Prospect Foundation
Applewood and Fairmount have a new resource to help preserve the character of their communities. Local citizens, with the help of Prospect Recreation & Park District (PRPD), formed Prospect Foundation. Its mission is to help to protect, manage and expand . . . parkland and promote opportunities for citizens to pursue sports, historic, cultural and leisure time activities in these communities. Prospect Foundation has gained its tax exemption as a 501(c)(3) from the IRS.
The most important role of the Prospect Foundation is to raise funds for park projects within the PRPD District.
Our Initial Accomplishment:
The Foundation made possible the purchase of 18 acres of former farmland at 5550 Indiana Street for preservation as park and wildlife habitat. This was accomplished through a complex transaction involving the donation of a Conservation Easement on the 18 acre property by the Serene Strippgen Revocable Living Trust, the purchase of that land by the PRPD District with Prospect Foundation serving as the steward to assure the perpetual preservation of the site.
This 18-acre parcel is located immediately east of Indiana, with the Van Bibber Trail as its northern border and private residential properties on its east and southern borders. This is one of the few remaining small farms in Jefferson County, and Fairmount Community in particular. The property has a very rich and diverse character, featuring a riparian corridor along Van Bibber Creek, a pond, and flowing grasslands are all featured here.
Opportunities to view native and naturalized flora and fauna will be a considerable benefit to District residents and others who will enjoy visiting it in future years.
By the terms of the Conservation Easement, most of the property will be kept in a natural condition as wildlife habit, with trails for visitors. Only limited amenities are permitted in the area which fronts on Indiana Street. This property will provide significant historic, cultural, educational and other opportunities for District residents and others who will visit it in the future! The Strippgen property is presently closed to public access until the Prospect Foundation and the Prospect Recreation & Park District can restore and develop this site for public use. The first major project of Prospect Foundation has thus far been a resounding success, and an important piece of land has been preserved for public use.
Other Projected Goals:
- Crestview Arena/Park development
- Strippgen Development
- Volunteer Program
When you support the Foundation, you help Prospect assure that facilities and programs you, your family, and your friends enjoy will continue to be a source of pride in the community. This is a long-term project as it will require considerable funds and time to help reach its full potential.
For questions or for information about the Prospect Foundation, please contact the Prospect Recreation & Park District office at 303-424-2346
Seeding the Foundation
Preserving the open lands in our community, not for only us, but future generations is a foremost objective envisioned by the Prospect Foundation.
Prospect Recreation & Park District maintains numerous parks in our District, each with varying activities, providing a broad spectrum of equestrian arenas to tennis courts and ball fields. Development of the latest land acquisitions presents a major challenge to the District.
The formation of a Foundation provides an entirely new level of assistance, which can be achieved with the help of volunteers and additional financing. There is very little overhead, since the Board is entirely comprised of members who volunteer their time.
Memberships with an annual donation level of $50 provides the seed money to seek other opportunities for fund raising. These may include:
- Grants from national and local businesses, charities and land preservation organizations, such as Great Outdoors Colorado and Jefferson County Open Space.
- Publicizing a bequest program, for those residents who wish to make a gift for the benefit of the community.
- Participating in local fund raising events.
Please join with us in preserving the character of Prospect Recreation & Park District Through The Prospect Foundation!
TRIBUTE GARDEN AT APPLEWOOD
GOLF COURSE
The Tribute Garden at the Applewood Golf Course is a community-based project led by the Prospect Foundation, a 501c3 organization supporting the initiatives and projects of the Prospect Recreation and Parks District.
The Foundation, in partnership with the District, the Applewood Business Association, the Applewood Golf Course, Touchstone Golf, and the Men’s and Women’s clubs at Applewood Golf Course, has developed a vision for the Garden and plaza that will accommodate areas within the Garden for community members and groups to donate landscape features that can depict their tributes to and recognition for individuals and groups who, through service and actions, have contributed to the wellbeing and development of Applewood as a community.
The golf course owner, Prospect Recreation and Parks District has designated land at the southwest corner of the parking lot to construct the Tribute Garden.
The site overlooks the Wedding Venue, the golf course below, and the mountain vista to the west and north.
The design vision of the Garden includes the following;
- Brick and stone paver plaza with knee walls for seating and separation of landscape features. The pavers and capstones can be engraved with acknowledgments for individuals or groups.
- An Honor Garden surrounding the flag pole.
- Rough-ins for a future trail and walkways to connect to 32nd Avenue to the south and the Wedding Venue to the west.
- Many mature trees will be preserved, and more can be added.
After the essential Tribute Garden is built and as an example of a landscape feature to be donated, the Applewood Business Association envisions a tribute to two of its early members who were instrumental in the ABA’s growth and development; John Tracy and Edna Miklos. This feature will include moss rocks shaped similar to the Colorado Fourteeners (climbing fourteeners was John Tracy’s favorite outdoor activity) and particular plantings which Edna Miklos loved. The nearby capstone will be engraved with their tributes. Nearby brick pavers could, in the future, be engraved to make a tribute to other ABA members.
The Applewood Mens Golf Club was established in 1969 and has been a thriving social club in the Applewood area for over 50 years.
Ernie Wright joined the club in the 80s. He spent more than 30 years serving the club in every capacity possible, notably recruiting new members, providing mentorship to any member needing guidance, and making our social events fun.
Members like Ernie are rare, and we cherished every minute we spent with him. Every club member today has been positively affected by Ernie’s leadership in our club. Whether it was Ernie’s uncanny ability to embrace new technology and help the club adapt to new procedures, making sure our events were played via the rules of golf, or making sure our members understood the importance of fair and honest competition, our membership thrives because of Ernie’s commitment to our club. Ernie was our first nominee for life membership, considered the highest honor in our club, and he was by far the most deserving member of this distinguished honor.
The long-term vision.
The initial phase of the Tribute Garden featured in this brochure will be designed and built to seamlessly connect to future expansions of the Tribute Garden to the west, including a pathway down to the Wedding Venue and a possible path connection to 32nd Avenue on the south.
JOIN THE EFFORT!
There are many ways you can help bring this vision to reality:
- Stay informed by joining our email list. Send an email request to vcwedgwood@earthlink.net
- Volunteer with the Prospect Foundation. Contact Amber Adkins at amberadk@gmail.com or Brian Melody at bmelody@touchstonegolf.com
- Send a tax-deductible donation to The Prospect Foundation 4198 Xenon St.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Have questions? Call Van Wedgwood at 303-888-4901
THE TRIBUTE GARDEN
AT APPLEWOOD
GOLF COURSE
