Bringing the Community Together Since 2010

WHO WE ARE

Get to know the people, values, and history behind Friends of Barr Lake—and the community working together to protect and celebrate this special place.

Our Mission

Barr Lake is more than just a park—it’s a vital wildlife habitat, a place rich in local history, and a gathering space that brings the community together.

At Friends of Barr Lake, our mission is to protect, enhance, and promote Barr Lake State Park in Brighton, Colorado—ensuring it remains a vibrant destination for outdoor recreation, wildlife, and community connection in the Denver metro area.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we work alongside Colorado Parks and Wildlife, park rangers, and dedicated volunteers to preserve the natural beauty of Barr Lake while expanding opportunities for people of all ages to experience and enjoy it

Give Now

Get to know the passionate volunteers behind Friends of Barr Lake—a dedicated team working to support community at Barr Lake State Park.

Meet the Board

Elena Gonzalez
President

Catrina Willis
Vice President

Greta Caschette
Treasurer

Hope Little
Secretary

Meg Mothershed
Marketing Coordinator

Danieli Patiño
Member at Large

Jennifer Kappius
Member at Large

Tuyen X Vu
Member at Large

Interested in joining the Friends of Barr Lake Board?

Our Guiding Principles

COMMUNITY

We believe in the power of community and build meaningful partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and neighbors who care about Barr Lake as much as we do.

STEWARDSHIP

From fundraising to resource management, we work to ensure every dollar directly supports conservation, education, and experiences at the park.

ADVOCACY

We champion the protection of Barr Lake by advocating for conservation, outdoor recreation, and the long-term health of this special place.

History of Barr Lake State Park

Before 1850

Buffalo and Indigenous peoples gathered at a natural water basin—what we now know as Barr Lake—a vital resource on Colorado’s eastern plains.
1886

The area became a stop along the Goodnight-Loving Cattle Drive, connecting Texas cattle routes to Cheyenne, Wyoming.
1883

The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad reached the area, helping establish Barr City and connecting Denver to Chicago.
Photo Credit: Denver Public Library Special Collections, Z-48
1886–1888

A dam and canal system transformed the original buffalo wallow into Oasis Reservoir. The nearby Barr City became a popular destination for fishing, hunting, and recreation. The historic Old Stone House was built by Emil Bruderlin during this time.
Early 1900s

The reservoir gained recognition as a premier birding destination, attracting early ornithologists and wildlife studies.
Photo Credit: Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-7164
1909

A larger dam expanded the reservoir, officially renaming it Barr Lake after a civil engineer who worked on the railroad completed in 1883.
Photo Credit: Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-7165
1925

From 1925-1936, Ralph Bergman owned the Old Stone House. Around 1936, Ralph built a home and barn on the section of land east of the Old Stone house. Robert and his mother lived in the home until the mid-1950’s. The home has since been torn down and the barn and part of the corrals are all the that remain.
1930–1965

Rapid urban growth led to severe pollution, and Barr Lake became known as one of the largest open sewage lagoons in the nation.
1965

A major flood event flushed the lake, allowing for restoration and renewal through improved water management and environmental regulations.
1973–1977

Colorado acquired land around the lake, and Barr Lake State Park officially opened in 1977.
Photo Credit: Denver Public Library Special Collections, Z-4186
1980s

Major milestones included the creation of the Nature Center, trail systems, and the start of the Volunteer Naturalist Program. In 1986, bald eagles began nesting at Barr Lake.
Late 1980s–1990s

Expansion of trails, boardwalks, and wildlife observation areas enhanced visitor access and education. The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies established its presence at the park in the Old Stone House.
2000s

Ongoing improvements included trail expansions, interpretive signage, park facilities, and restoration of the Old Stone House.
2010s

Continued investment brought playgrounds, renovated boardwalks, an archery range, and a fully updated Nature Center, further enhancing recreation and education opportunities.
2020s

Recent projects include new fitness and recreation areas, and continued efforts to preserve Barr Lake as a place for wildlife, history, and community connection.
2025 – Present

The Bergman Barn Heritage Site is being restored through a collaborative effort, with funding support matched by Friends of Barr Lake, honoring the area’s agricultural history. A new archery pavilion has also been added, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors.