Loveland planners back Jayhawker Ponds annexation, Public Park zoning

Loveland’s Planning Commission recommended that the City Council annex Jayhawker Ponds and zone it Public Park, a change that would leave its natural-area use intact.

The City Council was scheduled to consider the request at a public hearing Nov. 17. The four parcels cover 32.583 acres at the southeast intersection of W 1st Street and S Taft Avenue. The city owns the land, and its Open Lands and Trails Division manages it, though it remains in unincorporated Larimer County.

Staff said annexation would let future work on the property follow city rather than county processes, streamlining administration. Annexation had often taken a back seat to other work as the city acquired about 5,600 acres, a staff member said. The application came forward when staff had a rare chance to undertake the lengthy process, the staff member said.

A commissioner asked whether annexation would change what was allowed at the ponds, including motorized vehicles and fishing. The city is probably more restrictive than the county on open-space uses, a staff member said; some county properties may allow horses. “But we in the city don't allow horses on open space or public park. Property,” the staff member said. Fishing is allowed across Jayhawker Ponds, which staff treat as part of River’s Edge Natural Area, and annexation would not change state-set fishing limits, the staff member said.