Save Tennyson Knolls Park:
A Community Initiative
Park users and nearby neighbors have watched with growing concern as Tennyson Knolls Park has deteriorated significantly over the past year. What was once a vibrant, well-maintained green space has transformed into an area marked by large patches of dead grass, invasive weeds spreading into neighboring yards, and unsightly bare spots throughout the landscape.
Arlington Meadows neighbors are committed to working collaboratively with the City of Arvada to develop a compromise that achieves water conservation goals while preserving the park's functionality and beauty. We believe there's a path forward that serves both environmental stewardship and community needs.
Tennyson Knolls - Summer 2021
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What Changed in 2025?
The decline became particularly noticeable in 2025 when the City of Arvada dramatically reduced watering and mowing schedules for the park. When neighbors reported these concerning conditions to the city, they learned that Tennyson Knolls had been quietly enrolled in Arvada's Turf Conversion Pilot Program – a initiative designed to replace traditional turf with native grasses.
Tennyson Knolls - Summer 2025
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The Challenge
While we support water-wise landscaping in principle, the current approach raises several concerns:
Scale Disparity: Tennyson Knolls' conversion area spans 3.81 acres – significantly larger than the other pilot locations:
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Jack B. Tomlinson Park: ~1.56 acres
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Club Crest North: ~0.63 acres
Lack of Planning Details: The city's website provides no specifics about the conversion process, timeline, or final vision for our park.*
Lack of Engagement: The City has not engaged with park users on the impacts to the park, formally announced the addition of the Park to the Turf Conversion Program, or provided details on the program as it relates to this park, until after questions and concerns were raised.
Environmental Impact: The conversion zone contains 25 established trees that may suffer without adequate irrigation during the transition period.
Current Condition: Rather than a planned transition to native landscaping, the area currently resembles an abandoned lot with extensive weed growth and dead vegetation.
* As of August 15, 2025, the City of Arvada has updated its website to include more information about the conversion program at the Park. The updates include an addition to the park's aerial image of an "existing native grass area", suggesting this is what we can expect for the entire turf conversion area.
Existing Native Grass Area
Preliminary Ideas Under Consideration
Northeast Corner Dog Park
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Convert a portion of the NE corner to a fenced dog recreation area with pea gravel surface
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Address the current informal use of tennis courts for off-leash activities
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Provide a designated space for responsible pet ownership
Community Native Garden
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Establish sections featuring drought-resistant wildflowers and native grasses
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Include walking pathways and seating areas for community enjoyment
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Create educational opportunities about Colorado's native plant species
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Incorporate community maintenance and stewardship programs
Frisbee Golf Course
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Design a disc golf course that works harmoniously with native landscaping
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Utilize the park's natural terrain and existing trees as course features
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Provide recreational activity that requires minimal water and maintenance
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Create an attraction that draws visitors while preserving the natural environment
Skate Park
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Develop a modern skate park facility in a designated section of the conversion area
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Provide safe, dedicated space for skateboarding, BMX, and scooter activities
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Require zero water usage while offering year-round recreational opportunities
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Address the need for youth-focused recreational facilities in the neighborhood
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Our Vision: A Community-Driven Solution
Arlington Meadows neighbors are committed to working collaboratively with the City of Arvada to develop a compromise that achieves water conservation goals while preserving the park's functionality and beauty. We believe there's a path forward that serves both environmental stewardship and community needs.
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Join Our Effort
We need community voices, ideas, and participation to make this vision a reality. Your involvement could include:
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Sharing creative ideas for park improvements and design elements
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Joining our email communications to stay informed and coordinate efforts
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Attending city council meetings to advocate for thoughtful park development
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Volunteering for implementation once plans are finalized
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Contributing expertise in landscaping, community organizing, or municipal processes
Do you have innovative ideas for transforming Tennyson Knolls Park into a model of sustainable community green space? Are you willing to help advocate for a well-planned approach that serves our neighborhood's needs while supporting environmental goals?
Fill out the form below to join our community initiative!
Together, we can ensure that Tennyson Knolls Park becomes a showcase for thoughtful urban planning.
