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Originally developed in 1976, the Jim Hamm Nature Area comprised 24 acres, including a 14 acre pond. This land was donated in 1974 by the Hamm family in memory of USAF Captain Jim Hamm who was shot down over Vietnam in 1968 and to honor all St. Vrain Valley Veterans who fought in that war. Jim spent his youth exploring and appreciating the wild environment that once was part of his grandfather's farm (Elmer Montgomery). The pond in the park is a designated bird sanctuary that welcomes a variety of waterfowl throughout the year. The panoramic vista of the Front Range as seen from the park is illustrated on a panel located near the pond. St. Vrain Valley School children visit this park every year as part of their environmental education.
In 1998, a masterplan was completed for the park which recommended additional land be added to the South edge of the original park site. In 2001, Phase 1 construction for the master planned park began. A Grand Reopening was held on June 27, 2002. New facilities include a new Restroom/ shelter, a pond-side shelter, walkway, sensory garden, flagpole, interpretive signs, site furnishings and new parking lot and entry off County Line Road. Future improvements are also planned including a boardwalk, bird blind, pergola, additional paved parking and landscaping.
The realignment of 17th Avenue in the vicinity of the Hamm Nature Area was completed in 2006. This realignment softened the impact of traffic on the park and through a private donation, added approximately 7 acres to the park site. The Nature Area now encompasses 14 acres of water and 17 acres of surrounding land.
The park is used by the public for passive recreation, the St. Vrain Valley School District for environmental learning projects and the VFW and American Legion for Memorial and Veterans Day events. The pond water is supplied by Ute Creek and Spring Gulch. The water level fluctuates by season and year, influencing the kind and number of birds that use the pond. The foothills Audubon Society has conducted several bird counts there over the years as as many as 80 different bird species have been spotted.
The park has two shelters which may be reserved for a $35.00 fee for resident and $44.00 for non-resident. (link to shelter reservations) . Winterization of the park restrooms begins October 1. Reconstruction of the shelters and restroom began in August 2008.
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Jim Hamm West Picnic Shelter and Jim Hamm Restroom Picnic Area
