Whispers of a bygone era linger here at the Park Hill Conservation Easement. This land a former golf course holds a captivating story. It’s a tale of Denver’s real estate history and a community’s fight to preserve open space.
The Park Hill Conservation Easement wasn’t always a protected area. It began as farmland owned by George W Clayton a Denver real estate baron. Upon his death in 1899 his estate including this land passed to the George W Clayton Trust. For years the City of Denver managed the Trust. This farmland eventually became the Park Hill Golf Course in 1930.
In 1997 a pivotal moment arrived. The Trust and the City agreed to a deal. The Trust permanently gave up its development rights to the land. In return the City paid $2 million securing a perpetual conservation easement. This protected the Park Hill Golf Course land forever from development.
However the story doesn’t end there. A new agreement in 2000 transferred the land’s title to the City. The 1997 easement was terminated. This was done to avoid unexpected tax payments. A new agreement ensured that if the land was sold a new conservation easement would be granted.
Later in 2019 the Trust announced its intent to sell the land. A real estate developer Westside Investment Properties bought the land. But this purchase came with a new conservation easement. This ensured the land’s future as open space. The easement’s purpose is to conserve the land as open space maintaining its scenic and open condition for recreational use. The operation of a golf course is permitted but is not mandatory.
The City facilitated Westside’s initial development plans. This led to a settlement agreement in 2019. The City paid Westside $6 million agreeing to a three-year period of inaction on the easement. If Westside failed to secure land use approvals the golf course was to be restored.
Public objection however changed the fate of the Park Hill Conservation Easement. Voters approved a measure requiring public approval to lift a city-owned conservation easement. Ultimately a land swap occurred. Westside traded the Park Hill land for another property. The Park Hill Conservation Easement is now permanently protected as open space a testament to community resilience and the power of preservation. Enjoy this beautiful area this remarkable victory for Denver.