For more than 20 years, the north entrance to Big Bass Pond near Arapahoe Bend Natural Area has served as a quiet access point for equestrians and local residents.

This entrance includes a horse gate that was petitioned for by local residents and equestrians specifically to create safe horseback access to the natural area. It has functioned successfully for decades as a low-impact entry point that supports horseback riders, walkers, and the surrounding wildlife.

The City is now proposing to convert this quiet grassy entrance into a multi-use, gravel parking lot with boating access, which would dramatically increase vehicle traffic, boat trailers, congestion, and noise in an area that was never designed for that type of use.

As residents, trail users, and equestrians, we are deeply concerned about the impacts this change would have on safety, wildlife habitat, and the character of this part of the natural area.

Equestrian Safety Concerns

This entrance was originally designed for horses and riders. Introducing a busy parking lot with boat trailers/water vessels and increased vehicle traffic creates dangerous conditions for horses, riders, cyclists, and drivers. Horses are flight animals with a strong spook response, and unexpected objects (watercrafts being carried, dropped and lifted

/ coolers left in path/ air pumps, etc) and congestion can easily create hazardous situations for everyone involved. This parking lot will create more harm than good- with potentially deadly results.

Neighborhood Traffic Impacts

Residents of the Mariah Lane area have already experienced a steady increase in recreation traffic on CR7/ Strauss Cabin Rd over the past two decades. A boating access parking lot would significantly increase traffic volume in a natural and residential area not designed to handle it.

Wildlife Habitat Concerns

A large cottonwood tree along the nearby ditch serves as a regular perch for raptors, including bald eagles, hawks, osprey, and herons. Increased human activity, parking, and boat access in close proximity would likely disturb this important wildlife area and further reduce animal presence. The area is also a habitat for Canada Geese, deer, coyotes, racoons, rabbits, turtles and reptiles and increased traffic is a threat to all fauna.

Many residents who have lived here for decades have already witnessed a decline in wildlife as traffic and development increase.

Preserving the Original Purpose of This Entrance

This access point was created intentionally to support safe equestrian access and quiet recreation. Converting it into a high-traffic boating parking lot fundamentally changes the purpose of this space and undermines the original community effort that established the horse gate.

Our Request

We respectfully ask the City to:

• Preserve the north entrance of Big Bass Pond as an equestrian access point

• Reconsider or relocate the proposed boating access parking lot

• Protect the nearby raptor perch and wildlife habitat

• Work with local residents, equestrians, and trail users to find solutions that balance recreation with safety and habitat preservation

Our community values responsible recreation and the protection of the natural spaces that make this area special.

Please join us in asking the City to protect this long-standing equestrian access and wildlife habitat.

Created by:

Residents and Equestrian Users of the Mariah Lane / Arapahoe Bend Area