Daniels Park bison look to Castle Pines for future water
Photo of bison herd taken from Daniel’s Park Road looking into Amber Ridge
By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Tim Gamble
It is springtime at Daniels Park: Twenty five adult bison and eleven calves are happily grazing on 800 acres of pasture set aside for them in the 1,000-acre park owned by the City and County of Denver (Denver). It is located just west of Castle Pines, adjacent to the Daniels Gate subdivision. The bison herd was established from the Genesee Park herd in 1939 and is owned by Denver.
Daniels Park is one of the largest parks within the Denver Mountain Park system. The former ranch was donated to Denver in two parcels by Florence Martin, in 1920 and 1937 respectively. It includes a rustic stone shelter, ranch buildings, Tallbull Memorial Grounds, and the bison preserve. Visitors have enjoyed the park’s trails and spectacular Front Range views for decades. The bison have become welcome neighbors to Castle Pines residents.
Although the bison herd has full access to a water source in the west pasture of the park, thirsty bison have wandered over to the east pasture during the hot summer months. (Note: the east pasture is where bison are visible from the road). Nearby residents have taken it upon themselves to provide water to the bison on occasion and are very interested in the herd’s welfare.
According to Denver Communications Director Angela Casias, Denver is interested in creating a potable water source in the east pasture. “Denver Parks and Recreation has been exploring various options with both the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines North Metro District,” stated Casias. “We will continue to work with both entities to find a long-term solution.”
Both the City of Castle Pines and Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) have publicly committed to working with Denver to develop an alternative water source for the bison herd, although political agendas seem to be complicating the issue.
So, while the bison are enjoying wallowing in the mud, let’s hope the city and the CPNMD can stop slinging theirs and come up with a viable solution soon to help bring water to the herd.
For more information, please contact the Denver Mountain Parks office at 720-865-0900.
