Adams County Open Space Grant Application - Passive Use

You must use the following forms for Attachments A through E. Download, complete, and have ready to upload under the Attachments section at the end of this application. 

• Attachment A - Project Budget
• Attachment B - Project Budget Categories
• Attachment C - Estimated Project Timeline
• Attachment D - Source of Funds
• Attachment E - Source of Funds Categories

Also, it is recommended that you compile any of  the following attachments, if applicable, before beginning the application.

• Attachment F - Project Site Plan
• Attachment G - Location Map
• Attachment H - Access or Maintenance Agreements (if applicable)
• Attachment I - Master or Regional Plan (limit 3 pages) (if applicable)
• Attachment J - Letter of Sponsorship from Qualified Jurisdiction (if applicable)
• Attachment K - Letters of Commitment from Project Partners
• Attachment L - Letters of Support
• Attachment M - Appraisal (if applicable)
• Attachment N - Easements (if applicable)

The contact name provided above will be used for all official correspondence. In the event the primary contact is not available, please list any additional contacts for this project.

Previous Funding: ​Pursuant to the Open Space Policies and Procedures, a project can be submitted for funding consideration up to three (3) times. Has this grant been submitted for funding consideration in a previous grant cycle?

If yes, please list the grant cycle(s) and the amount of the award(s), if any:

Include a Location Map and label as Attachment G - Location Map. It should clearly identify the location of the project (including the nearest cross streets) and should provide directions to the project site.

1. Project Description

2. Community Need/Urgency

Clearly describe how this project will fulfill needs of the community (i.e. the project provides passive recreation opportunities for underserved areas, addresses health and safety issues, protects wildlife habitat and natural resources, etc.). (<2,000 characters) 

Explain the urgency to complete this project, including how the scope of the project will be affected if Adams County Open Space Grant funds go unsecured and what, if any, opportunities will be lost if the project does not receive grant funding this cycle. (<2,000 characters)

3. Uses/Users

If yes, explain how this project will appeal to a broad diversity of users or address the needs of specific groups (i.e. the project will provide facilities specifically for youth, the elderly, those with a disability, or will serve a combination of many groups). (<2,000 characters)

4. Connectivity

Explain how this project fits into a regional or master plan. Attach relevant portions of the plan(s) and label as Attachment I (limit 3 pages). (<2,000 characters)

Will this project link to other trails, parks, or open space properties in the applicant's jurisdiction or in another jurisdiction, now or in the future? If not, explain the significance of the project location. (<2,000 characters)

5. Wildlife/Natural Resources

Describe the natural resources and/or wildlife habitat that exists on this property and explain how the project will protect or enhance the existing conditions. (<2,000 characters)

6. Open Space Sales Tax Goals

Open Space Sales Tax dollars are to be used in accordance with Resolution 2020-480, Section 8 (C). Please describe how the project complies with the Tax. (<2,000 characters)

1. Budget Narrative

Provide any additional information needed to understand the project budget - Attachment A (i.e., how land value was estimated without an appraisal, how costs were estimated on equipment or staff time, etc.). Please DO NOT write any dollar amounts below. (<2,000 characters)

2. Partnerships

Please list partners and describe how each partner is contributing to the project. Please DO NOT write any dollar amounts below. (<2,000 characters)

3. Qualified Jurisdiction Sponsorship

If applicable, please attach a letter of sponsorship from a qualified jurisdiction and Label as Attachment J.

4. Partnerships and Sources of Funds

Please complete Attachment D - Source of Funds below.

5. Letters of Commitment

Please provide a letter of commitment from each partner that is providing cash or in-kind contributions for this project and label as Attachment K - Letters of Commitment. Letters of commitment should include dollar amounts.

1. Community Outreach

Briefly describe any effort made on the part of the applicant to gain support for this project (i.e. community surveys completed, neighborhood meetings, solicited comments, etc.).

2. Letters of Support

Provide letters of support from at least two of the categories listed below and label as Attachment L - Letters of Support:

• Nearby landowners
• Nearby cities or counties
• Federal or state agencies
• School districts or special districts
• Individual users or user groups
• Citizen Boards
• Local Businesses or Non-Profit Agencies

* Please DO NOT include any dollar amounts in the letters.
** Letters must have been written within the past 12 months. Showing support in a variety of categories is encouraged.

1. Long-term Management

Describe how this project will be managed for long-term sustainability. Include in your answer the entity responsible for maintenance, the available resources, and the typical maintenance schedule. (<2,000 characters)

2. Past Performance

In the space provided below, list similar projects that have received ADCO grant funds and have been successfully completed by the applicant (limit 3 projects). For example, if this is a trail project, list completed trail projects.

3. Pending Projects

Please list ALL projects that have been awarded ADCO grant funds but have not yet been completed. If a project is past its original due date, explain the current status of the project.

All facilities or land must be accessible to the public, except for conservation easements for agricultural and/or wildlife habitat preservation. All accessible facilities and land must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any applicable state or local regulations. The Applicant understands that no land or interests acquired with revenues of the Opens Space Sales Tax may be sold, leased, traded or otherwise conveyed, nor may an exclusive license or permit on such land or interest be given, without the approval of such action by the BoCC. See resolution 2020-480.

Each qualified jurisdiction or sponsored organization applying to the Open Space Program may only submit up to three (3) grants per grant cycle, up to two (2) of which may be full project applications (i.e., not mini grants). If submitting more than one application this grant cycle, please rank the projects by priority:

By submitting this form, I verify that I have the authority to act on behalf of, acknowledge the receipt of the Adams County Open Space Policies and Procedures, and agree to abide by the same.

Upon award of the Open Space Sales Tax funds, all participants are required to enter into a Grant Agreement with Adams County. In the case of land acquisitions, a conservation easement or Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions will be required.

Factors favorably considered by the OSAB when included in an applicant’s answers to the existing questions on the grant application:

• Inclusivity of projects for people of all abilities
• Measured water efficiency
• Measured energy conservation
• Facility maintenance
• Use of recycled material
• Use of sustainable materials in construction, when possible
• Use of native/Colorado appropriate species