Adams County Commissioners Award $6.6 Million in Open Space Grants

Today, the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) awarded $6.6 million in open space grants for 20 projects thanks to the voter-approved Open Space Sales Tax. Funding for this grant cycle came from revenues from the second half of the 2018 Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, which was passed by Adams County voters in 1999.

The Open Space Advisory Board reviewed 20 grant applications this grant cycle, recommending the BOCC to approve full funding for all applications. Today, 20 project grants totaling $6,642,082 were awarded.

When the Open Space Sales Tax was presented to voters in 1999, the ballot question called for the creation of a citizen 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.

“We are thrilled to fund projects that will allow people with a disability to fully experience play and the outdoors such as the enhancements to the Sensory Playground in Northglenn, the new playground in Commerce City, and the accessible fishing pier at Barr Lake State Park,” said Board Chair Steve O’Dorisio. “Another exciting project is the Adams County Clear Creek Tubing Park. Residents will be able to surf two different river waves or simply tube or paddle their way through the park. This is the first of many new attractions coming to Clear Creek.”

The grant recipients are as follows:

Mini Grant: Art in the Park – Town of Bennett
Project Summary: This project will provide funding for interactive art displays in the parks and along the trails throughout Bennett creating a more enjoyable outdoor experience for residents.
Grant Award: $5,000

Mini Grant: Fish Restocking for Thornton Fishing Lakes – City of Thornton
Project Summary: Funding for this project will support an increase to the fish stocking budget at the West Sprat Platte Lake. Funding would also support the annual fishing derby at Grandview Ponds. 
Grant Award: $5,000

Mini Grant: Mattive Open Space Pollinator Garden – City of Brighton
Project Summary: The purpose of this project is to develop the Mattive Open Space into a native short grass prairie with a pollinator garden. This will create a more wildlife-friendly environment that attracts butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The Mattive Open Space is located at 16101 East Bromley Ln.
Grant Award: $5,000

Mini Grant: Aquatic Toddler and Continuous Pool – Bennett Park & Recreation District
Project Summary: This project will fund replacement of the heaters in the toddler and continuous pools. Bennett Park & Recreation District is located at 455 S. 1^st St.
Grant Award: $4,495

Mini Grant: Lake Appreciation Day 2019 – Barr Lake State Park- (Sponsored by City of Brighton)
Project Summary: The purpose of this project is to bring public awareness to water quality and issues through the participation of 275 volunteers performing shoreline cleanup, eradicating noxious weeds, and staining boardwalks. The event will be followed by lunch and educational activities for volunteers. Barr Lake State Park is located at 13401 Picadilly Rd.  
Grant Award: $3,743

Highway 79 Permanent Trail Construction – Town of Bennett 
Project Summary: This project will fund the replacement of the temporary trail that runs along Highway 79 from Centennial Avenue to Muegge Way with a permanent concrete trail.
Grant Award: $154,000

Charles Muegge House Living Museum & Historic Park – Town of Bennett
Project Summary: Funding for this project will support restoration of the historic 1900s Muegge House. Renovations include stabilization of the house foundation, restoration of the exterior, remodel of the interior to reflect the time period, and improving ADA access. The Muegge House is located at 401 S. 1st St.
Grant Award: $245,000

Bell Roth Park Irrigation Renovation Project – Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Project Summary: This project will fund renovations to the irrigation system at Bell Roth Park. The project includes replacement of the irrigation system with a new pump house, a more efficient control system, and new transport piping. Bell Roth Park is located at 1498 Milky Way.
Grant Award: $340,000

Deep Well Project – Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Project Summary: This project will ensure adequate water for irrigation of the Greg Mastriona Courses at Hyland Hills Golf. A new well will be drilled, along with a new pump installation and piping delivery system to maintain the needs of this recreational amenity. The Greg Mastriona Courses are located at 9650 N.
Sheridan Blvd.
Grant Award: $309,000

Big Dry Creek Trail Missing Links Design – City of Thornton
Project Summary: This grant will fund trail design for a connection along the Big Dry Creek Trail in the Fairfield subdivision. Improvements will include a pedestrian bridge to connect the west side of the creek, and trail extension to the existing 152^nd Avenue underpass, to the E470 underpass, then be completed near 156^th Avenue and York Street. The project will create an important connection along the trail corridor. 
Grant Award: $282,800

Woodglen Brookshire Community Park Rehabilitation – City of Thornton
Project Summary: This project will fund design and construction for renovations at the 37-acre Woodglen Brookshire Community Park. Improvements will include replacement of the irrigation system and creation of four dedicated pickleball courts. Woodglen Brookshire Community Park is located at 11730 Saint Paul St.
Grant Award: $650,908

Justice Center West Park Design – City of Northglenn
Project Summary: Grant funding for this project will support design of a new 4-acre park. This space is surrounded by residential communities, a small business park, a school, and the new Justice Center. Public input for the park supports a vision for improvements that include trails, shade structures, educational signage, a playground and nature play area, public art, and parking. The park is located at 421 W. 112^th Ave.
Grant Award: $150,000

Sensory Playground Improvements – City of Northglenn
Project Summary: Sensory Playground at E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park is one of the most popular playgrounds in the city. This project will fund improvements to the sensory area that was installed in 2001. Improvements will include replacement of the poured surfacing as well as additional and replaced play features. Sensory Playground is located at 11701 Community Center Dr.
Grant Award: $375,000

Veterans Memorial Park Renovation – City of Commerce City
Project Summary: This project will fund the renovation of the Veterans Memorial Park, which was built in 1971. The renovation will include a completely inclusive playground, picnic shelters, irrigation system, sidewalks, labyrinth, restroom, parking, landscaping, and art pieces. Veterans Memorial Park is located at 6015 Forest Dr.
Grant Award: $750,000

Ken Mitchell Park Basketball Court – City of Brighton
Project Summary: This project includes design and construction of a 50-foot by 85-foot basketball court at the Ken Mitchell Park. Court lighting and benches will also be added. Ken Mitchell Park is located at 88 Kinglet Ct.
Grant Award: $74,037

Veterans Park Playground – City of Brighton
Project Summary: Grant funding for this project will support replacement of the 21-year-old playground at Veterans Park. The project includes design, demolition of the old playground, and construction of the new playground with climbing amenities, swings, slides, benches, curbing around the playground, and an accessible sidewalk. Veterans Park is located at 405 W. Bridge St.
Grant Award: $101,835

High Line Canal Wayfinding Signage – City of Aurora
Project Summary: This project will provide custom signage for the new trail segment along the High Line Canal from Interstate 70 to north of 38^th Avenue. Signage will provide wayfinding, interpretive, and regulatory information.
Grant Award: $15,000

Sand Creek Park Shelter Design – City of Aurora
Project Summary: This grant will fund design and engineering of a large group shelter at Sand Creek Park. Design, construction documents, and a cost estimate will be created as a result. Sand Creek Park is located at 2700 N. Peoria St.
Grant Award: $32,000

ADA Accessible Fishing Pier – Barr Lake State Park – (Sponsored by Adams County)Project Summary: Funding for this project will provide additional support to construct an ADA accessible, 100-foot, T-shaped fishing pier. This will help create access for visitors of all ages and abilities, allowing them to experience fishing and wildlife viewing. Barr Lake State Park is located at 13401 Picadilly Rd. 
Grant Award: $139,264

Clear Creek Tubing Park – Adams County
Project Summary: This project includes replacement of a large drop structure along Clear Creek and the creation of a tubing park with two surf waves. The project will improve safety and navigation along Clear Creek. A larger parking lot and walking trails are also being constructed. The project is located at 6395 Pecos St.
Grant Award: $3,000,000