Adams County Commissioners Award $4.9 Million in Open Space Grants

Funds were awarded for 19 projects across the county

On July 14, 2020, the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) awarded more than $4.9 million in open space grants for 19 projects thanks to the voter-approved Open Space Sales Tax. Funding for the Fall 2020 grant cycle came from revenues from the second half of the 2019 Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, which was passed by Adams County voters in 1999.

When the Open Space Sales Tax was presented to voters in 1999, the ballot question called for the creation of an Open Space Advisory Board. This board recommends open space projects to the BOCC for funding. Grants are funded from 68% of the tax proceeds and are awarded twice a year.

This year, the Adams County Open Space Sales Tax is celebrating 20 years. Over these years, more than 538 projects have received funding, totaling more than $212 million invested into parks and open space across Adams County.

The grant recipients for the Fall 2020 grant cycle are as follows:

Mini Grant: Big Dry Creek Demonstration Habitat – City of Westminster
Project Summary: This project provides an exciting opportunity for the City of Westminster and the Butterfly Pavilion to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and wildlife habitat in our region. The project is located at the Big Dry Creek Open Space, 112^th Avenue and Vrain Street in Westminster.
Grant Award: $5,000

Mini Grant: Stocking Thornton Fishing Lakes & Ponds – City of Thornton
Project Summary: This project will fund the stocking of fishing lakes and ponds that have not been stocked for years. Thornton’s fishable lakes are warm water fisheries, where species like Bluegill, Channel Catfish, and Largemouth Bass thrive. Colorado Parks & Wildlife will stock the Lambertson Lakes, Marshall Lake, Sherwood Hills, Knotts Pond at Cherry Creek, Hunters Glen, Woodglen Brookshire, and Sage Creek Park. 
Grant Award: $5,000

Facelift – Phase II – Bennett Park and Recreation District
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding to replace an existing fountain with a dual water bottle station, a new motor for the baby pool, an upgrade to the security system, and new LED lights in the Pilates room. This project is located at 455 South First Street in Bennett.
Grant Award: $5,000

Lake Appreciation Day 2020 – Barr Lake State Park - Sponsored by Adams County

Project Summary: This grant will provide funding for the 14^th annual Barr Lake Appreciation Day. One of the main purposes of the event is to bring public awareness about 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 water fowl that frequent the lake. Barr Lake State Park is located at 13401 Picadilly Road in Brighton.
Grant Award: $4,000

Centennial Park Improvements – Town of Bennett
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding to improve the drainage and add seating to this new and popular park. The park is located between Hancock Court and Centennial Drive in Bennett.  
Grant Award: $39,000

Brother’s Four Playground Improvement – Town of Bennett
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding to improve the Town of Bennett’s oldest neighborhood park. The project will include replacing the playground equipment, resurfacing the play surface, replacing trash cans, adding a dog station, and adding two drainage pans to the street. The park is located between Kiowa Street and Ash Street in the Town of Bennett.
Grant Award: $82,800

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding to build a 14-car parking lot around Lake Mary Trailhead and a concrete sidewalk to connect the trailhead to the accessible piers and floating boardwalk. The property is located within the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.   
Grant Award: $84,319.82

LuBird’s Inclusive Playground at Stanley Marketplace – Sponsored by the City of Aurora
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding support to build a one-of-a-kind inclusive playground at Stanley Marketplace for children and families of all needs. The playground will be located at 2501 Dallas Street in Aurora at the Stanley Marketplace.
Grant Award: $200,000

New Park at 88^th Avenue and Santa Fe Drive – City of Thornton
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding to purchase a 2.3-acre property to use as active parkland on Thornton’s west side of I-25, plus contribute to design and construction of a park on the property. The new park will be located between 88^th Avenue and Santa Fe Drive in Thornton. 
Grant Award: $824,546        

Thornton Trail Access and Improvements 2020 – City of Thornton
Project Summary: This project will focus on building an underpass at Huron Street that will connect concrete trails within the Niver Open Space to the trail that follows the Niver Creek Tributary M. This project will improve safety for crossing Huron and will be paired with flood control improvements. In the Springvale neighborhood, a 150-foot “social trail” will be paved to connect the cul-de-sac of 137^th Avenue with the larger trail network. The new trail and underpass will be located at 401 West 88^th Avenue in Thornton.
Grant Award: $819,650

Veterans Memorial Park Renovation – City of Commerce City
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding support for the renovation, which includes an inclusive playground (a first in the city), a nature playground, new shelters, new irrigation systems, additional sidewalks, a labyrinth, secured parking for city vehicles, landscaping, a flush restroom, and art keeping with the theme of the newly renovated and adjacent Eagle Pointe Recreation Center. The project is located at 6015 Forest Drive in Commerce City. 
Grant Award: $400,000

Aichelman Open Space Property Phase I – City of Brighton
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding support for a new and safe access for open space and trail users in western Brighton. The project includes construction of an accessible asphalt entry drive to Ken Mitchell Open Space off Brighton Road that leads to a lighted parking lot/trailhead with adjoining concrete trail section, and site landscaping with prairie mix seeding. This historic open space features scenic western mountain vistas, lake fishing and bird and wildlife watching with outdoor and environmental education planned at this location in the future. The project is located between Brighton Road and Scott Drive in Brighton.
Grant Award: $818,400

Sand Creek Park Shelter Construction – City of Aurora
Project Summary: This grant will fund the construction of a large group shelter at Sand Creek Park. The proposed shelter will have six tables and seating for 60. Fully accessible concrete walks will provide connections from the parking lot. A large plaza space will be located on the north side of the shelter allowing room for large events/receptions. Sandstone boulders and native plants will provide elements compatible with the surroundings and existing park features. A vault restroom adjacent to the parking lot will serve both park and trail users.
Grant Award: $170,000

Parklane Pool Improvements – City of Aurora
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding support for the renovation of the Parklane Pool. The project will include the removal and replacement of the bathhouse with a new entry and ADA-compliant facilities and fixtures. Renovations will include the addition of an 1100 square-foot splash pad with water play equipment with a large water dump feature, an arch with sprays, and stream jets. This project is located at 13003 East 30^th Avenue in Aurora. 
Grant Award: $775,000

Environmental Education: The Key To A Sustainable Future – Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Project Summary: This grant will provide environmental education programs at the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. The year-round programs include camps, school field trips, school in-class programs, and community outreach programs. The project is located at 14500 Lark Bunting Lane in Brighton.
Grant Award: $466,235

Bergman Barn Restoration – Barr Lake State Park - Sponsored by the City of Brighton
Project Summary: This project includes removal of existing deteriorated siding and sheathing, installation of exterior trim, restoration of site fencing, and sheathing/siding replacement on the historic Bergman Barn. The project is located at 13401 Picadilly Road in Brighton.
Grant Award: $34,361

Alsup Elementary School Replacement Playground – Adams County School District 14 – Sponsored by Adams County
Project Summary: This grant will fund the construction of multiple student-inspired outdoor playground areas. The assistance will provide resources for an outdoor classroom, educational gardens, and other outdoor gathering spaces. These unique areas will encourage teachers to teach outside while also benefiting the families in the neighborhoods surrounding the new school building. The project is located at 4413 East 68^th Avenue in Commerce City.
Grant Award: $110,000

Rotella Park Shade Structures – Adams County
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding to install shade structures at the playground at Rotella Park. The new shade structures will be retrofitted over the ages 2-5 playground equipment. The project is located at 1824 Coronado Parkway in Denver. 
Grant Award: $56,067.50

Trupp Park Phase IV (Amenity Improvements) – Town of Bennett
Project Summary: This grant will provide funding for the master plan and design for City View Park with an eye toward a complete re-imagining of City View Park. The project is located at 8150 City View Drive in Denver.
Grant Award: $75,000