BOERA - Park County Commissioners to discuss purchase of land

Those interested in preserving BOERA, the Bailey Outdoor Education and Recreation Area, and who have been watching the Platte Canyon School District's deliberations with regard to selling the land, here's a heads up. Next Tuesday, at 9 a.m. the Park County Board of Commissioner's Work Session includes an agenda item directly related to that. Here is the link where you can attend via Zoom: parkco.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02212023-1560?html=true

The proposed plan, for which many of you have signed a petition, is the acquisition of the land by Park County via the Land and Water Trust Fund, and matching grants. Using the LAWTF to make land acquisitions for outdoor recreation purposes was authorized via ballot in 2018. 65% of Park County voters approved the language specifying that the permitted uses include the preservation, protection, acquisition, leasing, improvement, and maintenance of water rights, water systems/structures, open space, and wildlife and outdoor recreation resources.

It is a reasonable plan, fully allowed by law.

Yet, one of District 3 Commissioner Dave Wissel's campaign promises is to ignore the 2018 vote of the people. He says, "In 2018, the fund was amended which allowed money to go toward 'recreation' activities. This is not an appropriate use of funding." The people spoke, but Wissel didn't listen.

Whether Commission Chair Amy Mitchell will puppet Wissel's stance is unsure. The best resolution, of course, is for both Mitchell and Wissel to accede to the people's wishes.

I would urge you to Zoom in next Tuesday at 9 a.m. for the BOCC Work Session. It is, after all, your county, your recreation area, and your best interests that are at stake.

parkco.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02212023-1560?html=true

A petition has been started on change.org to encourage the Park County Commissioners to save the property and keep it as a community park. If you wish to sign it, you'll find it at this link: www.change.org/p/keep-it-as-a-county-park

1,809 have signed the petition to date.

Mar 20, 2023
The community of Bailey, Colorado is working to preserve 72 acres of open space for outdoor recreation and activities. 599 Rosalie is a jewel in the community, unspoiled by development. The community would like to keep it that way.