Roxborough State Park is celebrating 50 years of Colorado’s
parks on May 16.
Cherry Creek State Park opened its gate to the public in 1959 as
Colorado State Park’s first park, and today there are more than a
quarter-million acres and 42 parks throughout the state.
The birthday bash begins at 9 a.m. with an open house at the
Persse Place, a historic home made from sandstone in 1903 by Henry
Persse.
According to Angel Tobin, spokesperson for Roxborough Park,
Persse named Roxborough after his ancestral home in Ireland. The
house was restored in 1997.
Other activities include a 2.2 mile round trip hike along
Fountain Valley Trail, a Raptor Education Foundation bird of prey
showcase and face-painting.
The Cooper Cabin at the park will offer a special opening after
its recent restoration.
The cabin is located on the same homestead as the Persse Place,
constructed of wood. According to the Roxborough State Park office,
the Cooper Cabin is rarely shown to the public, because of a
preservation issue.
Located along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Roxborough
State Park features unique landscapes that include dramatic
hogbacks and spectacular tilted red sandstone known as the
Foundation Formation.
Several species of wildlife consider the park their home,
ranging from birds, coyotes, red foxes, mule deer and bears.
If you go
50th anniversary of Colorado State Parks
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 16, Roxborough State Park
