Add an Article Add an Event Edit

Evergreen Recreation Center

5300 South Olive Road
303-674-6441

History :
The Evergreen Park and Recreation District (originally named the Evergreen Metropolitan Recreation and Park District and renamed in 1992) was authorized in January 1969 by a vote of the residents of the area. The stated purpose of the District was to provide recreational opportunities to its residents and construct a community center with a swimming pool.

The voters approved financing for construction of a recreation center in January 1970. The center, known as the Evergreen Recreation Center, was opened on February 1, 1973. This facility has undergone several additions to meet the growing needs of the community. A 1975 bond issue financed an expansion doubling center size. The most recent additions and renovations were made possible by a grant from Jefferson County Open Space and were completed in 1985 and 1996.

In 1980 the District leased a 55-acre site at Evergreen Lake from the City and County of Denver. Built in 1993, the 5,000-square-foot Evergreen Lake House is a showcase of rustic log and stone craftsmanship.

In 1994 District voters passed a bond issue to conserve Noble Meadow and purchase 17 acres of land in the Bergen Park area. The 17 acres were named Buchanan Park in recognition of one of Evergreen's historic families. The District subsequently expanded Buchanan Park, and in 2003 it opened a state-of-the-art Buchanan Park Recreation Center on the site. Buchanan Park Recreation Center was designed to "complement" the original Evergreen Recreation Center in South Evergreen.

Facilities :
The District operates a number of program venues, principally recreation centers and athletic fields. The District owns some of these venues and enters into agreements with various government and private parties, principally the Jefferson County School District, for use of others. The District oversees the scheduling and maintenance of shared facilities. User fees are charged to support the maintenance effort.

The District makes its facilities available to help meet the additional needs of the community for indoor activity space and sports fields. The District constantly seeks opportunities to partner with other agencies to make the most efficient use of appropriate properties. Of particular note a 5-year agreement was signed with the Evergreen Arts Council to allow that organization to lease the Evergreen Arts Center at Buchanan Park.