A Year in Review: 2025 Highlights
Published: Monday, January 5, 2026.
As 2025 comes to a close, Trails Park and Recreation District (TPRD) is proud to reflect on a year defined by unwavering commitment to the community we serve. From major facility repairs and infrastructure improvements to park projects, sustainability initiatives, and the launch of exciting community events, this year showcased what’s possible when a district prioritizes long-term stewardship and the people it serves.
While some projects challenged us in unexpected ways, others brought visible transformation to our parks, trails, and facilities. All of them shared a common goal: to create safe, welcoming, and inspiring spaces where our community can connect, recreate, and thrive. Here’s a look back at the accomplishments that made 2025 a truly impactful year for TPRD.
Trails Recreation Center Lap Pool Repairs (January–May 2025)
The year began with an unexpected hurdle. In January 2025, the Lap Pool at the Trails Recreation Center was closed due to a suspected burst pipe. What initially appeared to be a single issue quickly became a complex investigation requiring specialized contractors, extensive testing, and ultimately the draining of the pool to safely locate the source of the leaks.
For safety reasons, the closure extended beyond the Lap Pool itself. With the pool empty, the steam room, sauna, and hot tub also had to be closed. While the disruption was difficult for members and guests, the priority remained ensuring long-term safety and reliability of one of the district’s most heavily used amenities.
By March, multiple leaks were identified beneath the pool deck. Construction crews began removing sections of the deck to access and repair the pipes and properly patch the pool structure. Throughout the process, transparency and careful coordination were key as staff worked to minimize downtime while ensuring repairs were done right.
Importantly, the closure created an opportunity for meaningful upgrades. During the repair period, the Trails team made additional improvements to the aquatics area, including installing new sauna benches, regrouting tiles, and completing needed wall repairs. These enhancements not only addressed wear and tear but also improved the overall experience for guests once the facility reopened.
No Name Trail: Reach 9 Project (Fall 2024–June 2025)
Trails and connections are a vital part of TPRD’s identity, and the No Name Trail: Reach 9 Project stands as a powerful example of collaboration and community impact. No Name Trail is a half-mile connector that links Antelope Ridge Elementary School to Eaglecrest High School (while also tying into the Stanford Hills Trail and Copperleaf Trail).
TPRD oversees this trail and the surrounding open space, and in partnership with SEMSWA and Mile High Flood District, a multi-agency effort was launched to stabilize the water channel in the area. Over time, erosion and drainage issues had created unsafe conditions along portions of the trail.
This project focused on improving long-term safety and sustainability by stabilizing the channel, reducing erosion, and protecting the integrity of the trail corridor. While construction required patience and coordination, the result is a safer route for students, families, and community members who rely on the trail for daily travel, recreation, and outdoor enjoyment.
The Reach 9 Project reinforces TPRD’s commitment to maintaining not just recreational spaces, but essential community connections that support healthy, active lifestyles.
Tollgate Open Space Xeriscape Project (Spring–Fall 2025)
Creating a sustainable park system remains one of TPRD’s long-term priorities, and in 2025, that vision took another meaningful step forward with the Tollgate Open Space Xeriscape Project.
Following the district’s first xeriscaping effort at Piney Creek Trail, this project focused on removing underutilized irrigated turf north of South Picadilly Street and replacing it with drought-tolerant native landscaping. By converting unused grass areas into xeriscape, TPRD is reducing water consumption while enhancing habitat value and visual interest.
The completed space features a diverse selection of native plants, trees, and grasses designed to thrive in Colorado’s climate. Final touches included the installation of educational signage, benches, and boulders—elements that invite visitors to pause, learn, and enjoy the landscape.
A New Play Experience at Trails Recreation Center (Summer–Fall 2025)
In 2025, the east lawn of the Trails Recreation Center gained an exciting new feature designed specifically with kids and families in mind. Thanks to funding from the City of Centennial (made possible through proceeds from the sale of the Denver Broncos) TPRD was able to construct a unique small play structure adjacent to the Trails picnic shelter.
The new feature includes two large climbing rocks connected by three rope bridges, creating an engaging challenge that encourages balance, coordination, and imaginative play. The design allows children to climb, explore, and test their abilities in a safe, approachable environment.
Parents and caregivers can relax nearby while children stay active and entertained, making this space a natural gathering point for families using the recreation center, picnic shelter, or surrounding lawn.
Fox Hill Park Improvements (Winter 2024–Winter 2025)
Fox Hill Park, a 40-acre community park located at 4825 South Himalaya Street, saw meaningful improvements designed to better serve visitors of all ages. Already home to a playground, basketball court, picnic shelter, and the half-mile Fox Hill Trail, the park plays an important role in the surrounding neighborhood.
The improvement project focused on enhancing usability, safety, and variety throughout the park. Updates included the addition of a designated play area within the playground specifically for children ages 2–5, ensuring younger visitors have age-appropriate equipment.
Social trails were formalized using crusher fines to improve accessibility and reduce maintenance challenges. The basketball court was replaced, a new picnic shelter was added, and a climbing rock structure was introduced to add an additional element of adventure and physical challenge.
Together, these improvements have elevated Fox Hill Park into a more functional, engaging, and welcoming space for families, athletes, and casual park users alike.
Making Parks Easier to Navigate: New Field Signage
This summer, TPRD’s Parks Team completed a project that delivers big benefits through simple clarity. Newly rebranded, numbered field signage was installed at Spring Creek Park and Piney Creek Hollow Park, giving each playing field a clear, visible identifier.
These signs make it easier for participants, coaches, families, and visitors to find the correct field—especially during busy leagues, camps, and community events. The signage is part of a larger district-wide effort to highlight park assets and improve the overall visitor experience.
Year-Round Park Restrooms: Comfort in Every Season
One of the most celebrated operational changes of 2025 was the move to keep restrooms at Piney Creek Hollow Park and Spring Creek Park open year-round. Historically, these facilities were closed during winter months to protect plumbing systems from freezing.
Starting this year, park visitors can access restrooms daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., regardless of the season. Our Parks Team checks the facilities regularly to ensure they remain clean, safe, and welcoming.
This change improves accessibility and comfort for walkers, runners, families, and event participants—especially during Colorado’s milder winter days when outdoor recreation remains popular.
Investing in Facilities: Repairs, Refreshes, and New Equipment
Throughout 2025, TPRD made strategic investments in the Trails Recreation Center to improve safety, functionality, and member experience. The parking lot was restriped and patched, and concrete sidewalks throughout the recreation center area were repaired to enhance accessibility and appearance.
Inside the facility, the fitness experience received a major upgrade. New gym equipment was added, including mirrors installed upstairs, a half rack, color-coded weights, and a range of new machines such as a belt squat, chest press, rowing machine, leg press, and standing leg curl. These upgrades support members of all fitness levels and reflect TPRD’s commitment to providing modern, high-quality equipment in a welcoming environment.
In addition, several playground slides across the district were replaced to maintain safety and play value, and the wooden bridge near the Spring Creek Park pavilion received new boards after being damaged by an unauthorized vehicle—a good reminder that vehicles are not permitted in park spaces.
Meanwhile, progress continued behind the scenes with the start of demolition at the Lookout Pool and the launch of the Trails Recreation Center Refresh Project, both of which set the stage for future improvements in 2026.
A Clearer Picture of Our District: The New District Map
In 2025, TPRD released a comprehensive district map that outlines every street within district boundaries and highlights all assets under TPRD stewardship. The map showcases parks, facilities, trails, total trail mileage, and amenities available at each location.
This resource helps residents better understand the full scope of what TPRD offers and makes it easier to explore all corners of the district. It’s another tool designed to connect the community with the spaces created for them, and we’re very excited to be able to finally offer it to the community.
New Community Events That Brought Us Together
Beyond physical improvements, 2025 was a year of connection and celebration. TPRD introduced new community events that quickly became favorites, including Family Field Day, Sunset on Summer, and Snapshots with Santa in the Park.
These events created opportunities for neighbors to gather, relax, and make memories in our parks. From active play and sunset picnics to festive holiday moments, each event reflected TPRD’s mission to build community through recreation.
The excitement around these programs has already set the stage for their return in 2026, so be on the lookout!
Looking Ahead
As we close the chapter on 2025, Trails Park and Recreation District is proud of the progress made and grateful for the community’s patience, support, and enthusiasm. Every project—large or small—was guided by a shared vision of creating safe, sustainable, and welcoming spaces for all.
With momentum building and new projects on the horizon, we look forward to continuing this work in 2026 and beyond. Thank you for being part of the journey, and here’s to another year of progress, play, and community at Trails Park and Recreation District.
