Open Space

Purpose Statement

To significantly enhance quality of life, enrich communities & INSPIRE

Adams County Open Space

• Elaine T. Valente Open Space
• Little Dry Creek Lake Open Space
• Pelican Ponds Open Space
• Sandhofer Open Space
• Willow Bay Open Space

Adams County Open Space Sales Tax

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 dollars invested into parks and open space across Adams County

The Open Space Sales Tax was approved by Adams County voters in 1999 as a 1/5 of one percent sales tax authorized through 2006. In 2004, voters approved an increase to ¼ of one percent, or 25 cents on a $100 purchase, and extended the sales tax through 2026.  In 2020, voters approved a permanent extension of the Open Space Sales Tax.

Proceeds from the sales tax benefit parks, recreation, trails, and open space projects countywide.  Funds are distributed in three ways:  

• 2% is allocated to administration costs
• 30% is distributed back to the jurisdiction where the tax was generated
• 68% is awarded through a competitive grant program. View Open Space Grant Information.