Falcon and Peyton residents finally have a fully stocked fishing pond in their backyard. Improvements to Homestead Regional Park in Peyton were unveiled to the public in a grand reopening celebration in June. The 450-acre park is administered by El Paso County Parks.A Fishing is Fun program grant originally applied for in 2009 funded the improvements. The county raised the spillway to increase the water-holding capacity of the original pond, installed rock along the shoreline, installed a bridge to complete the shoreline trail and installed a wheelchair-accessible fishing dock. ìThese amenities when coupled with the proposed fishery improvements provides an accessible and safe family friendly area that encourages a diverse range of outdoor activities,î according to the grant.The Department of Wildlife stocked the pond with small bass and bluegill to supplement a small population of catfish that had been maintaining themselves since the park opened in 1998. The park features two pavilions that can be reserved for events, a large grass sports field, a children’s play area with new swings and wood mulch and 3 miles of re-graded trails. The restrooms were also upgraded. The trails are equestrian-friendly and feature at least nine geocache sites.Homestead Ranch Regional Park is at 16444 Gollihar Road. To reach the park from northbound U.S. Highway 24, turn left on Elbert Road, right on Sweet Road, left on Gollihar Road, and the park entrance is on the left.
