Drivers Urged To Stop Creating Their Own Parking Spots In Jeffco

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Jefferson County park rangers are warning drivers not to "create their own parking spaces" in full lots. The warning comes as Coloradans flock to metro Denver parks in record numbers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Jeffco Open Space rangers are enforcing illegal parking regulations and drivers who create their own parking spaces could be fined up to $300, parks officials said.

"You gotta get to some of our beautiful parks pretty early or later in the evening to beat the crowds and the heat," the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said in a tweet, which included photos of illegal parking.

"Do not do stuff like this that risks everyone's safety & damages the park/roadway."

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Parks may also be closed if parking has "spilled out onto roads" or there's "illegal/unsafe parking" occurring, parks officials said. Visitors are asked to have backup plans if their park of choice is closed.

"There is no guarantee of entry into a park," officials said in a notice. "Visitors should plan accordingly. Please have alternate plans prepared in case of temporary restrictions."

If you're planning an outing to a local park, Jeffco officials issued the following guidelines.

>> The latest Jeffco parks closures can be found here.