday, May 3 @ 7:30 a.m.
Capture the beauty of Dutch Creek Open Space—a vital habitat along Coal Creek—with fellow artists. Please note: we are not providing any formal instruction, but this is a great way to meet other painters and share tips.
|
Saturday, May 9 @ 11 a.m - 2 p.m.
These power-assisted off-road bikes have changed the way those with mobility issues experience the outdoors. Event is open to all abilities. Appropriate for ages 12 and up.
|
Tuesday, May 19 @ 6 p.m.
Learn about noxious weed samples and walk on Aquarius Open Space with Open Space staff to see and learn about some of Colorado’s noxious weeds and why we need to control them.
|
|
|
Snapshot Spotlight
We are doing some cool things, follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated!
|
|
Dandelions are back! We are managing them with hand pulling and mowing, while still leaving some for our pollinators.
|
|
Volunteers have been out all week helping pick up trash across more than 15 Open Space areas in celebration of Earth Day.
|
|
 Our open space stargazers headed out under the night sky for Dark Sky week and saw the Orion Nebula, Jupiter, and more!
|
|
 Our parks crew was out getting the fields at Fireside ready for play. A big thank you for lining the field.
|
 It’s a beautiful time to get outside and see what is blooming in our Parks and Open Space.
|
|
1,500 rainbow trout just dropped at Harper Lake Open Space. Anglers, ready, steady, go! Grab your fishing gear and cast away.
|
|
 Earth Day, Every Day
Saturday, May 2 @ 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Outdoor Classroom – 105 W. Baseline Road (Parking lot at Bob L. Burger Recreation Center)
Come join us to celebrate Earth Day with the Cities of Louisville and Lafayette at the second joint Earth Day, Every Day—a free, family-friendly outdoor event! Join us for live music, hands-on activities, eco-exhibitors, food trucks, a sustainable makers market, and fun for all ages. Learn simple ways to protect the planet while enjoying a day outside with the community.
|
|
Update Your Open Space and Parks Division Subscription
Access your subscriber preferences to update your subscriptions or modify your password or email address without adding subscriptions.
If you would like to register for eNotifications from other City Departments, please visit the City-wide eNotification page where there are multiple other categories you may be interested in.
|
|
|
|
|
