Former HP getaway is now county open space

By Cherry Sokoloski
Fossil Creek Current

For those who like to explore new trails in the mountains, Larimer County's purchase of Hermit Park in February is good news. Some of those folks may want to help pay for the new acquisition as well.

The county's Parks and Open Lands Department bought the property on Feb. 15 from Agilent Technologies for $6.5 million, a bargain since the property was appraised at $8.7 million. Hermit Park, a 1,362-acre parcel located just south of Estes Park and used for years by Hewlett-Packard employees, includes 15 log cabins, 75 camping sites and a large, covered picnic pavilion in addition to miles of trails. Now called Hermit Park Open Space, the property boasts scenic vistas, wildlife and rare plant habitat.

Some of the amenities could be open to the public this fall.

Despite the good price, the county had to borrow $700,000 from its open lands acquisition fund to make the deal happen, and officials hope to repay that sum through private donations. K-Lynn Cameron, open lands program manager, said several area companies have connections to the historic park and some will likely chip in to raise the needed funds. Individuals may also donate to the cause, and contributions are tax-deductible. "We're 93 percent there," she commented.

Gary Buffington, director of parks and open lands, said if the necessary funds can't be raised, the county will have to sell off a prime 35-acre parcel, which could be used for one homesite.

A fund-raising auction on March 9 will raise money for the Hermit Park project. The event is planned for 6:30 p.m. at the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant in Old Town, with tickets selling for $20 per person. Wildwood Holler will provide live music. For more information about the auction, contact Kerri Rollins at 679-4577 or krollins @larimer.org. Reservations should be made by March 2.

According to Cameron, the county hopes to open some of the Hermit Park cabins to the public this fall after a management plan is completed. Other facilities will gradually open as they are brought up to county standards. The area will be managed by the county parks program, which will charge an entrance fee. The county hopes to keep the entire area open year-round, with cabins and the picnic pavilion available for rent.

Recreational opportunities will likely remain the same as current uses, Buffington said, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and group gatherings.

Hewlett-Packard purchased Hermit Park in 1967 as a recreational retreat for its employees. In the late 1990s, spin-off company Agilent Technologies acquired the property, and Agilent approached Larimer County last August about a possible sale. Larimer County contributed $4.7 million, the Estes Valley Land Trust chipped in $700,000 and Estes Park gave $400,000. In addition, Great Outdoors Colorado contributed $700,000 in lottery funds toward the purchase.

A group called Friends of Hermit Park has been organized to work on fund-raising efforts for the new open space. For more information or to get involved, go to www.larimer.org/hermitpark.