Save the Jeffco Fairgrounds.
It only takes one voice at the right pitch to start an avalanche. - Dianna Hardy
The buildings and facilities at the fairgrounds are older and in need of re-investment. But the site and its buildings have been used for livestock, equine activities, and other community non-profit and for-profit functions for decades. The land is at the center of Jefferson County which allows easy access to the community and already has onsite barns, stalls, education halls and meeting rooms. The fairgrounds serves as the emergency and fire evacuation site for horses and other livestock, it is the center for Jefferson County 4-H, and it hosts many non-profit and for-profit events throughout the year.
In early 2026, Jefferson County Open Space began conducting an evaluation of our fairgrounds to decide whether to re-invest in the existing facilities, or to re-purpose the fairgrounds site for other uses. If the current fairgrounds site is re-purposed, it is being proposed that some outdoor activities normally associated with the fairgrounds would be moved to the Fehringer Ranch property at the northeast corner of Simms and Quincy Avenue.
Similar efforts to close the fairgrounds permanently were heavily opposed by the community in 2020 and the decision was ultimately made to abandon the closure plan. But proponents of the 2020 closure have reignited their efforts despite the wishes of the community and the steady increase in usage of the fairgrounds over the past several years.
In evaluating the potential fairgrounds closure and relocation to the Fegringer Rance property, the evaluation team has conducted interviews with various stakeholder groups including 4H, Westernaires, local homeowners, Jefferson County Horse Council, and other equine representatives. These interviews were completed in the late spring of 2026. Activities were then to move into public outreach, with that phase ending in September. However, public outreach seems to have only started in late September, and four public meetings have recently been scheduled for late October. An evaluation of the existing fairgrounds buildings and facilities was conducted earlier this year, but the resulting report has not yet been made available to the public. This report should include current status of the facilities and buildings, what upgrades or changes are needed or recommended, urgency of upgrades, and estimates of related costs. This report is a critical part of the evaluation.
If the evaluation schedule released by the county is adhered to, recommendations for next steps will be made to our county commissioners in December with a final decision expected in 2027. The County Commissioners will make the final decision regarding the fate of the Fairgrounds.
Jefferson County Horse Council urges its members and all community members to make their voices heard on this issue. Below are links to various resources, stakeholders’ websites and social media pages, and the schedule of public informational meetings provided by the county.
The Fehringer Ranch property is largely open land (approximately 135 acres) and is situated in a flood plain between properties owned by Denver Water. It is promoted as a “natural area and passive recreational site” by Foothills Park & Recreation District. Any development of the Fehringer Ranch site would be minimal; no barns, buildings, rodeo arenas, or utility infrastructure are anticipated, making it unsuitable for use as an alternative location for the fairgrounds.
Public Meeting Schedule:
Tuesday, 10/20 – Peak Community and Wellness Center (Littleton)
Open House Time: 5 – 7 pm
Location: Pinyon Room
Friday, 10/23 – Lakewood Library (Lakewood)
Open House Time: 12 – 2 pm
Location: Lakewood Meeting Room
Monday, 10/26 – Wulf Recreation Center (Evergreen)
Open House Time: 5 – 7 pm
Location: Birch Room
Tuesday, 10/27 – Jefferson County Fairgrounds (Golden)
Open House Time: 5 – 7 pm
Location: Green Mountain Conference Room