Stage 1 Drought Restrictions are in Effect.
Effective March 15, Thornton has declared Stage 1 Drought Restrictions. Learn more at ThorntonWater.com/drought.
- Thornton public parks are open 6 a.m. - 10 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.
Parks Division
With over 140 miles of trails and 2500+ acres of park land, the Parks 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 explore the many playgrounds found around the city.
The Parks Division is responsible for the general maintenance of all public parks and sports field facilities, managing the city's forestry program, mowing, shrub/flower bed management, playground maintenance, open space and trail maintenance. The Parks Division also provides landscape maintenance for designated medians, streetscapes and rights-of-way.
In partnership, the Parks and Recreation Divisions offer residents and their guests multiple city festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Parks Division takes pride in making our city a place where memories can be made by all!
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 or in person. For questions or cancellations, please call 303-255-7830.
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.
Free Mulch is Currently Unavailable.
What to do if you encounter a coyote?
Visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife to learn more about coyotes.
If a Coyote Approaches You:
- Do not run or turn your back
- Be as big and loud as possible
- Waver your arms and throw objects
- Face the coyote and back away slowly
- If attacked, fight back
Protect Your Pets:
- Keep pets on a short leash
- Use extra caution dusk through dawn
- Avoid known or potential den sites
- Avoid thick vegetation
- Do not allow dogs to interact with coyotes
Be Prepared! If you have concerns about an encounter with a coyote:
- Recreate during daylight hours
- Walk with a walking stick
- Keep a deterrent spray handy
- Carry noise makers or rocks to throw
