The designation recognizes communities that take meaningful action to preserve natural darkness. For Frisco, the effort began in 2023 and will continue through 2036.
Protecting the Stars and Wildlife
Frisco has already started updating its lighting. Streetlights along Main Street and South Summit Boulevard now meet Dark Sky standards. In addition, updated regulations require certain fixtures to use shielding and limit lighting heights.
Frisco Dark Sky does not mean turning off the town’s lights, rather the goal is responsible lighting that illuminates streets and properties without unnecessarily brightening the night sky.
These changes can benefit more than stargazers. Darker skies support wildlife, including birds that rely on natural darkness for migration and navigation. Reduced light pollution can also improve energy efficiency and help preserve natural nighttime cycles.
Learn more about DarkSky International at darksky.org and the organization’s efforts to protect night skies around the world.
A Special Experience for Residents and Visitors
Frisco’s mountain setting already provides spectacular opportunities for stargazing. Walter Byron Park offers a peaceful place to enjoy the stars, while the surrounding mountains create an unforgettable nighttime backdrop.
Furthermore, the new Frisco Dark Sky designation could strengthen the town’s appeal to visitors. Millions of people visit Frisco each year for hiking, biking, skiing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Now, the night sky becomes another reason to experience this mountain community.
Breckenridge earned its own Dark Sky Community certification in 2025, making Frisco the second Summit County community to receive the designation.
Looking Toward the Future
The town-owned lighting upgrades must be completed by March 2031. Private properties will have until 2036 to comply, or until exterior work occurs, whichever comes first.
Ultimately, Frisco Dark Sky certification celebrates thoughtful growth while protecting the natural character of the High Country. As Frisco, Breckenridge, Dillon, Silverthorne, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin continue to evolve, preserving the region’s breathtaking night skies can help ensure future generations enjoy the same mountain magic.
