Barr Lake State Park, established near Brighton in 1977, surrounds Barr Lake and balances outdoor recreation with wildlife protection close to Denver. Fed by the Burlington Ditch from the South Platte River, the 2,715-acre park includes open water, shoreline habitat, and a 12-mile trail system, including a loop around the lake. Fishing and boating are limited to the northern half, while the southern half serves as a wildlife refuge with viewing stations and a nature center. More than 350 bird species have been recorded here, including wintering bald eagles and an annually nesting pair, and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies has its headquarters within the park.