Adams County Commissioners Award More Than $12 Million in Open Space Grants

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) awarded more than $12 million in open space grants for 21 projects thanks to the voter-approved Open Space Sales Tax. Funding for the fall 2024 grant cycle came from revenues from the first half of the 2024 Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, which was passed by Adams County voters in 1999, and in perpetuity in 2020.

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 awarded twice a year.

The grant recipients for the fall 2024 grant cycle are as follows:

Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts
Brantner Gulch Improvements at Riverdale Regional Park
Adams County, in partnership with the Mile High Flood District (MHFD), aims to address capacity concerns at Brantner Gulch and mitigate flooding and erosion issues within Riverdale Regional Park. This project will construct a new gulch to protect people and property and enhance stormwater quality. Additionally, the county plans to beautify the park and create more nature spaces. This grant application seeks funding for constructing the Brantner Gulch section within Riverdale Regional Park.
Grant Award: $2,800,000

Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts
Niver Creek Improvements
In partnership with the MHFD, Adams County is seeking funding for the design and planning of the Niver Creek Improvements Project. This initiative will enhance the Niver Creek Trail, located between Washington and York streets in the Welby community of unincorporated Adams County. Improvements will focus on creating a safe, accessible, and enriching trail experience with upgraded landscaping, expanded irrigation, and renovations to the pedestrian bridge over the channel. A public art mural will also be incorporated into the project, revitalizing the greater Welby area.
Grant Award: $350,000

Town of Bennett
Trupp Park Skate Park Phase II
With support from Adams County, the Town of Bennett has made significant improvements to Trupp Park over the past seven years, including upgraded drainage, a new playground, a skate and bicycle area, a new play field, and a grandstand with repaired trails. Trupp Park, the town’s primary community park, is heavily used by residents. This project’s next phase will add additional lighting, expand the skate park, and complete landscaping. Due to concrete costs and extensive pad replacement, this grant request supports phase two of the skate park expansion.
Grant Award: $262,500

Bennett Park and Recreation District
Facelift Phase V
This project addresses essential maintenance and upgrades. The goal is to improve energy efficiency by replacing outdated air conditioning, heating units, fluorescent lighting, and appliances. Regular repairs to aging equipment have proven costly, making replacements more cost-effective in the long term.
Grant Award: $105,000

City of Brighton
Bromley-Hishinuma Farm Site Upgrades
This project will revitalize the historic Bromley-Hishinuma Farm by enhancing its aesthetic appeal and expanding community engagement opportunities. Partnering with School District 27J, the city will purchase trees from a local nursery to support Brighton High School’s annual senior tree planting day. This grant will help fund the purchase of 30 trees, an irrigation retrofit to ensure proper watering, and hand tools for tree planting. City staff will guide students on proper planting techniques, fostering environmental stewardship.
Grant Award: $16,000

Commerce City Parks, Recreation and Golf Department
Irrigation System Replacement at Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park, Commerce City’s largest park at 37 acres, features a variety of amenities that make it a popular destination. Due to its age, the park's irrigation system has become increasingly costly to maintain. This project will replace the irrigation system with an efficient alternative, supporting water conservation and enhancing the park's green spaces for residents.
Grant Award: $1,300,000

Commerce City Parks, Recreation and Golf Department
Eagle Pointe Pool Re-Plaster Project
The Eagle Pointe Pool Re-Plaster Project will restore the lap pool at the Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, replacing the original plaster and adding a definition tile line in the deep end. This maintenance will improve the pool’s safety, sanitation, and longevity, providing a better recreational experience for the community.
Grant Award: $80,000

Commerce City
StoryWalk in Monaco Park
The StoryWalk project at Monaco Park promotes literacy, physical activity, and community engagement. It features a children’s book broken into laminated pages along a walking path, allowing families to read as they walk. This project aligns with Monaco Park’s $3 million renovation, which includes new playground and fitness areas, enhancing community resources in underserved neighborhoods.
Grant Award: $9,000

High Line Canal Conservancy
High Line Canal North Aurora Access Improvements
Sponsored by: City of Aurora
The 71-mile High Line Canal includes a 4.8-mile section in Adams County that is underutilized due to limited access and amenities. This project will improve connectivity by adding shaded seating, signage, and enhanced plantings at the Star K Ranch and 17th Avenue neighborhood access points.
Grant Award: $350,000

Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Commissioners Park Improvements
Upgrades at Commissioners Park, a three-acre facility in an underserved neighborhood, include a new shelter, 3/4 basketball court, playground, picnic area, and improved landscaping. This project also includes concrete path repairs, updates to the basketball court, and a replacement of the park’s 45-year-old irrigation system. Safety enhancements include lighting and security cameras.
Grant Award: $918,000

Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Rotary Park Improvements
Hyland Hills will upgrade Rotary Park, a 15-acre neighborhood park, into a more complete destination with a new shelter, 3/4 basketball court, paved perimeter path, and waterwise landscaping. These improvements will reduce water usage and enhance park usability.
Grant Award: $1,210,000

Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Evaluation
Hyland Hills is evaluating the feasibility of installing public EV charging stations at select facilities. This project aligns with the district’s strategic priorities around sustainability and customer service by addressing infrastructure needs and recommending site-specific charging solutions.
Grant Award: $14,000

City of Northglenn
Danahy Park Renovation
The Danahy Park renovation project will replace an aging playground, shelter, and site furniture; enhance landscaping; and improve accessibility. The project aligns with Northglenn's Long-Range Plan and has garnered strong community support through public engagement efforts.
Grant Award: $600,000

City of Northglenn
Jaycee Park Renovation
The final phase of Jaycee Park’s renovation includes restroom upgrades, a new scorekeeper booth, improved drainage, and upgraded site amenities.
Grant Award: $400,000

Smart Commute
Smart Commute eBike Library & Mobility Hub Project
Sponsored by: The City of Northglenn
This project will introduce an eBike library system in Northglenn to provide accessible transportation options. Northglenn’s hub will feature smart bike charging lockers and racks at the city’s civic center, offering secure public bike parking and eBike rentals for up to two weeks. Free bike workshops will be held at this location, supporting Northglenn’s diverse community.
Grant Award: $24,985.90

Strasburg Parks & Recreation District
Facility Signage Upgrade
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Strasburg Parks & Recreation District is updating signage at 10 locations to display its new logo, which reflects elements of Strasburg’s heritage. The upgraded signage will improve facility identification, highlight community investments, and reduce maintenance needs.
Grant Award: $21,245

Strasburg Parks & Recreation District
Community Park East Phase II
This project will establish a community recreation hub with an outdoor classroom, pollinator garden, additional trails, amphitheater upgrades, and natural play areas. These improvements will enhance connections to local schools, housing developments, and other amenities.
Grant Award: $1,534,039

City of Thornton
Over, Under, and Through: Extending the Reach of Grange Hall Creek Trail
This project will extend Grange Hall Creek Trail with new underpasses, trail crossings, and waterway improvements, enhancing flood resilience and connecting underserved neighborhoods to outdoor recreation and essential services.
Grant Award: $2,498,686

City of Thornton – Parks, Recreation and Community Programs
Infield Dreams
This project will improve the maintenance of 26 baseball fields by purchasing an infield-specific groomer, which will enhance field quality, reduce staff time, and allow resources to be directed toward other park maintenance needs.
Grant Award: $25,000

City of Thornton
Pickle and a Biscuit
This project involves designing eight new pickleball courts, with four to be constructed initially at Carpenter Park. In addition, the in-line hockey rink at Woodglen Brookshire Park will be upgraded with new sideboards, fencing, and baseboards.
Grant Award: $329,407

City of Westminster
Tree Inventory Project
The City of Westminster will inventory trees on public lands in Adams County to plan for the removal of invasive species, enhance care for native trees, and identify opportunities to expand wildlife corridors.
Grant Award: $17,500