Parks & Open Space

  • Thornton public parks are open 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
  • Gravel Lakes are open sunrise to sunset, March 15-October 31. 
  • Spratt Platte Lake is open year round from sunrise to sunset.

Mosquito Hotline

If you are experiencing mosquitos in your neighborhood, please report them to the Vector Disease Control Hotline.
303-428-5908 or 877-276-4306
Leave your name, a call back number,  and the location.

Park Pavilions

Park pavilions are now available to reserve online (using the link above) or in person.  For questions or cancellations, please call 303-255-7800.

Pavilion Reservations Required for (pavilions not listed below are available on a first-come, first-served basis):

  • Carpenter East & West Pavilions & Harley Brown Amphitheater
  • Cherry Park
  • Cherrywood Park
  • Community Park
  • Riverwalk Ball Fields
  • Woodglen-Brookshire Park
  • Yorkborough Park

Free Mulch

Thornton residents can pick up free mulch for their yards Monday-Friday between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 8651 Colorado Blvd. The mulch bin is located inside the gate immediately to the right. One truckload per resident please. Hand shoveling only. To ask about mulch availability, please contact the Parks Division at 303-255-7833.

Parks, Forestry and Golf Operations

With over 140 miles of trails and 2500+ acres of park land, the Parks, Forestry and Golf Operations Division provides endless opportunities for outside activities and recreation. You can enjoy time with your 4-legged friend in the dog park, practice riding at one of our three skate parks, take up disc golf, or watch your child's face light up as they ride our carousel.

This division is responsible for the general maintenance of all the above, and managing the city's forestry program as well as mowing, shrub/flower bed management, playground maintenance, open space and trail maintenance, and park facility maintenance. Parks, Forestry and Golf Operations also provides landscape and turf care for medians, streetscapes and rights-of-way.

They also work in partnership with the Recreation Division to offer residents and their guests five city festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Parks, Forestry and Golf Operations takes pride in making our city fun!