Windsor acquires 70 acres for open space near Cache la Poudre River
The $6.2 million purchase includes a historic homestead, water rights and river access. Residents will help shape plans for the property, which the town says could support recreation, conservation and future trail connections.
The Town of Windsor has acquired 70 acres near the intersection of Colorado 257 and Crossroads Boulevard for open space, including historic structures and water rights, the town said Sept. 11. The $6.2 million purchase is next to the Windsor Wastewater Treatment Facility and Kodak Open Space.
The town said the purchase will keep the land undeveloped and preserve a historic farm and homestead, wildlife habitat, green space and waterfront access to the Cache la Poudre River. The homestead includes what is believed to be the original house of Aaron Eaton, brother of Benjamin Eaton, who helped settle the area and establish some of its earliest farms.
“This acquisition reflects the community's vision for preserving open space and investing in Windsor's future,” Wade Willis said. “With this property, we're protecting land that will support recreation, conservation and future trail connections while honoring the trust residents placed in us to make these long-term investments.”
The purchase includes about $3.2 million for the land and $3 million for water rights. According to the Town of Windsor, voters approved a 0.25% sales-tax increase in November 2022 to fund open-space acquisition and upkeep. The town said the property advances its goal of acquiring 1,290 acres of open space within the community, and that residents will help shape final plans for the site.