South Platte Park is 878 acres of open spaced owned by the City of Littleton and operated by South Suburban Parks and Recreation. It provides biking and walking trails, and its lakes and river banks provide home to over 300 species of animals. The Carson Nature Center is our visitor center, where guests can learn about the South Platte River's ecosystems and history or create a flood of their own at the popular river table.
Where are we?
Littleton, CO
80120
(Near Mineral and Santa Fe, just west of the Aspen Grove Shopping Center)
Hours:
Park: Sunrise to Sunset
Nature Center: Tues-Fri 12:00-4:30pm, Sat/Sun 9:30am-4:30pm, closed Mondays
Contact information:
(303) 730-1022
www.ssprd.org/nature
Our Story:
In 1965 a mile wide wall of water swept through Littleton, destroying homes and businesses and knocking out bridges. The resulting disaster drew attention to the South Platte River with the intent of preventing future floods. The Army Corps of Engineers proposed that a dam be built and the river be channelized. The dam was realized in the form of what is now Chatfield Dam, but the residents of Littleton opposed the idea of channelizing the river. In an unprecedented action, they lobbied put the money that would have been used for channalization to instead purchase land near the South Platte and keep the river in a more natural state. After much negotiation, the land was preserved with a tri-fold purpose: floodplain preservation, education, and recreation.
The park was formally dedicated in 1983, and in 1986 the Carson Family's historic log cabin was donated and moved to its current site. Three years later, the cabin was opened as a public nature center. The Carson Nature Center remains open, a location where the public can learn about the park and its history.
In the 1990s, Cooley Gravel Co. sold its old quarries to the City of Littleton and helped to restore their mined areas to a lake and wetland habitat. Cooley Lake is currently managed as a restircted area and habitat for animals sensitive to human disturbance. Members of the public wishing to view Cooley Lake for themselves may sign up for a free monthly walk.
South Platte Park is owned by the City of Littleton and operated by South Suburban Parks and Recreation. It continues to serve all three facets of its intended purpose. Park management strives to continue preserving or restoring the flood plan. The river and several lakes offer recreation opportunities to fishers. Walkers and bikers benefit from the trail system, and education is provided to the public through the Carson Nature Center, guided public programs, and school programs. Some come visit the park and enjoy skipping rocks in the river shallows, watching for rare birds, and strolling beneath stately cottonwoods!
