Shelters
Shelter Reservations
Shelter reservations are now closed for the 2023 season. Arapahoe County’s shelters will remain available for public use in the off-season on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations will be accepted starting April 1 for the 2024 season (April 15 through October 15). All shelter users must abide by shelter Rules and Regulations year-round.
Please call the Open Spaces Department at 720-874-6540 or email askopenspaces@305708.com with any questions.
Picnic Shelter Rules and Regulations
- All shelters are available to rent from 9 a.m. to dusk.
- Park/Trailhead/Open Space and Shelter Users will observe posted rules and regulations as well as local ordinances, laws, and public health codes. Shelter permit holders and their guests have exclusive use of the shelter and its tables or other shelter amenities for the duration of their permit but must be mindful of others using the park/trailhead/open space. This may include but is not limited to ensuring all dogs are on leash outside of dog off-leash areas, minimizing sound amplification, and sharing the use of site amenities such as playgrounds and turf areas.
- The use of grills for cooking food is permitted within parks/trailheads/open spaces that contain a charcoal disposal bin or with the use of propane/butane grills at shelters and in parking lots when no fire restrictions apply. Grills shall not be used on top of wooden or composite (plastic) tabletops. Any damage to the tables will be the responsibility of the rental permit holder.
- Recreation amenities such as playgrounds, large inflatable structures, tetherball, volleyball courts, ball fields, trampolines, horseshoe pits, tree houses, water slides / features, slack lines, archery ranges, etc. not constructed by the County are prohibited. Personal items shall not be affixed to shelter posts or ceilings, structures, signs, and posts without written contract approval by the County. No nails or other sharp objects shall be driven into trees. The use of consumer recreation volleyball/badminton sets, cornhole sets or other yard games temporarily set up during the permit holders permit time are allowable but must be approved as a component of the shelter rental permit and must not conflict with general public use of non-rented areas or create a safety hazard for the public.
- Rental permit holders will ensure vehicles only travel and park in designated drive isles and parking areas. Fire lanes, emergency access roads, and handicap zones must be maintained free of obstructions. Vehicles are not allowed in or on turf or open space areas or over curbs or other boundaries to access shelters, play areas, etc.
- Consumption of alcohol is permitted. Glass containers are prohibited. Rental permit holders and their guests will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal liquor laws. All parks/trailheads/open spaces are drug-free zones and public use of marijuana is prohibited as directed by state law. Other Federal or state identified controlled substances are prohibited.
- Stakes, anchoring devices, or poles that would be installed deeper than six inches are not allowed. Any damage to underground utilities, irrigation, or County property will be the responsibility of the permit holder.
- Paints including spray-paint, paintballs, marking paints or dyes, stickers, powders, glitter (glitter bombs included), chalk or other marking products are prohibited. Any use of these items may result in the shelter permit holder being given an additional cleanup fee and excluded from future rentals. The shooting off or deployment of fireworks is prohibited.
- Users are responsible for leaving the shelter and surrounding areas in a clean and orderly condition. Trash must be properly disposed of in provided trash receptacles or lawfully disposed of offsite if onsite trash receptacles are full.
Arapahoe County's shelters
Location: 15200 E. Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO 80112
Features: Four picnic tables per shelter (only one shelter is rentable), drinking fountain, single electrical outlet, natural play area, vault toilet restroom, parking lot, adjacent to Cherry Creek Regional Trail. ADA parking and access.
Capacity: 75
Fee: $135
Location: 16400 E. Broncos Parkway, Centennial, CO 80112
Features: Two picnic tables, drinking fountain, port-a-let restroom, parking lot, adjacent to Cherry Creek Regional Trail. ADA parking and access.
Capacity: 40
Fee: $90
Location: 1523 S. Uinta Way Denver, CO 80231
Features: Four picnic tables in shelter, all ADA compliant, and 7 others onsite, drinking fountain, two electrical outlets, charcoal disposal bin, 2-5- and 5–12-year-old playgrounds, large turf play area, vault toilet restrooms, parking lot for cars and trailers, adjacent to Highline Canal Trail. ADA parking and access.
Capacity: 75
Fee: $155
Location: 77910 E. Highway 40, Deer Trail, CO 80105
Features: Two picnic tables, port-a-let restroom, 3 miles of walking and equestrian trails, parking lot for cars and trailers, ADA parking and access.
Capacity: 40
Fee: $90
Location: 9200 E Iowa Avenue, Centennial, CO 80112
Features: Four picnic tables, two of which are ADA compliant, Barbecue Grill, two electrical outlets, 2–5-year-old and 5–12-year-old playgrounds, dog park, drinking fountain, port-a-let restroom, street parking, ADA access.
Capacity: 75
Fee: $155
Location: 15200 E. Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO 80112
Features: Four picnic tables per shelter (only one shelter is rentable), drinking fountain, single electrical outlet, natural play area, vault toilet restroom, parking lot, adjacent to Cherry Creek Regional Trail. ADA parking and access.
Capacity: 75
Fee: $135
Location: 16400 E. Broncos Parkway, Centennial, CO 80112
Features: Two picnic tables, drinking fountain, port-a-let restroom, parking lot, adjacent to Cherry Creek Regional Trail. ADA parking and access.
Capacity: 40
Fee: $90
Location: 1523 S. Uinta Way Denver, CO 80231
Features: Four picnic tables in shelter, all ADA compliant, and 7 others onsite, drinking fountain, two electrical outlets, charcoal disposal bin, 2-5- and 5–12-year-old playgrounds, large turf play area, vault toilet restrooms, parking lot for cars and trailers, adjacent to Highline Canal Trail. ADA parking and access.
Capacity: 75
Fee: $155
Location: 77910 E. Highway 40, Deer Trail, CO 80105
Features: Two picnic tables, port-a-let restroom, 3 miles of walking and equestrian trails, parking lot for cars and trailers, ADA parking and access.
Capacity: 40
Fee: $90
Location: 9200 E Iowa Avenue, Centennial, CO 80112
Features: Four picnic tables, two of which are ADA compliant, Barbecue Grill, two electrical outlets, 2–5-year-old and 5–12-year-old playgrounds, dog park, drinking fountain, port-a-let restroom, street parking, ADA access.
Capacity: 75
Fee: $155
