Friends of Stratton Open Space

October 23, 2025

South Suburban Reservoir to Remain Closed

South Suburban Reservoir in Stratton Open Space has been closed for repairs and will not reopen to the public (and dogs) when repairs finish and the reservoir refills.  CS Utilities looked at water contaminant data over the years with dogs allowed at the reservoir, is concerned about water quality issues from dogs in the water, and decided not to continue to allow recreational access..  Dogs introduce E.coli into the water.  Swimming and splashing stir up sediments which adds nutrients to the water and contributes to the growth of blue-green algae, which put toxins in the water.  Because South Suburban is a small reservoir, the concentrations of contaminants becomes high, not good for dogs or their humans, and harder and more expensive to treat for safe drinking water.  CS Utilities has tried mixing water from Gold Camp Reservoir, the other reservoir in Stratton, into South Suburban to lower contaminant concentrations, but at times has had to simply stop using South Suburban as a water source because of the high concentrations.  Another concern is dog toys in the water.  CS Utilities cleaned out dog toys in 2020 and again in 2024, about 1000 total, about 500 in 2024, just a few years after cleaning them out before.  Plastic in the dog toys can put PFAs and micro-plastics into the water supply, an added health concern.  CS Utilities understands that dogs and their humans have enjoyed the recreational access, but wants to protect the city's drinking water.

More information is on CS Utilities web site.

May 22, 2025

2025 Volunteer Project Schedule

The schedule for this summer's volunteer projects is up!  You can view it on our Calendar page.

April 4, 2025

Reservoir Update and Trail Closures

South Suburban Reservoir, the reservoir in Stratton Open Space that usually allows dogs in the summer, has been closed since April 2024 to repair the outlet.  Repair work is scheduled to start April 8 and should be completed by the end of this year.  It's planned that the reservoir can open to the public, and their dogs, for the 2026 season.

2 short trail segments just south of the reservoir are closed for the repairs, segments in red on the map.  Ridgeway Trail (the access road from Ridgeway trailhead to the reservoirs) might have intermittent closures.

CS Utilities web site has more information. 

February 16, 2025

Reservoir Closure Extended

South Suburban Reservoir in Stratton Open Space, a popular spot where dogs can play in the water, is now expected to remain closed through 2025.  An issue with the outlet was discovered in April 2024, and CS Utilities drained the reservoir then to allow for repairs.  They originally expected repairs to finish in time to open the reservoir for the 2025 season, but work was delayed because of plan revisions, weather, and supply chain issues.  Now repairs are expected to be completed this fall so the reservoir can open to the public in spring 2026.  See CSU's web site for more information.