Tony Sabatini

An era of the Jefferson County Open Space program ended June 21, 2005, with the death of Tony Sabatini. Tony was appointed to the first Open Space Advisory Committee in 1973 and served until he moved back to his Pueblo birthplace in 1999.

Land use was dear to Tony’s heart. He was the administrator for the Colorado Land Board for 37 years and was on the Lakewood Planning Commission for 22 years. His active volunteerism led to Lakewood creating the Tony Sabatini citizenship award that is awarded to individuals with a selfless dedication to the community. Tony was the first recipient.

Tony’s wife Eva preceded him in death in 2003. Tony had a heart attack in 2004 while on a trip to Italy and was not able to overcome the complications.

Tony was a proponent for the acquisition of the Fehringer Ranch property owned by the Denver Water Board long before the Board was interested in selling. When the Board finally considered selling the property, it became desirable for a number of entities. The Ranch now is the site of D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High Schools, has a site for a library, has a site for a R-1 Athletic complex, has a site for a junior college campus, has a large commercial section, plus space for a sports complex, trails, and natural areas. In early June, Open Space and Foothills Park and Rec District honored Tony by naming the future sports complex the "Anthony "Tony" Sabatini Sports Complex at Fehringer Ranch." (Newsletter will reproduce certificate.)

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Jeffco Open Space Foundation, 5855 Wadsworth Bypass, Bldg A, Suite 100, Arvada, CO 80003.