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From the Policies and Procedures
Annual Report: An annual report describing projects funded with the open space funds will be made available to the residents of Adams County annually. The county will compile information based upon reporting they receive from each jurisdiction describing how 30% Share back funds were used. The county will also compile a list of projects funded in the past year, including a brief description of each project and the amount of funding awarded).
History of the Open Space Sales Tax
The Open Space Sales Tax was approved by Adams County voters in 1999 as a 1/3 of one percent sales tax authorized through 2006. In 2004, voters approved an increase to ¼ of one percent, or 25 cents on a $100 purchase, and extended the sales tax through 2026. In 2020, Adams County voters approved a resolution to reauthorize the Open Space Sales Tax in perpetuity.
Proceeds from the sales tax benefit parks, recreation, trails and open space projects countywide.
Funds are distributed in three ways:
- 2% is allocated to administration costs
- 30% is distributed back to the jurisdiction where the tax was generated
- 68% is awarded through a competitive grant program
The Open Space Advisory Board, a seven-member board appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, reviews all grant applications and makes recommendations for funding to the Board of County Commissioners. The current 2022 Open Space Advisory Board Members are:
- Doug Cuillard (Chair) - Unincorporated Adams County
- Michael Koslow (Vice Chair) - Arvada
- Christy Dowling - Unincorporated Adams County
- Cynde Barnes - Unincorporated Adams County
- Rolando Melgoza - Unincorporated Adams County
- Mark Humbert – City of Brighton
- Jason McEldowney – City of Commerce City
30% Shareback Funding Distributed to Jurisdictions in 2021
30% Shareback Summary | |
 | |
| JURISDICTION | SHAREBACK RECEIVED 2021 |
| Arvada | $99,246.34 |
| Aurora | $1,328.912.52 |
| Bennett | $56,339.05 |
| Brighton | $758,676.34 |
| Commerce City | $929,305.74 |
| Federal Heights | $144,590.70 |
| Northglenn | $451,514.42 |
| Thornton | $1,702,413.40 |
| Westminster | $909,744.20 |
| Unincorporated Adams County | $1,816,691.79 |
| Total | $8,197,464.59 |
| *The 30% Shareback is the portion of the Open Space Sales Tax that is distributed back to the jurisdictions within Adams County. The pie chart illustrates how the funds were used, while the table shows the amount each jurisdiction received in 2021. | |
The Board of County Commissioners makes the final decision on all grant applications. From 2000 to 2021, the Open Space Sales Tax has contributed more than $214,000,000 into parks, recreation, trails, and open space projects throughout Adams County.
45 grants were funded in the fall 2021 and spring 2022 grant cycles. The projects will improve trail connectivity, fund open space acquisitions, construct and improve parks throughout the county, increase efficiency in water usage and conserve and protect open spaces.
Open Space Sales Tax Grant Distribution (approximately 68 percent of funds)
From the fall of 2021 to the spring of 2022, the Open Space Sales Tax Program allocated $29,152,152.14 to the following projects:
Fall 2021
Adams County
McIntosh Farms Phase III Conservation Easement
 | Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts (POSCA) seeks funding to purchase a conservation easement on the McIntosh Farm property. This will be the third conservation easement transaction for McIntosh Farm and will complete the work begun in 2001 to protect the important agricultural and ecological values of the property. The “Phase III” parcels together comprise approximately 42.8 acres. Grant Award: $777,000.00 |
Adams County
Parks and Trails Wayfinding Signage System
 | The Adams County Parks, Open Space, & Cultural Arts Department (POSCA) seeks funding to support a system of park identification signage, directional signage and other wayfinding features throughout Adams County's parks and trails facilities. The parks and regional trails system in Adams County is almost entirely without directional or informative signage of any kind. This presents many challenges to our customers using the County's various parks and trails facilities. Not only are directions unclear, particularly at points where trails converge, but distances to one destination or another are also not marked. Additionally, the implementation of the way-finding signs will aid First Responders responding to emergency situations. This project seeks to address Adams County's clear need for wayfinding at our parks and on our trails. Grant Award: $1,250,000.00 |
Adams County
Adams County Sheriffs Memorial- Mini Grant II
 | This project will provide dedicated space at the Adams County Government Center honoring Adams County Deputies who have lost their lives. This portion of the project is for the construction of the Memorial Wall. Grant Award: $25,000.00 |
City of Aurora
2021 ADCO Nature Playground at Star K Ranch
 | The City of Aurora will plan, design, and construct an inclusive outdoor nature playground at the Star K Ranch property. The playground will consist primarily of elements and textures found in nature including tree logs, boulders, plants, stumps, and climbing elements, all dependent upon the final design. The playground will provide a unique and needed resource for community members of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors, connect safely with nature and practice healthy and playful lifestyles. The primary user groups will be families who use the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Trail and those who visit Morrison Nature Center. Grant Award: $300,000.00 |
City of Brighton
High School Seniors Beautification Project at Donelson Park – Mini Grant
 | This “High School Seniors Beautification Project at Donelson Park” addresses several needs with one overall purpose. The purpose of the project is to enhance the beauty and shade within the heavily used Donelson Park. The park is the host to practices and games in soccer, football, and rugby. It also has a well-used playground, shelter, restroom, and new basketball court. The purpose of this all-inclusive tree planting project will be accomplished with volunteer labor from High School Senior students of all abilities. The Seniors will be planting 30 trees (26 deciduous trees and 4 evergreen trees) around the edges of the park and around the centrally located park shelter. Grant Award: $2,500.00 Mini Grant |
City of Commerce City
Buffalo Run Golf Course Irrigation Phase 2
 | Buffalo Run Golf Course, built in 1995, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The irrigation system installed when the course was constructed is still in use. Phase one of this project occurred in 2015 and included replacement of the control system. This project will replace the irrigation system including pipes, sprinkler heads, computer system, wiring, and pump station. The city expects to see a substantial increase in efficiency of water use, which is becoming more and more important as water becomes more scarce. Grant Award: $1,500,000.00 |
City of Northglenn
Justice Center West Park Construction
 | The “Justice Center West (JCW) Park Construction” project comprises construction of a water-wise and ADA-compliant neighborhood park with playgrounds, an adventure course, trails, public art, signage, lighting, furnishings, and landscaping all designed to fit in with the natural contours of the site and take advantage of the Front Range views. The proposed construction would transition an unimproved, inaccessible property into an active, “nature play”-themed space that invites youth, teens, adults, and seniors of all ages and abilities in an area without such an amenity within a one-mile walking distance, while also demonstrating responsible water use. Grant Award: $1,500,000.00 |
City of Northglenn
Croke Reservoir Improvements
 | The Croke Reservoir Improvements project comprises a comprehensive education/regulations sign package, including a consolidated theme, reduced sign clutter, ground surface signs at major Reservoir entrances, and 3’-post signs to deter social trail entrances; approximately 360 feet of post-and-cable fencing at the western trail edge to further deter wetland degradation, bank destabilization, and box culvert trespass; and an ADA-compliant second fishing area at the southeast corner of the site where anglers already congregate. The improvements would enhance the recreational amenities, security, and conservation of Croke Reservoir for existing and future users. Grant Award: $40,000.00 |
City of Thornton
Niver River Enhancements
 | Niver Open Space Enhancements project will activate and enliven this detention, dam, and open space area through the addition of a trailhead, trail improvements, boardwalks, bridges, water crossings, observation platforms, shade shelters and other passive amenities. The project will also restore degraded vegetation and will complement other projects within the open space including re-grading eroded creek banks, a new dam outlet with a low water crossing and constructed wetlands and nature play/story node areas, all of which are in progress, but not a part of this grant. Thornton is managing the design process and will be involved in implementation. Grant Award: $1,000,000.00 |
City of Thornton
McAllister Field / North Huron Christian Center Purchase and Stabilization
 | Since 2001 under a joint use agreement, Thornton has leased McAllister Field from the North Huron Christian Center. The city designed, constructed, and maintained the park area on the Center's property (baseball field, ½ basketball court, playground, picnic area) until offered first right of refusal to purchase the property. This grant will help reimburse the purchase cost of the property and provide funds for necessary Phase 1 City Code and Building Department requirements for public use. Grant Award: $815,400.00 |
City of Thornton
Niver Benches and Trash Receptacles - Mini Grant
 | The existing benches along the Niver Creek Regional trail (and tributary trails) are worn down and outdated. The old benches will be removed and will be replaced with new benches. A minimum of 10 new benches will be installed. The new benches will be a special type of bench that were adopted to be the standard along the designated Niver Nature Heritage Trail (NNHT). The NNHT runs from Pecos Park to 88th Avenue, along the creek. There are about eight benches in need of replacement. Several additional benches will be added between 84th Avenue and 88th Avenue where there is shortage of benches. Several new city standard trash receptacles will be added as well. Grant Award: $25,000.00 |
City of Westminster
McKay Lake Area Management Plan
 | The City of Westminster Open Space Division is seeking funds for engineering and design services to complete an area management plan for McKay Lake Open Space. The current infrastructure was developed during a time of lower usership and lower water levels. To best serve the community and create sustainable trail systems, parking solutions and amenities, engineering and design work is necessary. The support of Adams County funding will allow the city to take on the whole project at once with help from a consultant and develop a comprehensive plan for this unique open space. Grant Award: $42,000.00 |
Mapleton Public Schools
Valley View Inclusive Playground
 | Mapleton is requesting Adams County Open Space funds to construct a sensory-rich playground for students and community members of all abilities including those with physical, sensory, social, or emotional disabilities, at our new Valley View school building. The requested funds will support the addition of innovative equipment and features that are both accessible and inclusive far beyond legal and code requirements, including main and stand-alone play structures, sensory spaces and elements, site topography and surfacing. Valley View PK-8 is currently undergoing renovations and will reopen to students in August 2022. Grant Award: $240,000.00 |
Strasburg Parks and Recreation District
Community Park Phase One
 | The Community Park East Phase One project is the next step in the development of the Wagner Street Land Acquisition. The project will ultimately establish a “recreational hub” within Strasburg, complete with amenities and facilities that have been identified as top priorities. It will provide a complete connection between the school campus and the Recreation District. This application will fund the construction of the following: Lighting and Electrical, Furnishings (Amphitheater, Basketball Court, etc.), Planting and Irrigation, Vault Restrooms, and an Interactive Water Splash Feature. To streamline the project and keep costs in check, we have opted for a Design-Build approach. Grant Award: $1,177,582.97 |
Todd Creek Metropolitan District
Mann Lakes Wave Erosion and Pedestrian Deterrent Plan
 | This project is to discourage pedestrian traffic to the water’s edge without having the usual 6-foot chain link fencing with barbed wire on top. The project is going to have 15-foot-wide Riprap band installed in Lakes 1 and2 as shown on the attached plan sheet and approximately 3700 feet of fencing in areas that will not have Riprap. The result is a visually pleasing set of deterrents that do not conflict with the desired Riverdale Regional Park goal of a park setting. Grant Award: $1,960,780.00 |
Town of Bennett
Civic Center Improvements
 | This project will help to maintain the health and appearance of existing landscape at the Corridor of Honor Military Memorial by planting new trees and shrubs, improving the irrigation system, addressing drainage issues, and laying new sod. Additionally, this project will include new asphalt for the space used for our farmers and artisan market. These improvements will help preserve the memory of our veterans and enhance the feasibility of local merchants to host farmers markets. This project will help reinforce the Town Boards vision of creating a “place where residents can live well and thrive." Grant Award: $35,000.00 |
Town of Bennett
Park Video Surveillance
 | The Town has spent a significant amount of money in the last five years improving all seven parks and open spaces within the Town of Bennett located within Adams County. Vandalism has long been a cause for concern, but the Town saw a substantial uptick in vandalism since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic. The purpose of this grant is to request funding for security cameras for the Adams County Parks and Open Spaces. It is our hope that through visible camera monitoring we will deter vandalism as well as have footage if vandalism still occurs. Grant Award: $60,000.00 |
Town of Bennett
Trupp Park Irrigation Improvements Mini Grant
 | Trupp Park serves as the central location for health and wellness in the Town of Bennett. Trupp Park provides a variety of accessible recreation opportunities for all ages and a venue for social and cultural activities. It is with the generous support from the Adams County Open Space that the Town has been able to make significant improvements to this vital community resource over the last six years. The Town’s goals and objectives are to improve the accessibility of the Trupp Park restrooms and reduce the reliance and ongoing cost associated with the use of port-a-potties. Grant Award: $11,200.00 |
Spring 2022
Adams County
Willow Bay Phase 2 Acquisition
 | Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts (POSCA) seeks funding for the Willow Bay Phase 2 project. This 6.6-acre acquisition sits at the center of Adams County's Willow Bay Open Space, and effectively bisects the site. Acquisition of the parcel will enable Adams County to develop Willow Bay as a contiguous open space park, instead of as two halves separated by private property. Trails, water access, and visitor amenities will all be greatly improved as a result. Willow Bay Phase 2 is a parcel of approximately 6.6 acres at the intersection of 136th Avenue and Brighton Road. This property is almost surrounded by Adams County's Willow Bay open space, and it has a small amount of scenic shoreline on the Willow Bay Lake. When Willow Bay was acquired by Adams County in 2017, Willow Bay 2 remained in private hands. This situation has created problems and delays in planning for the opening of Willow Bay to the public. As it stands the property divides Willow Bay into two halves, each inaccessible from the other except perhaps by canoe. It is not possible to construct a trail all the way around the lake, or to permit water access to parts of the lake due to private property concerns. Additionally, as Adams County wishes to respect its neighbors, planning for Willow Bay has required large buffer zones around the Willow Bay 2 property where public access would not be permitted, to avoid disturbances. Since Willow Bay is already geographically constrained, this has severely limited the possibilities for public access and recreation at Willow Bay. Adams County, together with our partners at the Trust for Public Land, has been working for the past two years to acquire Willow Bay 2 and add it to Willow Bay. Once this process is complete, planning for public access and recreation at Willow Bay will be a simpler process that allows much better outcomes. Additionally, the structures that stand on the Willow Bay 2 property, which include a house and a large barn, could be used for maintenance or equipment storage, or perhaps as amenities such as a visitor center. Acquisition of the Willow Bay 2 property is a crucial step in the process of opening the entire Willow B y Open Space to the public. Grant Award: $986,000.00 |
City of Brighton
HSV Target Property # 1 Additional Funding
 | Brighton requests additional funding for the "HSV Target Property # 1". This 116.3 acres is in the Historic Splendid Valley south of Brighton, within the District Plan boundaries adopted by Adams County and Brighton. Land and water acquisition, the conservation easement, transaction, and due diligence costs are included in this grant request. The city has engaged TCF to acquire the Property using a "buy-protect-sell "strategy whereby TCF will purchase from the current owner, grant a conservation easement to Adams County, then sell to Brighton subject to the conservation easement restrictions. This keeps the site as productive farmland. Grant Award: $2,812,000.00 |
City of Aurora
High Line Canal Trail Construction – Colfax Ave. to I-70
 | The High Line Canal is a 71-mile-long utility that served as a water delivery system for over 100 years. Since the canal's original function of supplying water to settlers and farmers along its entire length, it has become ahistorical Front Range landmark and a beloved recreational greenway. This project involves construction of the High Line Canal Trail from East Colfax Avenue heading north to Interstate 70 (I-70) near Tower Road. This segment is one of the last segments of the High Line Canal that does not have a hard surface trail. The construction of this segment of trail will help close the gap along the High Line Canal and allow users to cross over I-70 on an elevated pedestrian bridge. Grant Award: $1,600,000.00 |
Town of Bennett
Purple Pipe Phase II
 | The Town of Bennett has made significant progress in installing purple pipe to local parks (Trupp Park, Field of Dreams, and Paul Reid Field) since being awarded a grant by the Adam's County Open Space Grant Committee back in 2019. Today, we have almost two miles of purple pipe reuse water main installed, a 2.5-million-gallon lined storage reservoir completed, and a 1,000 gallon per minute pump station due for delivery later this year. We are not able to get the next 1,600-foot phase complete due in part to (a) two long bore sections for the UP Railroad and CDOT, respectively, and (b) overall significant material, equipment, and labor cost increases over the past three years’ time. This new project will provide the resources needed to complete the raining section and add 2,600 feet of new pipe to serve the Town’s 7-acre regional park to the south -which had not been dedicated at the time of the original purple pipe project grant concept, or application. The new regional park area is also adjacent to a large planned 25-acre school site to the west, a future reuse water user. Grant Award: $960,000.00 |
City of Thornton
Aylor Open Lands
 | Thornton's Aylor Open Lands project seeks to develop the 139-acre Aylor property into a public open space with a trailhead, trails, entry drive from 136th Avenue, and a library facility, in partnership with Anythink Library. Grant funding is requested to help pay for the Aylor Master Plan, Phase 1 Design, and Phase 1 Construction. Most of the land will be preserved as open space for natural habitats and agricultural demonstration. The site will be integrated into the existing trail system, becoming an important passive open space destination in the northeastern section of Thornton. Grant Award: $2,902,770.00 |
City of Northglenn
Kiwanis Pool Improvements
 | Kiwanis pool, the city's only outdoor aquatics facility, has been in operation since approximately 1960. This project aims to complete the rehabilitation of this aging outdoor aquatics facility by replacing the concrete pool deck and all the leaking underground plumbing, modernizing the inefficient filtration system, bringing all electrical components to code, resurfacing the large pool and the toddler pool, and providing additional shade structures and site amenities for participants. Grant Award: $1,000,000.00 |
Adams County
Riverdale Bluffs Trail System
 | Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts (POSCA) seeks funding to develop visitor amenities at the County's Riverdale Bluffs Open Space. Purchased in 2010, this open space has been available for recreation, but there are no trails, signage, restroom facilities, or shelters, and there is only minimal parking. Adams County wishes to develop Riverdale Bluffs into an accessible open space, connected to the rest of the County system and beyond, while maintaining wildlife habitat and scenic values and respecting neighboring property owners. POSCA received an Adams County Open Space Grant in Spring of 2021 for the initial part of this project; this second phase will help complete the funding picture. Grant Award: $1,733,069.00 |
City of Westminster
Swim and fitness Center Front Entrance ADA Enhancements and Upgrades
 | The Swim & Fitness Center is the City of Westminster’s first recreation center, opening its doors in 1975. This multi-level facility hosts activities and provides amenities on the lower level and upper level while requiring that all guest visits begin at the middle level, main entrance welcome desk. There are challenges and safety issues presented with existing ADA accessibility, front desk design and layout, and the main entrance vestibule that we prioritize in this project and seek grant funding to help resolve through the following changes: 1) Addition of elevator with 3 stops, redesign of interior and exterior to accommodate elevator and blend with lower and upper level circulation spaces as well as exterior ADA ramp system; 2) Renovation of entryway, main lobby and welcome desk/staff work area; and 3) New main entry vestibule with new exterior enclosure. Grant Award: $1,000,000.00 |
City of Aurora
Sand Creek Trail System
 | Sand Creek Trail is a 13-mile regional trail that passes through Aurora, Denver, and Commerce City. The trail is a collaborative initiative among these jurisdictions and the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership. Aurora works with the Partnership to achieve mutual goals for the greenway and trail. This project will improve a 1,000’ segment of trail between Sand Creek Park and the Denver border. The existing trail will be re-graded to be ADA compliant to accommodate equitable access for all residents and anew 10’ wide concrete trail with a 3’ foot wide parallel crusher fines trail will be constructed. Grant Award: $261,170.00 |
City of Thornton
Trail Connections, Upgrades and Rehab 2022
 | This application would help fund design & construction of trail connections for access, trail lighting, replacement of broken concrete, pedestrian bridge decking and asphalt rehabilitation for safety, plus replacement of several sections of temporary asphalt trail with city-standard permanent concrete. Grant Award: $651,231.00 |
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Bringing Nature Home
 | Bird Conservancy fosters understanding and engagement in the world in which we live by providing universally accessible, quality, environmental education programs and opportunities for all communities to experience nature. Funding from this grant will ensure we are able to connect more under-resourced students, families and individuals to standards-based, relevant, and experiential education programs that will help them develop lifelong learning, wellness, and civic minded behaviors using birds as the hook! Together with bird lovers, scientists, conservationists, students, families, and everyone in between, we can change lives and create a better world for people and birds. Grant Award: $594,994.00 |
City of Commerce City
Fitness Court
 | Commerce City PRG is partnering with National Fitness Campaign to bring a Fitness Court® to the city. This Fitness Court® provides free outdoor recreational fitness space with open accessibility to all residents. Fitness Court® has several stations that provide different functional exercises that can either be programmed with staff or individual use and guided through a free application. These stations allow multiple users, regardless of skill level, to use the court. This court is also ADA accessible and allows those with disabilities a safe space to workout. Grant Award: $100,000.00 |
Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District
Sherrelwood Play Space and Shelter
 | The goal is to add amenities and enhance community health and wellness by promoting access to Sherrelwood Community Park by installing a new play space and shelter outside the water detention area. Creating this play space and shelter will create a safe and fun environment for families to be able to enjoy. The play structure and shelter will be a great addition for the new single-family townhomes being built adjacent to the park. There will also be water reduction created with adding a play space and shelter that will reduction of the Kentucky bluegrass footprint. Grant Award: $450,000.00 |
City of Westminster
Legacy Ridge Golf and Parks Reclaimed Irrigation Project
 | The city is requesting assistance with the reclaimed irrigation conversion for the Legacy Ridge Golf Course, and two nearby parks, Windsor and Foxshire. This project replaces all irrigation equipment and piping at Legacy. It will also change all of the irrigation from potable to reclaimed water in the parks and along Legacy Parkway. Overall, the project will reduce potable water use by 8.5 million gallons, the equivalent of 26.08 acre-feet. A new, aesthetic pond will store additional reclaimed water. Lastly, the project will convert a dirty storm water swale to a rain garden benefitting pollinators and runoff water quality. Grant Award: $1,250,305.93 |
City of Commerce City
Second Creek Farm Park
 | Commerce City is requesting funds for a 10- acre neighborhood park in the Second Creek Farm subdivision. There are very few city-owned and maintained recreational facilities in this part of Commerce City. Additional funding has become available from the 2K Initiative (1% sales tax) passed in November 2013. The park will include a perimeter path, open play fields, an inclusive playground, a picnic area with a large shelter, and a plumbed restroom. Other amenities will be determined after public outreach has occurred. A 10-acre future elementary school site is located directly south of the future park site. Grant Award: $2,000,000.00 |
Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District
Clear Creek Valley Large Event Shelter Phase VI
 | The goal is to continue to meet the needs of the community at Clear Creek Valley Regional Park. In Phase V, we plan to add an event shelter (60 x 90) to host events such as farmer markets, large family gatherings and other special events. We also want to add three additional shelters to allow for areas that can be used for programs as well as family events. One of the shelters would be in the community garden area to allow for educational programming and a place for the community garden plot holders to have shade areas to get relief from the heat. The other two shelters would be located by the newly renovated sand volleyball courts. Grant Award: 360,000.00 |
Town of Bennett
Trail Wayfinding Art Project
 | This project will include a large mural on our new at grade water storage tank. The storage tank is located within Civic Center Park and is with yards of the High 79 trail, which it the backbone of the Town's Adams County Trail system. In addition, the Town will add four smaller murals within other trail head/ park locations. The storage tank site will have a wayfinding sign that will encourage the use of the trails to locate the additional murals. All murals will feature local plants and birds. Grant Award: $70,000.00 |
Adams County
Ranger Patrol E-Motorcycle
 | Adams County Parks, Open Space, & Cultural Arts (POSCA) wishes to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of its range program through the acquisition of an electric motorcycle for use in trail and open space patrol activities. The motorcycle that has been chosen is a Zero FXP ZF7 model, which is lightweight and especially designed for tight quarters and congested areas of the kind found during events at parks. The vehicle also possesses off-road capabilities that would be very helpful in patrolling Adams County’s open spaces. As an electric vehicle (EV), the motorcycle produces zero emissions and poses no risk of spills or pollution of natural resources. EVs also feature substantially lower maintenance costs than fossil-powered vehicles, so the purchase of this motorcycle will save the County money over time. The law-enforcement package that would be added to the motorcycle features lights, hand guards, and gear racks, among other useful items for the County’s Rangers. Grant Award: $12,000.00 |
Town of Bennett
Mountview Cemetery and Open Space
| Like many Colorado cities and towns, Bennett has experienced significant population growth. To help prepare for this growth, important improvements to our local cemetery and open spaces are necessary. These improvements could include adding a parking area at the trailhead along with an Open Space Trail info exhibit or mini-kiosk to assist visitors with getting acquainted or navigating the area. Additionally, these improvements could include adding a storm-water detention pond to the open space to prevent future flooding to the area along with added cemetery plots, a storage facility for cemetery equipment, and a gazebo or shelter that overlooks the area. To move these ideas further, the Town will need to complete conceptional designs that will assist with phasing out each of the elements for the project and projected timeline so that the funding can be appropriated in the coming fiscal years to bring this vision to life. Grant Award: $25,000 |
Hyland Hills Parks and Recreation District
Design and Planning of Hyland Hills Sports Complex
 | The purpose of the planning and designing of the drainage, irrigation and playground & shelter placement is to determine what is needed to improve the drainage of the baseball/softball fields. The fields are in poor condition and many times unplayable. This design report will determine a long-term solution to improve the playing conditions of the fields. Hyland Hills would like to remove the batting cages and repurpose this area for more of a family gathering and event space. The existing playground that is in the middle of the parking lot (safety concern) would be removed and replace with a new assessable playground structure located in the former batting cage location. There would be two to three shelters adjacent to the future playground. The design and planning process give cost estimates and provide project designs for future construction build out. Grant Award: $25,000 |
City of Thornton
Brandon Place Park Playground Swings
 | This project at Brandon Place Park involves the installation of ADA compliant swing and one toddler swing at the existing playground location. The new swing will be a stand-alone structure for community usage. The current play structure does not have an ADA accessible swing, nor a toddler swing available to the park users, and it is our intent to provide a fully integrated play opportunity for residents and visitors. We will expand the existing playlot concrete curb to allow for the additional stand-alone swing bay and the required safety zones around the play equipment, install new Poured-In-Place ADA accessible safety surfacing, irrigation components will be adjusted to accommodate the expanded play area and site restoration. Grant Award: $25,000 |
City of Commerce City
Park Ranger E Bikes
 | We are requesting funds to purchase electronic bikes, along with a bike rack to transport e-bikes, for our new Park Ranger Program. E-bikes will assist the park rangers in ensuring a safe experience for parks, trails, and open space users. Electronic bikes allow for faster response times, reduced fatigue for the rangers, and an expanded patrol range. Currently the new Park Ranger Program has a mid-size truck available for patrol. Outside of the truck, rangers have only the option to walk trails for patrol. When on trails such as the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, the truck blocks most of the trail and our trail users must get off to the side of the trail for the truck to pass. In addition, there are blind spots along trails and trucks tend to startle trail users. E-bikes are also beneficial in some of our larger parks, allowing for rangers to respond to concerns and medical needs quicker. Grant Award: $9,275.00 |
Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership
SCRGP Community Engagement Initiative
 | The Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership (SCRGP) requests $25,000 to invest in a 10-month community engagement process to create an equitable community engagement strategy. This strategy will help inform our organizational decisions focused on increasing the diversity and representation of Adams County residents on the Sand Creek Regional Greenway and events over the next five years. The Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a 13-mile linear trail and greenway in the northeast Denver area. The SCRGP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to help the three partnering cities, Commerce City, Aurora, and Denver, develop the trail and greenway while encouraging stewardship. Now, as much of the trail is developed, we are excited to continue enhancing this tremendous natural resource while emphasizing our three pillars of equitable access, awareness, and engagement for all Sand Creek Regional Greenway community members. Grant Award: $24,653.00 |
Strasburg Parks and Recreation
North Field Batting Cages
 | The North Field Batting Cages are located next to the only baseball field in Strasburg. Many teams use the field throughout the year, including the Strasburg High School baseball teams, Youth Recreational baseball teams, Competitive Youth baseball teams, and the Men’s Slow-pitch softball league. This equates to approximately 20+teams that utilize this field from March to October each year. There is a need for new batting cages at North Field because the current cages have served their useful life. The existing cages are constructed out of old, donated telephone poles. The poles have settled over the years and have begun to lean. After multiple repairs, the cages have become a safety concern and need to be replaced. In addition, the location of the cages needs to be addressed. The current cages are in an area that impedes parking during events. There is also a drainage issue where the cages are located. By moving the cages to the northwest corner of the property, we can ensure proper drainage and installation and provide superior access to the ball field. The new location is also next to the equipment shed where the pitching machines are stored. The project components include the purchase and installation of the Tuff-Frame Pro Standard Batting Cages –including two tunnels. We chose this model because of the durability – the tensioned overhead cable supports cage, there are no side poles or overhead structures to cause the ball to ricochet. The heavy-duty support poles will also be important during eastern Colorado windstorms. The base of the cages will be artificial turf. Our district has purchased excess turf from a local company, so we already have the material on-hand. The installation of the turf will include a 3” fill of road base and compaction. The turf will then be installed with necessary hardware, providing an all-weather base that is conducive for year-long use. In addition, we will improve the driveway access leading to the cages by adding additional road base. The final component will be the demolition of the existing cages. Grant Award: $24,139.00 |
Strasburg Parks and Recreation District
South Field Shade and Scoreboard
 | The South Softball Field is centrally located in Strasburg. The field is the most highly used ball field along the I-70 Corridor. From April to October, the field is in use 6-7 days per week. There are many teams that call the South Field home, including: Eastern Plains Pink Sox teams, Strasburg Youth Baseball teams, Big D’s Warriors Adaptive Baseball, Adult Coed Slow-pitch Softball league, and Strasburg High School Softball. In all, more than26+ teams utilize the ball field per year. With that many teams using the field, there are hundreds, if not thousands of spectators that enjoy the field as well. This project will include a new scoreboard for the ball field and the addition of shade structures in the spectator area. The purpose of the improvements at South Field is to provide a much-needed, improved spectator experience. Given the fact that this is the most highly used ball field on the I-70 Corridor, the amenities will be enjoyed by many people. There is a need to make these improvements at South Field. The existing scoreboard at South Field is fifteen years old and after many repairs, it has come to the end of its useful life. Scoreboards are important at ball fields so that both teams, umpires, and fans are all on the same page during a game. The aluminum bleachers are currently uncovered. The addition of shade structures over the bleachers will greatly improve the spectators experience and will provide some much-needed protection from sun exposure, especially for our elderly audience members. The project components include the purchase and installation of a new scoreboard and the installation of shade structures over two of the three sets of existing bleachers. The third set of bleachers do not require shade because of existing mature, shade trees. Grant Award: $24,667.00 |
Barr Lake State Park
Lake Appreciation Day 2022
 | This will be the 15th Annual Barr Lake Appreciation Day on July 9, 2022. One of the main purposes of this event is to bring public awareness to water quality and issues that face our lakes and waterways including the importance of keeping Barr Lake free of debris and dangerous obstacles that may harm mammals, birds and waterfowl that frequent our lake. The volunteers will start out with the volunteer projects followed by lunch and then educational activities. The educational activities will range from an archery course, boat rides, climbing wall, face painter to kid’s crafts. We are proud to have so many supporters from the community come together for such a great cause. Their support has made this event a success. Our goal for this year is 200 volunteers. Grant Award: $3,900.00 |
City of Northglenn
Rotary Park Pavilion
 | Rotary Park is adjacent to a neighborhood elementary school, and near multi-family and single-family housing. The park currently has a baseball field, with a backstop and covered dugouts, as well as a grassy area that extends beyond the outfield. Other than scheduled sports practices or games, there are no amenities in this park that encourage community members to gather and enjoy the park. This project would provide additional park amenities, including a pavilion on a concrete slab, picnic tables with wheelchair accessibility, trash/recycling containers and several additional trees. Grant Award: $20,000.00 |
