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Adams County award $9 million in open space grants
Adams County Board of Commissioners announced awards of more than $9 million in open space grants for 21 projects June 27.
Funding for the spring 2023 grant cycle came from revenues from the second half of the 2022 Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, which was passed by Adams County voters in 1999, and in perpetuity in 2020.
“Locally based, long-term open space plans help communities protect the environment, improve quality of life, and preserve critical elements of our local heritage, culture, and economy,” said Steve O’Dorisio, County Commission Chair. “We are delighted to be part of the process, alongside the residents of Adams County, of providing these valuable spaces which o er comfort and support to people everywhere.” ornton looked to be the biggest recipient of 2023’s grant allocation, collecting nearly 24% of $9.2 million that was distributed. ornton’s $2.2 million in grants will go to three projects, rehabilitating aged playgrounds around the city, improvements to the 63-acre Niver Open Space and renovations to ve ball elds at four ball parks around the city.
Hyland Hills Recreation District will receive $1.9 million for two projects, $1.8 million for improvements to the district’s Sports Complex and $25,000 to make a master plan for the Caroll Butts Park.
Brighton looks to get $1.75 million for improvements to Benedict Park and Northglenn looks to receive $575,000 for three projects. e grants would earmark $250,000 for three playgrounds in the Fox Run subdivision, $300,000 for an aquatic adventure project at the Northglenn Recreation Center and $25,000 for trail map and sign project.
Adams County’s Riverdale Regional Park will get $375,000 for a series of connected park spaces there and Commerce City looks to restore open space near Second Creek and to purchase a handicap accessible single rider golf cart for Bu alo Run
Golf Course.
Westminster will receive $25,000 in grants for a two utility vehicles for the city’s Open Space Division. Other grant recipients for the spring 2023 grant cycle are as follows:
City View Park, Welby, $1.25 million City View Park, in the Welby neighborhood of unincorporated Adams County, has long needed renovation. e proposed project will o er new opportunities for recreation and community enrichment, including design elements such as new picnic areas, a walking trail, and a new playground that will be a landmark of the park. Additionally, environmental bene ts and aesthetics of the site will be enhanced by reducing the amount of irrigated turf and using more native grasses and better landscape plantings, including a pollinator garden. A boulder play area and new shade structures will also be provided.
Bennett Park and Recreation District Roof Repair, $58,000
A grant was awarded to repair the leaky roof of Bennett Parks Recreation Centers. e roof required sealing to protect the building and contents such as exercise equip- ment, computers, working areas, and printers. e Recreation Center is one of the only local establishments that supports a broad range of health and wellness for the entire I-70 corridor.
Bennett Park and Recreation District Pool Cover, $21,000
A grant was awarded for a pool cover at the Bennett Recreation Center. A pool cover will conserve energy and save costs.
Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership, Inc., $116,129.60
The Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership uses the 13.1 miles of the Sand Creek Regional Greenway as an outdoor classroom for historically underserved youth, families, and adults living in the northeast metro Denver area. Funding from the grant will support SCRGP’s “Spark.Inspire.Embrace.” environmental education program, which offers equitable, experiential, and hands-on environmental education for peope of all ages and abilities living near the Sand Creek Greenway. Using nature as the catalyst, SCRGP’s programs help to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Strasburg Wolf Creek Run Athletic Fields Renovation, $442,250 e Wolf Creek Run Athletic Fields Renovation project will nearly double the athletic facilities available for the residents of Strasburg. is project will rehabilitate an existing sports complex and provide immediate bene ts at a fraction of the price it would take to build a brand-new facility. ere is a huge need for additional eld space as a result of the growing community and demand for youth sports. What makes this project especially attractive is the groundwork is already complete. is will be the rst youth soccer eld in Strasburg.
Bennett, Trupp Park Phase VI, $225,000
With support from Adams County Open Space, the town has made signi cant and much needed improvements to Trupp Park over the last seven years. ese improvements have included new improved drainage, a new playground, a new skate and bicycle playground, a new play eld, a new grandstand, and repaired trails. Trupp Park is currently identi ed as the town’s “community park” making it one of the town’s
All ages needed for Adams County Fair Pie Baking contest
BY PAYTON PIETRAS, GOOD LUCK 4-H CLUB SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e Good Luck 4-H club is once again hosting an Old-Fashioned Pie Baking Contest, during the 2023 Adams County Fair! is event has been proven to be a highlight at the county fair. It brings community members and contestants together for some tasty old fashion fun!
Grants
most highly utilized amenities. For this phase of the project, the primary improvements will be adding additional lighting, expanding the popular skate park, and nalizing the landscaping.
Bennett, Highway 79 Permanent Trail Construction, $140,000 e trail that runs along Highway 79 through Bennett was installed as
