An explosion of projects in Woodland Park has thrust the city into the regional limelight.  With a golf course opening next month, hundreds of acres of land preserved, historic depot/park upgraded and more ball fields in Meadow Wood Park, the city is a happening place.

“In prioritizing resources, we consider the natural environment, our cherished open spaces, emergency management and sustainability of water and wastewater,” said Woodland Park Mayor Kellie Case, speaking to more than 100 people April 2 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center.

For the term-limited Case, the State of the City breakfast meeting was her last, a report of news and an emotional farewell.

With $12 million in the general fund, Case was upbeat about the city’s future. Last year, the city paid $3.2 million for the 44-acre Shining Mountain Golf Course.

In a city where residents routinely express worry about water, the golf course is a gift.

“We have gained 57-acre feet of water by obtaining the golf course,” Case said. “That’s huge.”

Without the city’s purchase, 145 acres of open space was slated for development for single family homes, Case said.

“Instead, the city paid $3.2 million for an event center bar and restaurant, 18-hole golf course, three driving ranges,” Case said, adding that the property is valued at $11 million. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a deal like that in my real estate career.”

In another forward move, the city has reserved $2.7 million to develop a master plan for Meadow Wood Sports Complex.

Last year, a beautification project led by Jon Gemelke, chair of the Downtown Development Authority, started a movement to hang flower baskets as he did on the building he owns, Java Haus.

“Our hope is to make all businesses downtown look like that,” she said, as the audience reacted with clapping.

For this leadership, Gemelke received an award from the nonprofit organization, Keep Woodland Park Beautiful.

Roads, too, get a glaring eye from the public, good or bad.  Case praised the work of the 21-person crew at public works.

“They do an amazing job,” she said, adding that the crews maintain parks, facilities and grounds, clean the streets and remove snow. Last year, the crew repaired 10 water-main breaks.

With a focus on economic development, tourism and the community’s wellbeing through arts and culture, Case speaks of a city with character and personality. For instance, eight community concerts attracted more than 700 attendees, she said.  

To help feed those in need, the city partnered with Community Partnership Family Resource Center to plant a garden adjacent to city hall, with plans to expand to other parts of Woodland Park.

The city is losing the executive director of the city parks and recreation, Cindy Keating, who is retiring in June after 32 years of leading the department. Under Keating’s direction, the department offers 150 programs. When she retires, Keating’s legacy will be in the re-imagining of Bergstrom Park, a project she has led for more than a year.

If all the new projects weren’t enough, Case highlighted the ongoing success of the Woodland Aquatic Center, which had 98,000 entrances last year.

After serving as mayor for eight years, Case has left her mark on the city.

“The city is financially secure; we are stable and prepared to meet opportunities as they present themselves without putting future taxpayers at risk,” she said.

Expressing love for the city, Case included the intrinsic aspect of qualities that help Woodland Park thrive. 

“Never lose sight of what makes this city special; a community cannot succeed because of government alone but of residents who care, volunteer, support one another and take pride,” she said.  “Spirit is our greatest strength”

The Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce hosted the event that was sponsored by UCHealth and catered by Joanie’s Deli and Bakery.