Advancing Adams - Parks, Open Space & Trails Plan

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Learn more about the Transportation Master Plan update or the Comprehensive Plan update.

The last Master Plan, adopted in 2012, was a strong plan that has guided the department's work for the last eight years and has served the department well. Many of the parks, open space and trails issues noted in that plan continue to be relevant today, including the continued need for trail connectivity, regional partnerships, farmland preservation, and open space acquisition and development. The current plan will continue to explore those themes and also, taking a cue from the Adams County Vision to be the most innovative and inclusive county in America for all families and businesses, will ensure that the latest technology available will be used to manage the county’s vast park and open space properties and wildlife habitats. In addition, this plan will also focus on equitable park distribution and provide the County with data which will help determine what access to parks and open space amenities looks like for all Adams County residents. Staff will then be able to use this data to better advise the Board of County Commissioners on how to make access to these amenities more equitable for the residents of Adams County.

Staff is excited to embark on this plan and expects the completed document to provide useful data that will aid the Parks, Open Space, & Cultural Arts Department as it works to improve the quality of life for Adams County Residents!

This plan will work to cultivate an integrated system that ensures equitable access for all residents to parks, trails and open space properties; identifies areas for future growth; preserves and enhances important wildlife habitats and corridors, natural and scenic resources, and agricultural lands; expands trail connections; and broadens recreational opportunities.

Key Themes

• Natural Resource, Agricultural and Wildlife Habitat Protection and Enhancement
• Outdoor Recreation and Creative Gathering Places
• Partnerships, Regional Coordination and Stewardship
• Dynamic Trail Connections
• Equitable Park Distribution