Incorporated in 1969, Wheat Ridge is 9.5 sq. miles with 31,000 citizens in 14,000 households and approximately 1500 businesses. The rich history of the city includes the Gold Rush of 1859, when miners used it as a rest stop when headed to mountain gold camps. It was named Wheat Ridge for the golden ridges of wheat noted by travelers passing along the Overland Trail. When unsuccessful miners returned to the area, they began farming the rich, fertile soil and the community began its growth. Wheat fields were converted to fruit orchards and vegetable fields. Eventually those farms gave way to greenhouses and the largest production of carnations in the world, earning Wheat Ridge the designation of “Carnation City.”
The city today is home to 20 developed parks, four lakes and a 250-acre greenbelt and conservation area. A six-mile, family friendly, multi-purpose trail system runs through the greenbelt along Clear Creek and connects the regional trail system on the east and west. A three-mile crusher fine trail runs through the conservation area. A great 70,000-square-foot recreation center with indoor and outdoor leisure and lap pools, 18 ball fields, tennis courts and a great playground for the physically challenged is found at 40th and Kipling Street. Also, an Active Adult Center offers classes and social opportunities for the 50+ crowd. Wheat Ridge is part of the Jefferson County School System and offers a variety of housing opportunities. Some residential lots are large and provide a bit of a suburban feel.
Approximate city boundaries are Sheridan on the East, Ward Road on the West, 26th Avenue on the South and 1-70 on the north.