Bear Creek Greenbelt Park

Bear Creek Greenbelt Park with lake

Located at 2800 S. Estes St., this lovely, natural stream corridor provides a continuous trail connection and wildlife corridor from Wadsworth Boulevard west to Bear Creek Lake Park.

The 379-acre preserve parallels Bear Creek and contains wetlands, fishing ponds, riparian forests and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Trail connections provide endless options for biking and walking along the scenic floodplain heading toward Denver or Bear Creek Lake Park and the foothills beyond.

Bathrooms

Permanent bathrooms at Bear Creek Greenbelt Park are closed for the season. Port-o-lets are available.

2024 Shelter Reservations

Shelter reservations for 2024 are now available. 2025 reservations will be available beginning January 2, 2025 at 10 a.m. MST.

Trails

Bear Creek Trail Project

Bear Creek Trail is slated for improvements, with construction beginning the week of April 18. View details and trail closures via the project page at LakewoodTogether.org.

View Project Details

Here's an example of the type of improvements Lakewood is making to Bear Creek Lake Trail.

Event Advisories

Events and park areas impacted: 

TBD: Rocky Mountain Road Runners Trophy Series, 2 mile run on paved paths.

October 7: Stonehouse Triple Cross running race, Bear Creek Greenbelt and BCLP over dam and Mount Carbon

Starting April 18:

Construction of the Bear Creek Trail improvements will begin the week of April 18, starting with mobilization and staging for Phase 1, which includes concrete work and parallel trail development, between the Sister's City Trail (east of S. Estes St.) and S. Wadsworth Blvd. Trail closures within the work area include the Bear Creek Trail, the Stone House Trail and the dirt two-track trail that begins at the Wadsworth Blvd. Trailhead. For your safety, please respect the trail closures.

Visit LakewoodTogether.org/BearCreekTrail for a map and further specifics.

       

Rentals

Immersed in the natural setting of the Bear Creek Greenbelt, the Stone House grounds provide a manicured green oasis. The lawns, mature trees, plant beds, patio and seating areas offer a tranquil garden setting for both contemplative spaces or as an extension of the house for rentals for special occasions such as weddings.

Are you considering the Stone House as a wedding venue? Learn more about the Stone House and other popular wedding venues throughout Lakewood at weddings at Lakewood.

Rental Information

Reservations can be made by phone (if paying with MasterCard, Visa or Discover) at 303-987-7800 or in person Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 480 S. Allison Parkway with the Community Resources Department front desk on the second floor. All rentals are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fees

A four- hour minimum rental is required. Rental fees increase Friday-Sunday and Holidays and require an all-day rental. 50% of the rental fee is due upon reserving the Stone House. The final 50% of the rental fee is due 14 days prior to the reservation date.

Number of Hours Rental Fee
Mon.-Thu. Fri.-Sun. and Holidays
4 $300 N/A
5 $370 N/A
6 $440 N/A
7 $510 N/A
8 (full day) $580 $640

Resident fees: Add $25 for non-resident
Cleaning fee: Add $75
Hours of use: 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; you can only access the house during the hours that you have rented or for full day rentals, after 9 a.m.  

Capacity

  • House: 35 maximum (fire code regulation).
  • Fenced area: 100 maximum **NO STAKED TENTS WITHIN THE FENCED AREA, ONLY WEIGHTED TENTS.**
  • Parking lot: 50 spaces; we do not reserve parking with rentals; parking is open to the public.

Features

  • 56 stacking chairs
  • Seven 6-foot folding tables
  • Compact refrigerator, counter space, sink
  • Four picnic tables
  • Outside power outlet
  • Restrooms in basement
  • Air conditioning/heating system
  • Not ADA Accessible
  • Couch and coffee table in upstairs changing room

General Rules

In order to keep and maintain this facility for public use, each person/group must adhere to the following use policies, as well as all other conditions set forth in the Facility Rental Agreement.

  • Do not drive on the lawn to unload equipment.
  • Alcoholic beverages (other than beer) require an Alcohol Permit.
  • No cooking is allowed in the building.
  • You may bring propane grills to use on the patio. No charcoal grills allowed.
  • This is a “No Smoking” facility per Lakewood Municipal Code 9.38.030.
  • No rice, birdseed or confetti is allowed.
  • Occupants must set up, take down and return chairs and tables to their original location.
  • Music must stay within reasonable noise levels and not be disruptive to neighboring areas.
  • Turn down the thermostat to 55 degrees in winter; turn off air conditioning in the summer.
  • Shut and lock all windows; leave shades up.  Remember to lock both doors.
  • Clean sink area.
  • Place all trash in trash bags (bring your own) and place in the bin outside, located behind the building on the east side. It must be locked with the key provided upon departure.
  • Use only a soft broom to sweep the floors.
  • Report any noted damages to Administration immediately at 303-987-7800.
  • Power inside the house is limited to a 20 amp circuit. Do not plug in coffee pots, crock pots or anything that will draw a lot of power. Outdoor electrical boxes are located on either side of the front door. They should be used as the main source of power with no restrictions. They must be locked and unlocked with the additional key provided upon arrival and departure. 

Security Rules

The Stone House is monitored by a security system directly connected to the Lakewood Police Department.  Their non-emergency number is 303-980-7300. 

Damage Charges

A damage fee may be assessed if damage occurs concurrent with the cost of repairs, or if any of the following instances occur: 1) A damage fee of $120 will be charged if you fail to pick up your key and have to call Facility Maintenance to come unlock the facility for you. 2) Failure to lock the building and/or set the alarm as well as locking the outdoor electrical boxes will also result in a $60.00 charge for each occurrence. 3) An appropriate charge will also be made if the building or grounds are left in such condition that excessive cleanup time is required. 4) Early entry into the Stone House prior to 9 a.m. will result in an $80 charge. Take a picture of the house when you arrive and when you leave for documentation purposes. Images can be emailed to CRInfo@Lakewood.org.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received 14 days prior to a reservation will forfeit a service charge in the amount of $20.00. No refunds will be made for cancellations received less 14 days prior to a scheduled reservation

Special Information

  • Groups 76 people or more will be required to rent a portable toilet and have it placed in the assigned location and removed after your reservation.
  •  Alcoholic beverages (other than beer) must be approved through the City and require an alcoholic beverage permit at a cost of $100.
    If the services of a watchman are required, the City will not assume the responsibility for arrangements.  The sponsors shall assume any and all costs for such services.
  • No resale of food, beverages and/or other products will be authorized without special permission of the Department and copies of all appropriate City, State or County licenses must be on file in the Department.
  • There are no grills located in the Stone House yard.  You may bring your own propane grill to use on the patio.
  • Bathrooms: The Stone House was built sometime between 1859 and 1864 and is on the National Register for Historic Restoration. The plumbing is very old and we've been working to proactively resolve this issue. The women’s restroom serves as an all-gender bathroom with a stall and toilet. Nothing except toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet.
  • Outdoor lighting: The lights outside are only at the front and back doors and due to the historical nature of the house, we cannot add more. If you go into the evening with your reservation it can get dark. You could bring in your own battery powered LED lights to brighten the outside. No torches/open flame is allowed. 
  • All tables, chairs and sandwich signboards should be placed back in the carts provided and not leaned up directly against any walls. Directions for how to store these items are provided when the renter picks up the key for their event date.

 

Take a Virtual Tour

Greenbelt Park shelter is located toward the south end of the parking lot. It has eight tables and one double grill and accommodates up to 80 people. There is a horseshoe pit next to the shelter. 

Bear Creek Greenbelt Park reservable shelter

 

Rental Fees and Reservation Instructions

Add $25 for non-resident fee
Shelter rental hours are from 10 a.m-9 p.m.
$60 damage deposit is required at the time of reservation and is fully refundable if the shelter is cleaned after use and is free of damage. Deposits will be refunded within 7 – 10 business days.

Monday-Thursday: $95
Friday-Sunday (and city holidays): $120

Reservations can be made online or over the phone (if paying with MasterCard, Visa or Discover) at 303-987-7800 or in person Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 480 S. Allison Parkway. 
All shelter rentals are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reserve Now

Shelter Rental Rules and Regulations

GENERAL INFORMATION: Thank you for choosing to rent a City of Lakewood Picnic Shelter.  We hope it satisfies your needs and contributes to the enjoyment of your planned activities.  We appreciate your cooperation in leaving a clean shelter so that other users may experience the same atmosphere you have enjoyed.  Your reservation is valid from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Please be sure to have reservation paperwork with you.  Shelters are cleaned and ready by 10:00 a.m. on the day of your reservation. Please note that shelters may be utilized by drop-in users prior to your reservation. This is especially important if the shelter is being rented for a wedding or reception.  Renters should arrive far enough in advance of their guests to complete additional cleanup if necessary. If you experience any non-emergency problems at the shelter you have reserved, please call the Lakewood Police Department non-emergency number 303-980-7300.

*Park hours are from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  All shelter rentals are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Consumption of alcohol (other than beer) requires an Alcohol Permit. The cost of an Alcohol Permit is $100. If you are reserving a shelter online, an alcohol permit can be added to your reservation. You can also call 303-987-7800.

DAMAGE CHARGES: A damage fee may be assessed if damage occurs concurrent with the cost of repairs, or if excessive trash is left at the shelter due to your rental. Take a picture of the shelter when you arrive and when you leave for documentation purposes. Images can be emailed to CRInfo@Lakewood.org .

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations received 14 days or more prior to a reservation will forfeit a service charge in the amount of $20.00.  No refunds or rescheduling of reservations will be made for cancellations received less than 14 days prior to a scheduled event.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: A cancellation due to inclement weather must be received by midnight of the day before the scheduled reservation.  Please call 303- 987-7800 to cancel; voicemail will document the time of your call.  Please state your name, reservation date, park name and shelter number (if any).  If these provisions are met, a reservation can be rescheduled for another available date within the same calendar year, or a refund (less a $20.00 service charge) can be made.  No refunds will be made for calls received after midnight.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES ARE PROHIBITED:  All park rules and regulations will be enforced.

  • Smoking is prohibited per Lakewood Municipal Code 9.38.030.
  • Driving off designated roadways.  This includes driving beyond curb lines and designated parking area or onto sidewalks to load or unload any kind of equipment or supplies.
  • Amplified music of any kind that would disturb residents or other park users.
  • Placement of anything that blocks sidewalks or paths.  Placement of buildings, structures, tents, canopies, charcoal grills or other equipment on the grass.
  • Piñatas or similar items that when broken require extensive cleanup.
  • Glass beverage containers.
  • Pets off leash.
  • Open fires.
  • Alterations of or physical damage to park shelters or resources.
  • Resale of food, beverages or other products.
  • Littering.
  • Removal of tables from other areas.
  • Dunk tanks, jumping castles or similar items.
  • Portable toilets.
  • Playing horseshoes in non-designated areas.

REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH RENTAL:

  1. Electricity and water are not available in the shelters.
  2. Park shelters must be left in clean and orderly condition.  All litter such as decorations, unwanted food and any other refuse resulting from the activities of the shelter users which accumulates in the shelter or in the surrounding park area must be placed in the trash receptacles provided.  Bring your own trash bags in case of excess trash. Trash must be bagged, secured and placed next to the trash receptacles.  Rental records are kept and denial of future rentals of City facilities could result if these conditions are not met.
  3. Applicant is responsible for any damage to sod, irrigation system, trees, shrubs or shelters.
  4. Applicant must bring the copy of a Park Reservation Request on the day of the rental, to be made available to City personnel upon request.
  5. Applicant is responsible for the conduct of participants.  All park shelter use must be under the direct supervision of an adult.
  6. Activities must not conflict with or hamper public use of any park area, endanger persons or property or create a dangerous condition on park property or adjacent areas.
  7. A park shelter reservation does not include use of a ballfield.  Ballfields, volleyball courts and tennis courts must be reserved separately by calling the Adult Sports Coordinator at 303-987-4804.
  8. Permission to use a park shelter does not constitute an endorsement by the City of Lakewood of any organization or group or of the beliefs of any organization or group.
  9. Use of park shelters will be denied if the group is advancing any doctrine or theory subversive to the Constitution or laws of the United States or the State of Colorado or if the group advocates social or political change by the use of violence.
  10. The City of Lakewood will not be held liable for any injuries to participants or damage to equipment or supplies.  The applicant assumes all responsibility for use.

If you are planning on having a food truck at any park, you are required to apply for a permit. You can do so by filling out the Community and Special Event Application.

Community & Special Event Application

   

 

 

Location

2800 S. Estes St., Lakewood, CO 80227  View Map

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