Spruce Mountain Open Space in Larkspur has a new name: Mark Weston Open Space at Spruce Mountain. Douglas County renamed the property to honor the conservation leader, who died of ALS in early 2025. A renaming ceremony was held Oct. 26, and the county announced the change publicly Nov. 9.
The Renaming
Weston's widow, Kathleen, joined friends, colleagues and Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle on Oct. 26 to mark the renaming, which Douglas County calls a "citizen-led tribute" to his decades of service protecting county land.
The effort started with residents who knew Weston and wanted to honor him. They raised $17,000 toward the $30,000 total cost of the tribute, according to the county. The Douglas County Open Space Advisory Committee unanimously recommended the renaming, and the Board of Douglas County Commissioners unanimously approved it.
Kathleen Robinson Weston said in a statement released by the county: "My husband loved the wonder of the natural world. Its native beauty, wild and diverse landscape, and solicitous quiet made his heart sing. Conservation and stewardship were in his blood. He believed dedicated open space alongside thoughtful growth made for the strongest communities."
Commissioner Van Winkle said: "Our Board is honored to have been able to approve this renaming, honoring Mark as a true pioneer in Douglas County. We know how much our residents cherish our open spaces, and we know how much of a priority conservation and preservation is, it is a framework started by Mark that we are honored to carry forward."
Who Was Mark Weston
Weston was a founding figure in Douglas County's Open Space program. He helped plan and secure voter approval of the original Open Space sales and use tax in 1994, which voters overwhelmingly renewed in 2022. He also played key roles in early open space acquisitions and conservation easements, including Greenland Ranch, JA Ranch and Prairie Canyon Ranch.
What Doesn't Change
Mark Weston Open Space at Spruce Mountain is the same Larkspur property as before, with the same trails and address, just under the new name. The county's own property page now lists it as "formerly known as Spruce Mountain Open Space."
Sources: Douglas County, "Spruce Mountain Open Space renamed to honor conservation leader Mark Weston", posted Nov. 9, 2026; Douglas County's Mark Weston Open Space at Spruce Mountain property page, checked Nov. 10, 2026. Both checked Nov. 10, 2026.