CHERRY CREEK STATE PARK, Colo. — Park officials said that an increase in crime and large parties has led to the decision to close Cherry Creek State Park overnight.
A Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson stated that park rangers have observed an increase in after-dark, unpermitted parties in the park.
CPW said these gatherings have led to an increase in vandalism, trash, and noise violations within the park.
Due to these concerns, park rangers said the state park will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The only visitors allowed in the park during this time are campers, who must present their camping reservations to gain entry.
Local residents say the park’s condition has worsened, and noise has become a persistent issue.
"I've seen the deterioration of the park over the years, and I think I know my wife isn't keen to stay here too much because of things that have been going on in the neighborhood and in the area," a nearby resident told Denver7.
Law enforcement has responded to the state park on several occasions over the past couple of years, including a 2024 shots-fired call and disruptive gatherings that have led to fatal incidents outside the park.
Michelle Seubert, park manager at Cherry Creek State Park, told Denver7 that they don't want to displace night fishermen, so they plan to reevaluate the closure as they consider various high-tech security options.
"On Monday, we'll reevaluate, and we're also looking at cameras and automated gates and stuff," she said. "On Monday, we will be able to tell all our visitors what our next step is."
Seubert said eight full-time officers patrol the park, along with the assistance of the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, which plans to increase their overnight park patrols in the coming days.
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