SOURCE: The Denver Post.
Last weekend at the 3,400-acre master-planned Sterling Ranch development, in Douglas County’s Chatfield Valley, friends and neighbors celebrated a momentous occasion with the first dedication of one of its public parks.
The park, now formally known as Pat Gallagher Park, was dedicated in honor of one of the Roxborough community’s most influential and highly respected residents, who passed away in 2015.
In the late 2000s, as plans for Sterling Ranch became public, the development team led by Harold and Diane Smethills held dozens of conversations with adjacent neighbors, other stakeholders and governmental entities. It was during this process that Pat Gallagher and several others developed a very specific vision for the region that was supported and endorsed by the Roxborough community and would ultimately help open the gates to a productive, region-wide conversation about the valley’s needs and infrastructure issues. Centered in a ground-breaking document, the “Eleven Points of Vision” emerged based on Gallagher’s and other residents’ desire to guide the development of Sterling Ranch and all other future development in the valley to abide by a set of principles and ideals. These points of vision included such topics as rainwater management, a prioritization of open space and trail systems.
Gallagher’s family, neighbors, and friends joined the Sterling Ranch community for the Pat Gallagher Park dedication, where attendees celebrated
his vision and commitment to smart and sustainable community development and his passion for this beautiful part of Colorado. Gallagher was lauded for his extensive, thoughtful writings and his effective communications skills that guided mutually-beneficial solutions for residents of Roxborough and the Sterling Ranch development in finding the common ground and community dialogue it thrives under today.
“We’re so glad that our dad had the chance to contribute to something so important in his later years in life,” said Barry Gallagher, one of three children of Pat and his wife, Marcia. “This work meant so much to him, and it was wonderful to see his passion recognized and appreciated here today.”
Sterling Ranch is nearing the occupancy of its 200th home, and the community has already opened a major medical facility in partnership with UCHealth, the UCHealth Sterling Ranch Medical Center. This winter will see the opening of an Atlas Coffee and a taproom in partnership with Grist Brewery at the Sterling Center. A new dental office and recreational and exercise facilities are slated for openings soon.
To learn more about the Sterling Ranch community, or to visit the newly dedicated Pat Gallagher Park, visit www.sterlingranchcolorado.com.