Douglas County Commissioners unanimously approved a $156,156 construction contract Nov. 3, 2026, for a new dry hydrant at Gateway Pond in Perry Park, giving wildfire crews a faster way to refill both fire trucks and the County's firefighting helicopter.
What's being built
The contract, with Three Sons Construction LLC, funds one new dry hydrant at Gateway Pond. A pipe extends into the pond from the hydrant, and a designated pull-off area lets ground crews pump water directly into fire trucks. The hydrant also gives the County's Helitack helicopter a refilling connection, adding to its existing ability to draw water straight from the pond. Crews will also investigate and address an old pipe believed to run beneath Red Rock Drive as part of the work.
Who pays for it
Douglas County and the Perry Park Metropolitan District are splitting permitting and construction costs, with the district's share capped at $78,078.
Why it matters
Water access is critical during wildfires, both for ground crews and for aircraft making repeated drops. During the Penley Fire, helicopter access to a hydrant allowed repeated water drops in terrain that was difficult for ground crews to reach. Gateway Pond received Colorado's first designation under a new statewide fire suppression pond program in 2025, and the new hydrant helps the pond meet that program's requirements. The project is also expected to improve water access for the Larkspur Fire Protection District.
Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon, who founded and chairs the Douglas County Wildfire Action Collaborative, said the project reflects how "we bring partners together to help protect our neighborhoods," pointing to the hydrant as a way of "improving access to water for crews protecting Perry Park."
Related wildfire investment
The hydrant adds to a string of recent county wildfire investments. See our coverage of the Douglas County Helitack hangar groundbreaking and Castle Pines wildfire mitigation grants.
Sources: Douglas County, "Douglas County Commissioners approve Perry Park hydrant funding to strengthen wildfire response", posted Nov. 5, 2026, checked Nov. 7, 2026.