Posted on: January 19, 2021
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts Department launched public art projects to bring hope and joy to communities, inspire residents and visitors, and fuel the local economy.
Murals for Hope is a series of five exterior murals along the Clear Creek and South Platte River Trail systems in Adams County. Themes for each installation were inspired by the wildlife and beauty of the parks, trails, and open space properties throughout Adams County. There are also traces of mythological hope throughout the murals, including the Firebird and Thunderbird figures from indigenous folklore.
The Adams County Public Art Program dedicates one half of one percent of every county capital facilities project for public art.
“Adams County is committed to bringing public art into our community,” said County Manager Raymond Gonzales. “Murals for Hope, along with the Adams County Public Art Program funding source, are part of our strategic roadmap for arts and culture in Adams County, outlined in the Artfully Adams Master Plan.”
Adams County commissioned six local artists to install large murals along the trails from July through December 2020.
- Jay Jaramillo and Jerry Jaramillo - Clear Creek Trail, 64th Avenue Trailhead
- AJ Davis (Project Street Gold) - Clear Creek Trail, Clear Creek / South Platte Confluence
- Johanna Gentry - South Platte River Trail, Clear Creek / South Platte Confluence
- Anthony Garcia (Birdseed Collective) - South Platte River Trail, 120th Street Entrance, Riverdale Regional Park
- Michael Gadlin - South Platte River Trail, 124th Avenue Underpass, Riverdale Regional Park
“We want everyone to come out and enjoy Murals for Hope and get a little fresh air and inspiration,” said Zoe Ocampo, Adams County Arts & Culture Liaison. “Getting active, staying safe, and seeing some beautiful art on our trail system is an excellent way to feel connected to our community and hopeful for a bright future.”
Video, interviews, and pictures of the murals are available. Click here to access the files.
In addition to Murals for Hope, a series of ten wood carvings were commissioned between 120th Avenue and Willow Bay along the South Platte River Trail in Riverdale Regional Park. Chainsaw artists include Faye Braaten (aka Chainsaw Mama), Mark Mahoney, Bongo Love, and Matt Ounsworth.
Posted on: February 6, 2024
Adams County Health Department (ACHD) Supports Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s Recent Action to Protect Clean Air for All
Today, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) announced the largest state enforcement package against a single facility for air pollution violations to Suncor refinery in Commerce City. Suncor must pay at least $10.5 million toward penalties and projects due to air pollution violations from July 2019 through June 2021. This action is a step toward holding Suncor more accountable for past violations and requires the refinery to take steps to prevent future violations.
Posted on: January 9, 2024
Commissioner Emma Pinter Elected Board Chair for 2024
Commissioner Eva Henry Selected as Vice-Chair
On Tuesday, Jan. 9, the Adams County Board of Commissioners unanimously elected Commissioner Emma Pinter as board chair for 2024. Pinter first took office to represent District 4 as commissioner in 2019 and won re-election in 2022.
Posted on: December 28, 2023
Adams County, VOA Colorado, DRCOG, and Senior Hub Seek Volunteers to Deliver Meals to Older Adults
The nonprofit Senior Hub recently reported it was running out of funds to continue supporting its Meals on Wheels program in Adams County. To ensure Senior Hub’s existing clients continue to receive meal delivery services, Adams County has partnered with Senior Hub, Volunteers of America Colorado (VOA Colorado), and Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) to fund emergency meals while a long-term strategy is developed to continue these services for older adults into the new year.
Posted on: December 19, 2023
Governor Polis Orders Flags to Fly Half Staff to Honor Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
DENVER - Governor Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings to honor Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman on the Nation’s highest court as directed by President Biden. Flags should be at half-staff from midnight Monday, Dec. 18, to sunset Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Governor Polis previously released a statement on the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
The text of President Biden’s proclamations reads:
Posted on: December 12, 2023
Adams County Commissioners Award More Than $8 Million in Open Space Grants
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) awarded more than $8 million in open space grants for 16 projects thanks to the voter-approved Open Space Sales Tax. Funding for the fall 2023 grant cycle came from revenues from the first half of the 2023 Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, which was passed by Adams County voters in 1999, and in perpetuity in 2020.
Posted on: December 7, 2023
Governor Polis Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff For Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
DENVER - Governor Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, December 7, 2023, in honor of the Americans who died in service of their country at Pearl Harbor, as directed by President Biden.
President Biden’s proclamation reads:
Posted on: December 5, 2023
Governor Polis Orders Flags to be Lowered to Honor Sergeant Michael Moran
DENVER - Governor Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, to honor Sergeant Michael Moran, who was killed in the line of duty last week. Flags should be lowered Dec. 6, the day of the service, from sunrise to sunset on all public buildings statewide.
Posted on: November 21, 2023
Governor Polis Orders Flags to be Lowered to Half Staff in Remembrance of First Lady Rosalynn Carter
DENVER - Governor Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings in honor and remembrance of First Lady Rosalynn Carter as proclaimed by President Biden. Flags should be lowered beginning on Saturday, November 25, 2023, until sunset on the day of the funeral which will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
The President’s full proclamation text states:
Posted on: November 16, 2023
Adams County Celebrates National Adoption Day
On Thursday, Nov. 16, 18 children in Adams County welcomed a new start on National Adoption Day. A special celebration took place at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton.
The Board of County Commissioners, Human Services Department, and the 17th Judicial District hosted the adoptive families. Adams County projects a total of 130 adoptions will be finalized by the end of the year.
Posted on: October 31, 2023
