Frisco has officially joined the growing list of Colorado communities recognized for protecting the night sky. DarkSky International certified the Summit County mountain town as an International Dark Sky Community, recognizing its efforts to reduce light pollution and preserve views of the stars.
Frisco Earns Dark Sky Certification
Located about an hour west of Denver, Frisco sits between the Tenmile Range and Dillon Reservoir. The mountain town is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with access to multiple ski resorts, hiking and biking trails, and attractions including Frisco Adventure Park and Frisco Nordic Center.
The new certification reflects work that began in 2024 under the direction of the Frisco Town Council. The town updated its outdoor lighting regulations to align with DarkSky International standards.
The regulations require fully shielded fixtures, warmer color temperatures, lighting curfews, and limits on excessive lighting. The town has also inventoried Town-owned lighting and begun upgrading fixtures. Major public lighting along Main Street has already been replaced with fully shielded and dimmable fixtures.
Protecting Colorado’s Night Skies
Frisco has also established continuous sky brightness monitoring on Main Street and conducts measurements throughout the town each quarter. Educational signage has been installed in local parks, while community programs have focused on topics including light pollution, bird migration, solar viewing, stargazing, and constellations.
DarkSky International Community Program Manager Michael Rymer said Frisco and other Summit County communities are demonstrating how responsible outdoor lighting can reduce light pollution while preserving the area’s natural character.
“Achieving International Dark Sky Community certification is an important step in protecting Frisco’s natural environment and preserving the magic of a night sky in the mountains. We look forward to continuing our work with community members and businesses to further reduce light pollution and ensure future generations can experience the beauty of a darker sky and stargazing.” – Frisco Mayor Rick Ihnken.
The town plans to continue public education, lighting improvements, and night sky monitoring. All Town-owned fixtures are expected to comply with the updated lighting code within five years. Frisco also plans to work with private property owners to bring privately owned lighting into compliance by March 2036.