State park in Colorado achieves Urban Night Sky Place designation – Denver Gazette

State park in Colorado achieves Urban Night Sky Place designation  Denver Gazette

Golden Gate Canyon State Park has been granted Urban Night Sky Place designation from DarkSky International. According to a press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the state park earned the designation in recognition of its efforts to lessen metropolitan light pollution for wildlife and habitat conservation. Staff at Golden Gate Canyon have worked to replace or retrofit 96 light fixtures, increase education programming to align with DarkSky principles, hold regular stargazing parties and forge relationships with local astronomy groups. “By protecting the night skies at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, we’re protecting a natural resource and creating opportunities for people of all ages to explore, learn and appreciate the stars in Colorado,” said Park Administrative Assistant Bronwyn Phillips in the press release.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is Colorado’s first Urban Night Sky Place, although it comes after Jackson Lake State Park as the second state park recognized by DarkSky International. Jackson Lake was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park in 2020. Golden Gate Canyon had begun the application process in 2024, working with the Colorado Tourism Office and DarkSky Colorado and other municipalities and agencies. DarkSky International works to preserve and protect the nighttime environment as well as the heritage of dark skies. Learn more about the organization here.