Remember the Gold Rush of 1859. Wheat Ridge began as a rest stop for miners. These prospectors were headed to mountain gold camps. Later, travelers noticed the golden wheat fields. They were passing along the Overland Trail. This is how Wheat Ridge got its name.
Wheat Ridge has deep roots. It has a rich history and a strong sense of community. Unsuccessful miners returned. They began farming the fertile soil. The community grew. Wheat fields turned into fruit orchards and vegetable farms. Buyers came from across the Denver area. Eventually, fruit and vegetable farming declined. Greenhouses took over. Wheat Ridge became the largest producer of carnations in the world. It earned the nickname Carnation City.
Wheat Ridge is a limited-service city. This means the city doesn’t provide water or fire services. Sanitation and trash services are also not provided by the city. Utilities are not provided by the city either.
The City operates under a council-manager form of government. The council governs the city. The public elects the council. The manager carries out the policies. The council hires the manager. The council has eight members. Two members come from each council district. There is also an at-large, elected mayor. The council provides legislative direction. The manager prepares the budget. They also direct day-to-day operations. Personnel management is also their responsibility. The mayor and council set policy. They also approve the budget. The manager advises the council. The manager serves at the pleasure of the council.
The City incorporated in August 1969. Wheat Ridge faced threats of annexation. Surrounding counties posed this threat.
Clear Creek runs through Wheat Ridge. It goes from west to east. The surrounding land is a unique resource. It is an ideal location for parks and trails. Wheat Ridge acquired land along the creek. It used Open Space funds. Jefferson County Open Space grant funds were also used. A Great Outdoors Colorado Legacy Grant helped too. The land was preserved as open space.
Wheat Ridge was one of the first Tree City USA cities in Colorado. This was due to extensive tree planting. The city also developed a tree ordinance. An arborist board was created. The American Association of Nurserymen designated Wheat Ridge a Green Survival City in 1982. This was for its achievements in city arbor management.
The Wheat Ridge Volunteer Fire Department built the Anderson Building in 1972. It served as the City Council Chambers. City offices were also located here. It even served as a recreation center. Council Chambers and city offices moved in 1978. They moved to the current municipal building. The Anderson Building continued as the main recreation center.
The city built the first outdoor public pool in 1979. It was in what was then Wheat Ridge Park. The pool connected to the Anderson Building. A new lobby linked them. The pool was largely funded by federal Land and Water Conservation funds. Wheat Ridge Park was later renamed Anderson Park. This happened in the 1990s. It was named after the first mayor of Wheat Ridge.
In 1980, the City acquired a former church. It was the First Baptist Church of Wheat Ridge. It became a senior center. A comprehensive recreation program developed. The building was remodeled. Additional space was added in 1985. Demand for senior programs was growing. It was renamed the Active Adult Center in 2010.
Construction of a 69000 square-foot recreation center began in 1998. It opened in February 2000. The Wheat Ridge Recreation Center became the main recreation center. The Anderson Building is still used for specific programs.
Today, Wheat Ridge covers about 10 square miles. It has approximately 173 acres of developed park land. There are also an additional 300 acres of open space.
Wheat Ridge is home to three National Historical Sites. It also has one Colorado State Historical Site. The Wheat Ridge Historical Society operates the Wheat Ridge Historic Park. It includes the Sod House and Baugh House. The Colorado Parks and Recreation Association is also located here. It is in the historic Richards-Hart Estate. The City owns the estate.
Wheat Ridge offers quality parks and recreation. The city is committed to LiveWell Colorado’s Healthy Eating Active Living campaign. This commitment began in 2014.
The city’s Recreation Division provides many services. These include aquatics and athletics. Fitness and wellness programs are available. Enrichment programs and therapeutic recreation are also offered. These are integral to a vibrant community.